Is Fargo or Missoula Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fargo is safer than Missoula (Safety Score 7/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 4,195 per 100,000 versus 4,226 for Missoula — 1% lower. Fargo has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Missoula has a 43% lower rate.
Fargo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Missoula — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fargo, ND
Missoula, MT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fargo | Missoula | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,195.1 | 4,226.3 | -31.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 498.2 | 596.9 | -98.7 |
| Murder Rate | 4.4 | 2.5 | +1.9 |
| Rape Rate | 102.5 | 106.5 | -4.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 45.6 | +31.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 314.0 | 442.3 | -128.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,696.9 | 3,629.4 | +67.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 741.4 | 323.2 | +418.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,600.9 | 3,108.6 | -507.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 354.5 | 197.7 | +156.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fargo or Missoula safer?
Fargo is safer with a total crime rate of 4,195 per 100K vs 4,226 for Missoula — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fargo has a violent crime rate of 498.2 per 100K while Missoula has 596.9. Fargo has lower violent crime.
About Fargo, ND
Fargo, North Dakota, a city of over 120,000, sits on the Red River of the North, forming a metropolitan area with Moorhead, Minnesota. Home to North Dakota State University, it's a regional hub for agriculture and technology. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 135,682, Fargo has a total crime rate of 4,195.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Missoula, MT
Missoula, a vibrant university town in western Montana, is nestled in the Rocky Mountains at the confluence of three rivers. Home to the University of Montana, it boasts a youthful population and a strong appreciation for outdoor recreation and arts. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 78,911, Missoula has a total crime rate of 4,226.3 per 100,000 residents.