Is Grand Forks or Jamestown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Jamestown is safer than Grand Forks (Safety Score 62/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,342 per 100,000 versus 2,641 for Grand Forks — 49% lower. Grand Forks has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Jamestown has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Grand Forks is 3.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Grand Forks — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Jamestown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Grand Forks, ND
Jamestown, ND
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Grand Forks | Jamestown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,640.7 | 1,341.8 | +1,298.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 358.6 | 102.2 | +256.3 |
| Murder Rate | 5.1 | 0.0 | +5.1 |
| Rape Rate | 73.1 | 19.2 | +53.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 27.2 | 6.4 | +20.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 253.2 | 76.7 | +176.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,282.2 | 1,239.5 | +1,042.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 256.6 | 127.8 | +128.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,874.3 | 952.0 | +922.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 151.2 | 159.7 | -8.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grand Forks or Jamestown safer?
Jamestown is safer with a total crime rate of 1,342 per 100K vs 2,641 for Grand Forks — a 49% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Grand Forks has a violent crime rate of 358.6 per 100K while Jamestown has 102.2. Jamestown has lower violent crime.
About Grand Forks, ND
Grand Forks, a city on the Red River, is home to the University of North Dakota. Its economy is influenced by agriculture and the nearby Grand Forks Air Force Base, reflecting its position in the flat, fertile Red River Valley. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 58,848, Grand Forks has a total crime rate of 2,640.7 per 100,000 residents.
About Jamestown, ND
Jamestown, North Dakota, a prairie city bisected by the James River, is home to the National Buffalo Museum and a large percentage of residents over 65. With a safety score of 62/100 and a population coverage of 15,651, Jamestown has a total crime rate of 1,341.8 per 100,000 residents.