As far as safety goes, North Dakota is one of the safest states in the country. The average crime rate, according to the reported FBI Crime Data, is consistently less than the national average. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime here is extremely low. There are other types of crimes taken into consideration for the safety of cities, but for the sake of this list, we are only taking a look at the chances of becoming a victim of violent crime in each city. These are the top 10 most dangerous places in North Dakota.
According to the latest FBI statistics, Jamestown had 37 incidents of violent crime. But you have to remember, in a town of 15,198, this is an extremely low number. It's much safer here than in many other American cities!
Williston's ranking hasn't changed in many years. This town has a population of 28,966, and they only had three more instances of violent crime than Minot.
North Dakota's biggest city of Fargo is the only city in the state with a population over 100,000. It makes sense, then, that it also saw more violent crime than other places in the state. In 2019, Fargo had 574 incidences of violent crime.
Were you surprised by any of the most dangerous places in North Dakota? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Let's be real here: Our state is no stranger to winter storms. In fact, North Dakota blizzards are some of the worst in the United States. Each year, on average, the state gets anywhere from 35 to 50 inches of snowfall. Along with the typical snowstorms, on occasion, a history-making blizzard will come through. Here are six terrifying winter storms in North Dakota that have made a mark in the history books and will never be forgotten.
This terrifying storm seemingly came out of nowhere on a warm day in January of 1888. It was known as the Schoolhouse Blizzard due to the fact that many school children became trapped at school when the blizzard came through in the middle of the day. Many people perished as a result of this storm due to rapidly dropping temperatures and whiteout conditions.
Over the course of three days, this insane blizzard dropped over two feet of snow onto North Dakota. It knocked out hundreds of power lines and left many people without any electricity. There were over 100,000 head of cattle lost to this storm. Additionally, this storm caused the massive flooding later that year due to the large amount of melted snow.Get more of a feel for the 1997 blizzard in this YouTube video from KX News:
In March of 1941, winds picked up to speeds of up to 85 mph as a brutal cold front began to sweep through the state. A massive drop in temperature along with heavy snowfall resulted in the deaths of 68 people. Many of them perished due to getting lost in the storm after abandoning stuck cars or trying to find their way home.
In mid March, 1920, North Dakota was hit with a terrible winter storm that resulted in 34 people dying. It is still considered one of the worst blizzards in the state's history. Like many of these other winter storms, it had heavy snowfall coupled with exceptionally strong winds, creating whiteout conditions and plummeting temperatures.
This famous blizzard has been one of the most devastating and longest blizzards to ever occur. Winds gusted at up to 100 mph and created snow drifts that were up to 30 feet tall. Visibility was down to zero in a majority of the state during the North Dakota 1966 blizzard, and the after effects lasted quite a while due to the amount of damages. Five people died in North Dakota as a result. Read more about this incredible storm in our previous article.
During an otherwise nice February 4th in 1984, a massive winter storm hit North Dakota and left a permanent mark on the memories of those that endured it. Roads became impossible to use and many cars got covered in huge snow drifts, which caused the deaths of multiple people.
There have been many North Dakota blizzards, and the state is almost guaranteed to get at least one big storm each winter. While winter storms in North Dakota can be terrifying, sometimes they the state's landscape turn beautiful. Take a look at times the snow created a mesmerizing sight here in North Dakota. It also helps to be properly prepared - as the Scandinavians say, "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes!"
Which winter storms in North Dakota do you remember most clearly? Tell us your stories in the comments! We love hearing from you.
No state is without its dangers, and the Peace Garden State is no exception (despite the pleasant nickname). There are some things you need to be aware of that definitely pose safety and health risks, from extreme weather to the most dangerous animals in North Dakota. (It’s true: One of our greatest gifts - North Dakota wildlife - is also among the biggest risks of living in the Peace Garden State.) Here are 10 of the scariest things in North Dakota that can kill you.
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1. North Dakota has topped the ranks as one of the most dangerous states to work in.
A lot of this is due in part to oil field-related work accidents. Though safety precautions are taken and have been strengthened over the past few years, they still do happen and more than in any other state.
2. Extremely low temps and windchills can be very dangerous if exposed to them for too long.
When a wind-chill advisory is issued, it should be taken seriously (and these historic winter storms in North Dakota prove it). With temps that can drop to 50 below zero, it is certainly a large risk, especially if you don't have adequate protection against the cold. This goes for pets as well. If it's below freezing, make sure your dogs and cats have a place to keep warm.
3. Western Black Widow spiders can be found in North Dakota.
It is one of the only poisonous spiders in North Dakota. This spider's venom can be fatal if not treated right away. The blood-red hourglass makes it easily distinguishable. If you see one of these, do not mess with it. And if you get bitten, definitely seek medical help immediately.
4. There is also one type of venomous snake found in North Dakota, the Prairie Rattlesnake.
These are found primarily in the western half of the state. They have the appearance of most rattlesnakes - loud tail and all - and are primarily non-aggressive but will strike if they feel threatened. They like to hide in tall grasses, so be careful if you are out hiking or walking in places with lots of brush where they tend to hide.
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5. Flooding causes millions of dollars in damage and poses a life threat to those in the area.
Though it doesn't happen every year, it does happen after a lot of winters in the eastern half of the state. Flood waters can be devastating under the right conditions - just take a look at the record-breaking flood of 1997 in North Dakota.
6. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in North Dakota.
Fried foods can be a leading contributor to heart disease and there are plenty of delicious fried foods in North Dakota to enjoy. Just be sure to enjoy in moderation - bacon is great but you shouldn't necessarily eat heaps of it every single day.
7. North Dakota is ranked as the state with the highest amount of binge drinking.
Binge drinking can result in many different kinds of alcohol-related deaths, and unfortunately, North Dakota ranks the worst in that area according to the United Health Federation and other studies. The public can also be put at risk by someone's binge drinking, such as through drunk driving accidents.
8. Tornadoes are common in mid to late summer all over the state.
Late summer storms can be unpredictable here. Tornadoes can occur all over the state and cause devastation wherever they go. There have been some very strong tornadoes recorded here before (i.e. the 1957 Fargo tornado). Proper shelter for tornadoes, especially if you live outside of town in a rural area, is essential.
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9. Bison can actually get pretty aggressive if provoked and sometimes charge people and cars.
North Dakota embraces bison in many aspects but when they are free roaming you should keep your distance. A bull will not hesitate to charge you or your car if they feel you've gotten too close. If you've ever been around bison you know that they certainly aren't small and fragile and can put a pretty good dent in your car or knock you to the ground with ease. Of course, there are places where you can safely watch the majestic creatures, such as Theodore Roosevelt National Park - but even in the park, people have been injured by bison.To get a feel for the size of the giant mammals, check out this YouTube video from The Path Beyond:
10. Deer also seem to gravitate towards roads, only they won't attack your car - they'll just walk in front of it at the worst moment.
A lot of times this can cause quite a bit more damage to the car than you think a deer could. This can result in a lot more issues if a driver abruptly swerves or breaks to try and avoid a deer while there are other cars around them. Deer are constantly crossing the roads here - just assume every single road is marked as deer crossing and keep an eye out.
From the dangerous animals in North Dakota to the inclement weather, life in the Peace Garden State isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. It always helps to be prepared with a proper first aid kit. Of course, the good definitely outweighs the bad. Any other dangers people should be aware of that weren’t included on the list? Tell us.
Don’t let the above list give you the wrong idea. North Dakota wildlife isn’t something to be feared. It’s something to be marveled over – and the Dakota Zoo in Bismarck is the perfect place to do just that.
