| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Devils Lake/100k people | North Dakota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 328 | n/a (estimate) | 4,548 | 2,274 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.5 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 15 | n/a | 208.0 | 56.7 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 27.7 | 27.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 18 | n/a | 249.6 | 191.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 35 | n/a (estimate) | 485 | 280 | 370 |
| Burglary | 37 | n/a | 513.0 | 357.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 204 | n/a | 2,828.6 | 1,381.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 52 | n/a | 721.0 | 255.6 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 293 | n/a (estimate) | 4,063 | 1,995 | 1,954 |
The Devils Lake crime rates are 95.7% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 35 violent crimes in Devils Lake (485 per 100,000 people), which is 31.2% higher than the national average and there were a total of 293 property crimes (4063 per 100,000 residents) which is 107.9% higher than average.
In Devils Lake, the crime rate stands at 4548 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 95.68%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Devils Lake that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
In the most recently reported crime year, Devils Lake registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
Every year, one in 25 people fall victim to a property crime in Devils Lake - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 4063 per 100,000 people, Devils Lake has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Devils Lake ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 52 vehicle thefts, amounting to 721 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Devils Lake within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 139.
AreaVibes surveyed 7 local residents in Devils Lake to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 29% of people answered that there was very little crime in Devils Lake and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 71% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Devils Lake a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Devils Lake crime rate is 96% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.9 crimes per day - 0.1 violent crimes and 0.8 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Devils Lake. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Devils Lake has increased by 7.9%. Violent crimes have increased by 75%, while property crimes have increased by 3.2%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Devils Lake, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 0.3%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Devils Lake crime rates. Devils Lake registers a population density of 1049.3 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Devils Lake, 85.2% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
| Item | Devils Lake | North Dakota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 18 | 842 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 2.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | North Dakota /100K | National /100K |
| North Dakota | 1,982 | 293 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Fort Totten, ND | 1,219 | 157 | 1,120 | 1,277 |
| Crary, ND | 118 | 343 | 2,444 | 2,787 |
| Devils Lake, ND | 7,302 | 485 | 4,063 | 4,548 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Carneys Point, NJ | 7,302 | 230 | 1,609 | 1,839 |
| Shields, MI | 7,301 | 391 | 1,304 | 1,695 |
| Paloma Creek South, TX | 7,299 | 245 | 1,303 | 1,548 |
| Ralston, NE | 7,305 | 109 | 1,737 | 1,846 |
| Longboat Key, FL | 7,299 | 52 | 758 | 811 |
| Devils Lake, ND | 7,302 | 485 | 4,063 | 4,548 |
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