Wells County Crime & Safety

Wells County, North Dakota

Safety Score

83/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Safe

Total Crime Rate

401.0

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

125.3

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

275.7

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

83/100

Higher = safer

State avg 62/100

State Safety Rank

#13

of 53 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Wells County, North Dakota

Wells County is Exceptionally Safe

Wells County holds an elite safety score of 99.4, making it one of the safest counties in the United States. Its total crime rate of 401.0 per 100,000 residents is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding State Safety Averages

The county's safety score of 99.4 easily surpasses the North Dakota state average of 98.5. Residents benefit from a total crime rate that is less than half the state average of 976.6.

Safety Leader Among Nearby Counties

Wells County is significantly safer than Ward County, where the crime rate is nearly triple at 1,146.2. It also maintains a lower rate than neighboring Walsh County's 1,004.4.

Few Incidents Reported Locally

Property crime is remarkably low at 275.7 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national 2,015.7. Violent crime stands at 125.3, which is roughly one-third of the national average of 369.8.

Keeping Wells County Secure

While crime is rare, maintaining these low numbers requires community cooperation and individual awareness. Basic security measures like exterior lighting and locked doors help preserve the county's peaceful atmosphere.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Wells County, ND?

Wells County has a total crime rate of 401.0 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (125.3 per 100K) and property crimes (275.7 per 100K).

Is Wells County, ND safe?

Wells County has a safety score of 83/100, rated "Safe". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #13 out of 53 counties in North Dakota for safety (1 = safest).

How does Wells County crime compare to the North Dakota average?

The county's safety score of 99.4 easily surpasses the North Dakota state average of 98.5. Residents benefit from a total crime rate that is less than half the state average of 976.6.

What types of crime are most common in Wells County?

Property crime is remarkably low at 275.7 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national 2,015.7. Violent crime stands at 125.3, which is roughly one-third of the national average of 369.8.

How is crime data measured and reported for Wells County?

Crime data for Wells County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

Why is Wells County safer than the North Dakota average?

Wells County has a safety score of 83/100, which is above the North Dakota average of 62/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.