How Does North Dakota Stack Up in Safe City Rankings?

Safety: a word that conjures images of helmets, seat belts, and maybe an overprotective mom yelling, "Don't run with scissors!" But in today’s world, safety is more than just avoiding scraped knees. According to WalletHub, it spans everything from dodging financial disasters to sidestepping natural calamities.

Their latest study comparing over 180 U.S. cities reveals where Americans can breathe a little easier—or at least save on bubble wrap.

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What Makes a City Safe?

WalletHub analyzed cities across three key dimensions: Home & Community Safety, Natural-Disaster Risk, and Financial Safety. From traffic fatalities to identity theft complaints, the metrics offer a comprehensive picture of life’s potential pitfalls.

But let’s face it—nobody reads the fine print unless it’s on a pizza coupon. So, here’s the quick version:

• Home & Community Safety: Everything from violent crime rates to how many firefighters are ready to slide down the pole.
• Natural-Disaster Risk: Is your city more likely to experience a tornado or just a bad hair day?
• Financial Safety: Because nothing screams “danger” like a second mortgage you can’t afford.

The Top Dogs

If you’re considering a move and value your peace of mind, take note of these champions of calm:

1. South Burlington, VT – A haven of maple syrup and minimal stress.
2. Casper, WY – Proving safety isn’t just for people—it’s for ghosts too.
3. Warwick, RI – Where the biggest risk might be overeating clam chowder.
4. Burlington, VT – A double win for Vermont! Maybe safety comes free with every ski pass.
5. Boise, ID – Potatoes aren’t the only thing solid in this city.

North Dakota Holds Its Own

Good news for our local folks! Fargo and Bismarck both placed impressively, snagging 12th and 38th spots respectively. That’s right—North Dakota isn’t just about wide-open spaces and sturdy farmers; it’s also about safe cities.

Want to feel even better? Fargo outpaced Minneapolis (#89) and even Missoula, MT (#14). North Dakotans may still chuckle at the idea of a “crime spree” involving jaywalking moose, but the data proves our region is a pretty solid bet.

The Big Takeaway

Whether you’re worried about identity theft, tornadoes, or running out of coffee during a snowstorm, choosing a safe city matters. But remember, safety is a team effort. It’s about communities coming together, from law enforcement to neighbors who lend a hand—or a shovel in winter.

So, hats off to Fargo and Bismarck for keeping the peace in the Peace Garden State. Just don’t let it go to your heads, folks. After all, a little danger keeps life interesting… like jaywalking during a prairie windstorm.