Many people consider North Dakota to be a safe state with low rates of crime and tranquil neighborhoods. However, one city in particular sticks out because of its high rates of homicide and violence: Fargo.
The Homicide Rate in Fargo
According to FBI crime statistics for 2023, Fargo had 6 murders in 2020, or 4.7 per 100,000 people. This is the highest of all the cities in North Dakota and exceeds the national average of 2.8 per 100,000 inhabitants. With three murders in 2020, Minot had the second-highest murder rate in the state at 6.2 per 100,000 residents.
The murder rate in Fargo increased dramatically between 2016 and 2020, from 1.6 per 100,000 people to 4.7 per 100,000 people. Fargo has earned the unpleasant moniker of the “murder capital” of North Dakota as a result of this pattern.
The reasons behind and effects of Fargo’s violence
Fargo has a high murder rate because to a number of variables, such as drug trafficking, gang activity, domestic violence, and mental health problems. These components are present in notable murder cases in Fargo, like the terrible 2017 death of Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind and the 2022 shooting death of Chad Entzel.
Fargo’s business, reputation, safety, and quality of life are all negatively impacted by the city’s violence. Tim Mahoney, the mayor of Fargo, has acknowledged the problem and promised to solve it by boosting funding for law enforcement, encouraging community involvement, and putting preventative and intervention programs in place.
Comparing Fargo with Other Cities
Despite having the highest murder rate in North Dakota, Fargo is not the most deadly city in the nation. The homicide statistics in several American cities, such as St. Louis, Baltimore, Detroit, and New Orleans, are significantly higher than in Fargo. In addition, Fargo has a lower murder rate than several of Minnesota’s nearby cities, like Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Even still, Fargo’s murder rate is higher than the mean of its peer cities—those with comparable populations and locations. The Fargo Police Department released a report in 2019 that stated that whilst the average murder rate in peer cities was 2.9 per 100,000 people, Fargo’s rate was 3.9 per 100,000 people. This implies that there is potential for progress in Fargo’s efforts to reduce homicide and violence.
In summary
Fargo has many good qualities, such as a thriving economy, a varied culture, and a welcoming environment. However, it faces a significant obstacle in the form of a high murder rate that imperils its stability and prosperity. Fargo needs to put in place strong measures to stop homicide and violence in order to reestablish peace and security.
