| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Watford City/100k people | North Dakota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 151 | n/a (estimate) | 2,739 | 2,274 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.5 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 108.8 | 56.7 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 27.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 22 | n/a | 399.1 | 191.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 28 | n/a (estimate) | 508 | 280 | 370 |
| Burglary | 7 | n/a | 127.0 | 357.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 103 | n/a | 1,868.3 | 1,381.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 13 | n/a | 235.8 | 255.6 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 123 | n/a (estimate) | 2,231 | 1,995 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Watford City is 17.9% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Watford City, there were 28 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 508 per 100,000 individuals, 37.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 123 property crimes, amounting to 2231 per 100,000 residents, 14.2% higher than the U.S. average.
In the most recently reported crime year, Watford City 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.
In the most recent release, Watford City reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Watford City, there were 2231 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.
Determining whether Watford City is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Watford City has an overall crime rate that is 18% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.41 daily occurrences, comprising 0.08 violent crimes and 0.34 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Watford City as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Watford City has increased by 12.7%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Watford City, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 33.3%, while property crime has increased by 8.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Watford City is a safe place to live.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Watford City currently has an unemployment rate of 1.2%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Watford City crime rates. For instance, in Watford City, the population density stands at 796 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Watford City, the average rental rates are $1,154 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | Watford City | North Dakota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 11 | 842 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 5.6 | 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 |
| Arnegard, ND | 147 | 269 | 1,917 | 2,186 |
| Watford City, ND | 7,146 | 508 | 2,231 | 2,739 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Fair Plain, MI | 7,148 | 478 | 1,593 | 2,071 |
| Flatwoods, KY | 7,143 | 69 | 429 | 498 |
| Jackson, WI | 7,149 | 233 | 1,086 | 1,318 |
| Forest City, NC | 7,150 | 680 | 6,786 | 7,466 |
| Collinsville, OK | 7,140 | 126 | 904 | 1,030 |
| Watford City, ND | 7,146 | 508 | 2,231 | 2,739 |
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