Is Grand Forks or Williston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Grand Forks is safer than Williston (Safety Score 25/100 vs 23/100), with a total crime rate of 2,641 per 100,000 versus 2,753 for Williston — 4% lower. Grand Forks has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Williston has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Grand Forks is 2.2x 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
Williston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Grand Forks, ND
Williston, ND
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Grand Forks | Williston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,640.7 | 2,752.6 | -111.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 358.6 | 437.3 | -78.8 |
| Murder Rate | 5.1 | 0.0 | +5.1 |
| Rape Rate | 73.1 | 77.2 | -4.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 27.2 | 18.4 | +8.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 253.2 | 341.8 | -88.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,282.2 | 2,315.2 | -33.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 256.6 | 341.8 | -85.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,874.3 | 1,745.6 | +128.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 151.2 | 227.9 | -76.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grand Forks or Williston safer?
Grand Forks is safer with a total crime rate of 2,641 per 100K vs 2,753 for Williston — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Grand Forks has a violent crime rate of 358.6 per 100K while Williston has 437.3. Grand Forks 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 Williston, ND
Williston, a hub in the Bakken oil region, sits near the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers. This city of over 29,000 residents experienced a significant population boom during the 21st-century oil boom, a testament to its role in the state's energy economy. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 27,211, Williston has a total crime rate of 2,752.6 per 100,000 residents.