| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Watford City/100k people | North Dakota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 114 | n/a (estimate) | 1,916 | 1,936 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.6 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 67.2 | 49.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 27.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 14 | n/a | 235.3 | 174.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 18 | n/a (estimate) | 303 | 254 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 67.2 | 271.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 79 | n/a | 1,327.9 | 1,229.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 13 | n/a | 218.5 | 181.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 96 | n/a (estimate) | 1,614 | 1,682 | 1,760 |

The Watford City crime rates are 9.6% lower 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 18 violent crimes in Watford City (303 per 100,000 people), which is 15.7% lower than the national average and there were a total of 96 property crimes (1614 per 100,000 residents) which is 8.3% lower than average.
When assessing the overall crime rate in Watford City per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported Watford City crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
In the latest reported crime year, Watford City recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
Watford City exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1614 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Watford City maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Watford City, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Watford City presents a total crime rate that is 10% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Watford City experiences an average of 0.31 daily crimes, comprising 0.05 violent incidents and 0.26 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Watford City crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Watford City has decreased by 14.9% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 14.3% and property crime has decreased by 15%.
Watford City has a poverty rate of 9.5, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
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 829 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Watford City, the cost of living is 10.3% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| 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 | 152 | 123 | 816 | 939 |
| Watford City, ND | 7,386 | 303 | 1,614 | 1,916 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hudson, NH | 7,386 | 74 | 1,184 | 1,258 |
| East Hills, NY | 7,385 | 124 | 559 | 683 |
| Forest City, NC | 7,385 | 528 | 5,290 | 5,818 |
| Crozet, VA | 7,383 | 71 | 511 | 581 |
| Quincy, FL | 7,382 | 311 | 1,656 | 1,968 |
| Watford City, ND | 7,386 | 303 | 1,614 | 1,916 |