Is Grand Forks or West Fargo Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, West Fargo is safer than Grand Forks (Safety Score 67/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,178 per 100,000 versus 2,641 for Grand Forks — 55% lower. Grand Forks has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where West Fargo has a 56% lower rate.
Grand Forks — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
West Fargo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Grand Forks, ND
West Fargo, ND
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Grand Forks | West Fargo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,640.7 | 1,178.1 | +1,462.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 358.6 | 163.8 | +194.8 |
| Murder Rate | 5.1 | 2.4 | +2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 73.1 | 53.8 | +19.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 27.2 | 12.2 | +15.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 253.2 | 95.3 | +157.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,282.2 | 1,014.3 | +1,267.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 256.6 | 232.2 | +24.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,874.3 | 689.2 | +1,185.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 151.2 | 92.9 | +58.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grand Forks or West Fargo safer?
West Fargo is safer with a total crime rate of 1,178 per 100K vs 2,641 for Grand Forks — a 55% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Grand Forks has a violent crime rate of 358.6 per 100K while West Fargo has 163.8. West Fargo 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 West Fargo, ND
West Fargo, once known as "Pigeon" for its many passenger pigeons, is a rapidly growing city in Cass County, North Dakota. Situated just west of Fargo, it has seen significant population increases, drawing new residents to its suburban landscape. With a safety score of 67/100 and a population coverage of 40,915, West Fargo has a total crime rate of 1,178.1 per 100,000 residents.