Grand Forks, ND Crime Map

Grand Forks Crime Map: Safety and Crime Rates in Grand Forks, ND

Introduction to Crime in Grand Forks, North Dakota

Nestled along the banks of the Red River, Grand Forks, North Dakota, is a vibrant small city with a population of 63,767. Known for its rich history as a hub for agriculture and trade, as well as its resilient spirit following the devastating 1997 flood, Grand Forks offers a tight-knit community feel with the amenities of a larger urban center. Home to a prominent university and a growing economy, the city attracts students, families, and professionals alike. But how safe is Grand Forks? If you're searching for a reliable Grand Forks crime map or wondering about the Grand Forks crime rate, you've come to the right place. Our comprehensive analysis and interactive tools will help you understand the safety landscape of this North Dakota gem.

Grand Forks boasts an impressive overall city average crime score of 0.061, earning it a safety grade of A, which indicates a very safe environment compared to many other cities across the nation. Analyzing data across 43 city blocks, we found that a remarkable 90.7% of the city falls into the Grade A (Safest) category, while the remaining 9.3% is rated as Grade B (Safe). Notably, no areas in Grand Forks fall below average or into high-crime categories, painting a picture of a city with consistently low crime risks. To get a closer look at how safety varies across different parts of the city, explore our detailed Grand Forks crime map below.

Understanding Crime in Grand Forks, ND

When evaluating whether Grand Forks is safe, it's important to break down the types of crime that impact the community. The city's overall crime index stands at 107, slightly above the national average of 100. This figure is driven primarily by property crimes, with a property crime index of approximately 127, indicating a higher-than-average occurrence of incidents like larceny/theft, burglary, and vehicle theft. Violent crime, on the other hand, is closer to the national benchmark with an index of around 109, with robbery being one of the categories slightly above the norm.

Despite these figures, the vast majority of Grand Forks remains exceptionally safe, as reflected in the crime grade distribution. Safety levels are generally consistent across the city, with only a small percentage of areas experiencing marginally higher crime rates, still within a safe range. Compared to other cities in the region, Grand Forks holds up well as a secure place to live, work, and study, especially considering its role as a regional center for education and commerce. For a more granular view of crime in Grand Forks, our interactive map provides detailed insights into specific zones without compromising on accuracy or privacy.

Factors Affecting Safety in Grand Forks

Economic Influences

Economic conditions often play a significant role in shaping a city's safety profile, and Grand Forks is no exception. With a median household income of $50,194, the city falls below the national average, though 22% of households earn over $100,000 annually. However, a poverty rate of 17.9% and an unemployment rate of 4.4% suggest that economic challenges exist for a portion of the population. These factors can sometimes correlate with property crime rates, such as theft and burglary, which are above the national average in Grand Forks. Still, the city's high labor force participation rate of 73% indicates a community with a strong work ethic and economic engagement, which can contribute to overall stability.

Population Density and Urban Layout

With a population density of 783 people per square mile, Grand Forks strikes a balance between urban density and small-town spaciousness. This moderate density means that while there are bustling areas with higher foot traffic—often near commercial or educational hubs—much of the city retains a quieter, more residential feel. This layout likely contributes to the low incidence of violent crime, as densely packed urban environments often see higher rates of such incidents. Property crimes, however, can occur more frequently in areas with easy access to valuables or less consistent surveillance, a pattern reflected in the city's data.

Historical and Cultural Context

Grand Forks has a storied past, from its origins as a trading post to its recovery from natural disasters like the catastrophic 1997 flood, which tested the community's resilience. This history of overcoming adversity has fostered a strong sense of unity among residents, which often translates into safer, more vigilant communities. Additionally, the presence of a major university brings a youthful energy to the city, along with a transient population of students, which can sometimes influence crime patterns like petty theft. Despite this, the overall culture of mutual support and community pride in Grand Forks plays a positive role in maintaining safety.

