C+
10%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
16%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
8%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleWatford City/100k peopleNorth Dakota/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime114n/a (estimate)1,9161,9362,119
Murder0n/a0.02.65.0
Rape4n/a67.249.837.5
Robbery0n/a0.027.460.6
Assault14n/a235.3174.5256.1
Violent crime18n/a (estimate)303254359
Burglary4n/a67.2271.2229.2
Theft79n/a1,327.91,229.91,272.1
Vehicle theft13n/a218.5181.0258.8
Property crime96n/a (estimate)1,6141,6821,760

Watford City crime map

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The Watford City crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Watford City as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Watford City crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Watford City crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Watford City, ND

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.

Is Watford City a Safe Place to Live?

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.

Has Crime in Watford City Increased Since Last Year?

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%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Watford City

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.

Compare Watford City, ND Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Watford City crime rates are 10% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Watford City are 16% lower than the national average
      • In Watford City you have a 1 in 53 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Watford City is safer than 31% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Watford City has decreased by 38%

      Watford City, ND Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Watford City (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Watford City (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Watford City

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Watford City is 1 in 331
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Watford City is 1 in 62
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Watford City is 1 in 53

        Year Over Year Crime In Watford City (per 100,000 people)

        Watford City police department

        Item Watford City North Dakota National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)11842558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents5.62.63.3
        There are a total of 11 Watford City police officers. This results in 5.6 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 112.3% greater than the North Dakota average and 72% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in North Dakota

        State Total offenders North Dakota /100K National /100K
        North Dakota1,982293266
        There are a total of 1,982 sex offenders in North Dakota. This yields a total of 293 sex offenders in North Dakota per 100,000 residents which is 10% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Arnegard, ND152123816939
        Watford City, ND7,3863031,6141,916

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Hudson, NH7,386741,1841,258
        East Hills, NY7,385124559683
        Forest City, NC7,3855285,2905,818
        Crozet, VA7,38371511581
        Quincy, FL7,3823111,6561,968
        Watford City, ND7,3863031,6141,916
        Source: The Watford City, ND crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.