North Dakota Home Security Guide

North Dakota has an overall crime rate of 19.36 per 1,000 residents (2024 FBI data). Violent crime is 2.54 per 1,000 - about 29% below the national average. Property crime is 16.82 per 1,000, slightly below average. Fargo drives much of the state's crime with an unusually high rate for its size.

North Dakota's safety reputation has declined in recent years. While violent crime remains below the national average, property crime - especially in Fargo - is a significant concern. Fargo has one of the highest crime rates in America for cities its size, with notably high motor vehicle theft and burglary. West Fargo and smaller towns are much safer.

Fargo's crime rate of 42.5 per 1,000 is driven by very high property crime, particularly theft and motor vehicle theft. The city has one of the highest auto theft rates in the nation. As the largest city in the region, it attracts crime from surrounding areas. Oil boom population growth also contributed to rising crime.

DIY systems like SimpliSafe are popular in North Dakota due to easy installation and cellular monitoring that works in rural areas. ADT has presence in Fargo and Bismarck. Given North Dakota's extreme winters, freeze sensors are essential - make sure your system includes temperature monitoring.

North Dakota's extreme cold makes freeze sensors critical - they alert you before pipes burst when heating fails. Cellular backup is important since power outages can be lengthy. Motion-activated lighting helps both with security and safety on icy walkways. Vehicle GPS trackers are worth considering given Fargo's high auto theft.