Living in Grand Forks: Lifestyle and Demographics

Beyond safety, what is life like in Grand Forks? The cost of living here is slightly above the national average, with an overall index of 110 (where 100 represents the national benchmark). Housing costs, with an index of 111, reflect a median home value of $210,431 and a median rent of $817 per month, with renters spending about 30% of their income on housing. Home ownership stands at 44%, indicating a mix of long-term residents and transient renters, many of whom are likely tied to the local university population.

Demographically, Grand Forks is a young city with a median age of 29 years, likely influenced by the significant student population. The average family size is 2.8, and 39% of households are married, while 38% of residents hold a college degree. The average commute time is a breezy 14 minutes, making it easy to get around, and 6.8% of the population are veterans, reflecting a community with a notable military presence. Whether you're a student, a young family, or a retiree, Grand Forks offers a blend of affordability and opportunity, paired with a safety profile that ranks among the best in the region.

Climate and Environmental Considerations

Grand Forks experiences a classic North Dakota climate, with a wide temperature range from an average winter low of -6°F in January to a summer high of 82°F in July. Annual rainfall is moderate at 20 inches, but snowfall is significant at 38 inches per year, so residents must be prepared for harsh winters. Additionally, the city faces an above-average risk of hail, with a risk index of 117 (compared to a national average of 100). While natural disasters don't directly impact crime rates, severe weather can sometimes strain community resources or create temporary vulnerabilities, such as property damage leading to increased theft risks. Staying aware of weather patterns is key to feeling secure year-round in Grand Forks.

Using Our Interactive Grand Forks Crime Map

Curious about how safety varies across different parts of Grand Forks? Our interactive Grand Forks crime map is your go-to resource for understanding the city's safety landscape. This tool provides a visual breakdown of crime grades across the city, based on the latest data and our comprehensive analysis of 43 city blocks. Each area is assigned a grade from A (safest) to F (highest crime), allowing you to see at a glance where risks are lowest and where you might need to exercise more caution.

Interpreting the map is simple: areas shaded with the highest safety grades indicate lower crime rates, while lower grades signal a slight uptick in incidents, though in Grand Forks, even these are within a safe range. Whether you're planning a move, choosing a new home, or just exploring the city, our map helps you make informed decisions without getting bogged down in complex statistics. Dive into the Grand Forks ND crime data today and see for yourself why this city consistently ranks as a safe place to live.

Safety Tips for Living in Grand Forks

While Grand Forks is generally a very safe city, staying aware of local crime patterns can help you protect yourself and your property. Given that property crimes like larceny/theft, burglary, and vehicle theft are above the national average, consider taking extra precautions such as securing your home with strong locks, installing outdoor lighting, and avoiding leaving valuables in plain sight in your car. These small steps can go a long way in preventing opportunistic crimes.

For violent crimes, which are less common but still present, basic awareness is key. Stick to well-lit, populated areas when out at night, and trust your instincts if a situation feels off. Additionally, given the student-heavy population, be mindful of crowded social settings where petty theft or minor altercations could occur. By staying proactive and informed, you can fully enjoy the safety and community spirit that define life in Grand Forks.

Conclusion: Is Grand Forks Safe for You?

In summary, Grand Forks, North Dakota, stands out as a very safe city with a crime score of 0.061 and an A-grade safety rating across most of its areas. While property crimes like theft and burglary are slightly above the national average, the overall risk remains low, and violent crime is not a significant concern for most residents. With a strong community spirit, a youthful demographic, and a cost of living that's manageable for many, Grand Forks offers a welcoming environment for a wide range of lifestyles.

If you're searching for detailed Grand Forks crime statistics or want to explore crime in Grand Forks on a more localized level, our interactive Grand Forks crime map is the perfect tool. It provides a clear, user-friendly way to assess safety across the city, helping you make confident decisions about where to live, work, or visit. Don't just take our word for it—dive into the data and see why so many people feel secure calling Grand Forks home. Explore the map now and get a firsthand look at Grand Forks safety today!