Bismarck, ND Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Bismarck, ND

Is Bismarck, ND safe in 2026?

Bismarck earns an overall crime grade of A, placing it among the safest mid-sized cities in the United States. With a population of roughly 90,420 and a population density of just 817 residents per square mile, the city avoids the congestion-related crime pressures common in larger metros. The unemployment rate sits at a remarkably low 2.8% — well below the national average — and the poverty rate of 8.4% reflects a community with broad economic stability. These socioeconomic indicators correlate strongly with Bismarck's low crime environment, making it a genuinely safe place to live, work, and visit.

What is the crime rate in Bismarck, ND?

Bismarck's overall crime performance is graded A, indicating that both violent and property crime rates fall well below national benchmarks. The city's median household income of $67,629 and median home value of $247,459 reflect a stable, owner-occupied housing market — a factor consistently linked to lower property crime rates. With median rent at just $874, housing affordability reduces financial stress across income levels, which research associates with fewer opportunistic crimes. When reviewing the Bismarck crime map, property offenses such as vehicle theft and shoplifting represent the most frequently logged incident categories, while violent crime remains comparatively rare for a capital city of this size.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Bismarck?

Bismarck's overall A crime grade means safety is broadly distributed across the city rather than concentrated in a handful of enclaves. That said, areas in North Bismarck and South Bismarck — including neighborhoods near the Bismarck Municipal Golf Course and the Fox Island corridor — consistently appear among the lowest-activity zones on the crime map. These districts feature lower population density, higher rates of homeownership relative to the city's median home value of $247,459, and strong community cohesion. Downtown Bismarck and areas adjacent to major commercial corridors tend to log a higher share of property incidents simply due to foot traffic volume, but even these zones benefit from the city's A-grade safety profile. Consulting the interactive crime map allows you to filter by incident type and time period for the most current neighborhood-level picture.

Is Bismarck, ND a good place to live in 2026?

By nearly every measurable indicator, Bismarck ranks as an excellent place to live. The city carries an A overall crime grade, a 2.8% unemployment rate, and a poverty rate of just 8.4% — a combination that signals both personal safety and economic opportunity. A median household income of $67,629 paired with a median home value of $247,459 produces a price-to-income ratio that makes homeownership far more attainable here than in most U.S. cities. Median rent of $874 keeps the city accessible for renters as well. At 90,420 residents and a density of 817 people per square mile, Bismarck offers the amenities of a capital city — quality healthcare, state government employment, parks, and cultural institutions — without the crime burden that often accompanies urban density. For families, retirees, and young professionals weighing relocation, Bismarck's data profile is difficult to argue against.

How does Bismarck's crime compare to other North Dakota cities?

Bismarck's A crime grade positions it favorably not just within North Dakota but against similarly sized capital cities nationwide. Its low unemployment rate of 2.8% and moderate poverty rate of 8.4% give it a structural advantage over cities where economic distress drives crime trends upward. The city's population density of 817 people per square mile is low enough to limit the anonymous, high-opportunity environments where property crime tends to concentrate. While no city is entirely free of incidents — the Bismarck crime map does reflect a typical distribution of property offenses, minor disturbances, and occasional vehicle-related crimes — the overall volume and severity remain well below state and national averages, reinforcing the A-grade assessment.

What types of crime are most common in Bismarck?

Consistent with Bismarck's A overall crime grade, the most commonly reported incidents on the city's crime map are low-severity property offenses. Theft — including shoplifting and vehicle break-ins — accounts for the largest share of logged incidents, which is typical for any city with active retail corridors and public parking. Vandalism and minor property damage appear periodically, particularly in higher-density commercial zones. Violent crime, by contrast, represents a small fraction of total incidents and occurs at rates significantly below national norms for a city of 90,420 residents. Drug-related offenses are monitored by the Bismarck Police Department as part of broader community wellness efforts, but they do not define the city's safety profile. Residents who use the crime map's time-filter and incident-type tools will find that the data consistently supports Bismarck's reputation as a low-crime capital city.