North Dakota’s north central region is home to Ward County. It has a population of about 67,000 people and a total area of 2,056 square miles. Minot, the fourth-biggest city in the state and a major military and commercial center, is located in Ward County.
However, some Ward County neighborhoods have noticeably higher rates of crime than the state as a whole. This article looks at Ward County’s five riskiest areas, ranking them according to quality of life, local reputation, and crime rates.
1. Minot City Center
The downtown area of Minot is called Minot City Center, and it acts as the hub for both commercial and cultural activities. With 4,500 residents, the median household income in the area is roughly $38,000. Minot City Center has violent crime rates of 1602 per 1000 population, which is 122% higher than the national average.
There is a 1 in 9 chance of becoming a victim of crime here. The range of offenses includes assault, robbery, rape, murder, and arson. In addition to criminality, this area’s general worries about livability are exacerbated by issues including noise pollution, traffic congestion, homelessness, and gentrification.
2. Burlington
Burlington, which is in eastern Ward County, has a population of about 1,200 people and a median household income of about $75,000. Burlington has a 95% higher rate of criminal activity than the national average, with 1086 violent crimes committed for every 1000 persons.
In Burlington, there is a one in seven chance of becoming a victim of crime. Crimes include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and theft. The lack of amenities, poor education, unemployment, and poverty are socioeconomic problems that further detract from Burlington’s appeal.
3. Surrey
Approximately 1,500 people live in Surrey, which is in the southeast of Ward County. The median household income in Surrey is about $83,000. In comparison to the national average, its crime rate increases by 96%, and its violent crime rate rises to 1086 per 1000 population.
In Surrey, the odds of encountering criminal activity are 1 in 7. The list of offenses includes robbery, theft, assault, rape, and murder. Surrey faces a number of issues that make it less desirable to live in, including corruption, inadequate health care, lack of employment prospects, and environmental problems.
4. Sawyer
About 300 people live in Sawyer, which is in Ward County’s southwest, and their median household income is roughly $52,000. Its violent crime rate, at 1038 per 1000 inhabitants, is 123% higher than the national average.
There is a 1 in 8 chance of running into criminal activity in Sawyer. Murder, rape, assault, robbery, and vandalism are examples of crimes. Sawyer’s appeal is adversely affected by problems such as poverty, overcrowding, poor sanitation, and insufficient services, in addition to these worries about crime.
5. Kenmare
Located in Ward County’s northern precinct, Kenmare is home to over 1,000 people, with a median household income of approximately $47,000. Kenmare has a violent crime rate of 1018 per 1000 population, which is 118% more than the national average.
There is a 1 in 9 chance of encountering criminal activity in Kenmare. Murder, rape, assault, robbery, and burglary are examples of criminal incidents. A number of socioeconomic issues, such as racial biases, health inequalities, unemployment, poverty, and inadequate education, add to Kenmare’s image as a difficult place to live or visit.
In summary
Based on facts and insights that are currently available, these communities represent the most vulnerable regions in Ward County. However, this analysis does not make these places completely hopeless or irreversible. Numerous workers and residents in these neighborhoods are actively working to improve their circumstances and bring about positive change.
In addition, a number of projects and programs are being implemented to raise living standards, provide opportunities, and lower crime rates. It’s critical to appreciate and support these neighborhoods’ continuous efforts and triumphs while also acknowledging the difficulties and risks they face.