Minnesota is an upper midwestern state that borders Canada.
Known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, the state is home to 5.75 million people.
Over 1/3 of Minnesota is covered in forest and has over 14,000 bodies of water.
It’s the only state that has 3 major rivers running through it; The Mississippi, Red, and St. Louis.
Originally inhabited by the Dakota tribe, the area was eventually taken over by settlers during the frontier movement.
During that time, timber, railroad construction, and agriculture were the focus.
In the late 1800s, industry and urbanization took over, with many companies and businesses operating in the cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Mankato.
Today, it retains its roots as a center for agriculture and business.
It is home to The Mayo Clinic and The Mall of America.
Notable celebrities such as Prince, Bob Dylan, Judy Garland, and Winona Ryder all hail from Minnesota.
Unfortunately, in the past few years, Minnesota has seen an uptick in its crime rate.
Over 900 police officers were assaulted in the state last year alone.
The total number of crimes committed last year was 135,828.
Violent crimes totaled 18,021 and property crimes totaled 117,807.
This makes the chances of being a victim of violent crime in Minnesota 1 in 317 and a victim of property crime 1 in 48.
In Minneapolis and St. Paul, crime rose 24% in the past 2 years.
Remember that violent crimes include murder, assault, robbery, and sexual assault.
Property crimes include theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft.
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The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Minnesota
10. Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Brooklyn Park is a medium-sized city with a population of 79,946 people, that lies along the Mississippi River.
It boasts over 2,000 acres of parkland that includes 2 golf courses.
The rate of crime in Brooklyn Park is 72 per every 1,000 residents.
There was a total of 5,799 crimes.
Property crimes accounted for 3,935, while violent crimes totaled 1,528.
There were 158 drug offenses in the city.
9. Virginia, Minnesota
Virginia is a small city with a population of 8,259 but still serves as the hub for surrounding towns.
Historically, it was known as logging and iron mining.
It’s also home to actor Chris Pratt.
As of last year, Virginia was safer than only 11% of other cities its size.
There were a total of 609 crimes, of which 320 were property related and 168 were considered violent.
There was 1 murder, 13 sexual assaults, and 3 robberies.
The chances of being a victim of violent crime in Virginia are 1 in 181 and 1 in 42 for a property crime.
8. Mankato, Minnesota
Originally named Mankato, meaning greenish-blue earth in the Dakota language, Mankato is steeped in frontier history.
Today, that history is preserved by way of museums, trails, and sites.
The city has also carved out a niche as a center for the fine and performing arts.
Last year, there were a total of 3,306 crimes.
The rate of crime is 75 per 1,000 people.
Last year, there were 1,965 property crimes and 869 violent crimes.
Violent crimes included 2 murders, 799 assaults, 10 kidnappings, 87 sexual assaults, and 21 robberies.
In Mankato, the chances of being a victim of property crime are 1 in 41.
7. St. Cloud, Minnesota
St. Cloud has a population of 68,756 people.
It’s home to St. Cloud University and several granite quarries.
The city is part of the state’s top agricultural region, helping to produce dairy products, poultry, and corn.
The city’s crime rate is 86 per 1,000 people.
Last year the number of violent crimes totaled 1,235 making that rate 179 per 1,000 people.
Property crimes totaled 3,944.
There were 1,115 aggravated assaults, 6 murders, 11 kidnappings, 98 sexual assaults, and 50 robberies.
The chances of being a victim of violent crime in St. Cloud are 1 in 177 and property crime is 1 in 27.
When in St. Cloud secure your vehicle and be aware of your surroundings.
6. St. Paul, Minnesota
Sitting on top of the high bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, St. Paul boasts a population of 309,957 people.
It’s also the capital of Minnesota, and one of the “Twin Cities.”
Originally home to the Dakota tribe, their burial mounds are preserved within the city.
St. Paul is home to many large corporations, like Siemens and 3M.
The overall crime rate in the city is 89 offenses per 1,000 people.
Last year there were a total of 27,665 crimes committed.
Among those included 4,375 assaults, 45 murders, 75 kidnappings, 2,691 motor vehicle thefts, 648 sexual assaults, and 521 robberies.
There were also 1,358 drug offenses.
The chances of being a victim of violent crime in St.Paul is 1 in 124 and property crime is 1 in 24.
When in St. Paul, people need to be most concerned about motor vehicle theft, robbery, and assault.
5. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis is the home to the musical icon, Prince.
It’s also the most populous city with 438,463 residents.
Once the flour milling capital of the world, it is now known for its performing arts, culture, and business.
The city sits on the banks of the Mississippi River and has 13 lakes flowing throughout it.
Last year, there were a total of 40,375 crimes (92 offenses per 1,000 residents).
Property crimes made up 28,390 of these crimes. 8,439 were aggravated assaults, 102 were murders, 1,019 were sexual assaults, 2,217 were robberies, and 944 were drug-related.
As with any big city, caution and vigilance should be practiced when in Minneapolis.
4. Roseville, Minnesota
Roseville is a city full of firsts. The town is the site of the first Target store, built in 1962.
The first Barnes and Noble bookstore outside of New York City was in Roseville.
It’s also the site of Minnesota’s first McDonald’s and Dairy Queen.
It also has 111 crimes per 1,000 people.
Last year there were a total of 4,196 crimes.
While most were property crimes (3,668), many were violent in nature.
300 aggravated assaults occurred, along with 48 sexual assaults, 6 kidnappings, and 1 murder. Roseville is safer than only 1% of cities of a similar size.
The chances of becoming a victim of property crime in this city are 1 in 16. When in Roseville, take care to lock your vehicle and be aware of your surroundings.
3. Brainerd, Minnesota
With a year-round population of approximately 14,000, Brainerd is best known for its resort areas.
Families flock here for great skiing, fishing, and golfing.
Unfortunately, this makes the area ripe for criminal activity as well.
The rate of crime in Brainerd is 128 per 1,000 people.
Last year there were a total of 1,724 crimes.
Property crimes constituted 724 of them.
There were also 385 aggravated assaults, 3 kidnappings, 47 sexual assaults, and 538 drug offenses.
If you are in Brainerd, your chances of being a victim of property crime are 1 in 39, while the chances of violent crime are 1 in 198.
When traveling outside of the resort areas, take caution and secure your belongings.
2. Waite Park, Minnesota
Historically known as a travel route to St. Paul, Waite Park is a small, rural community with a population of 7,839 people.
The top attractions are the quarry park and nature preserve.
But due to its small population and rate of crime, it is the second most dangerous city in Minnesota.
The rate of crime in Waite Park is 164 per 1,000 people.
The total number of crimes reported was 1,287.
Property crimes accounted for 958 of them.
Violent crimes included 220 assaults, 4 kidnappings, 21 sexual assaults, 10 robberies, and 71 drug offenses.
The chances of being a victim of violent crime in Waite Park are 1 in 142 and property crime is 1 in 12.
In Waite Park, one must be most concerned about assault and robbery.
1. Bemidji, Minnesota
The first known settlement on the Mississippi River is also the birthplace of the fictional folk hero Paul Bunyan.
With a population of just 15,570, it also has the highest crime rate in Minnesota.
There are 167 criminal offenses for every 1,000 people in Bemidji.
Once a center for the Midwestern timber industry, it’s now the most dangerous city in Minnesota.
Last year, there was a total of 2,613 crimes. Property crimes accounted for 1,761 of them.
The others included 471 assaults, 1 murder, 48 sexual assaults, 12 robberies, 5 kidnappings, and 249 drug offenses.
When visiting Bemidji, the biggest concern is assault.
5 Safety Tips For Traveling In Minnesota
- Only carry what you absolutely need. Keep what you do have as hidden as possible.
- When in a vehicle, park in well-lit areas. Do not stop to assist stranded motorists, call for help and keep going.
- Be aware at all times. Stay off your phone, do not wear headphones, and look around.
- Know where you are going and how to get there. It also helps if you have an alternate route planned.
- If you are confronted by a robber, stay calm and give up your valuables. Nothing is worth your life. Call 911 as soon as you can.
Minnesota Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Minnesota Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common crimes in Minnesota?
Larceny and assault are the most common crimes in Minnesota.
Are the resorts safe to stay at in Minnesota?
Minnesota resorts are quite safe.
However, care should be taken when leaving the resort compound.
Yes.
Legitimate taxis and ride shares are perfectly safe.
Always remember to check the validity and credentials of each driver before entering the vehicle.
Follow all the safety guidelines provided by the company.
Mankato’s sense of community is fantastic. The local events and emphasis on local business make it a welcoming place to live.
I love the vibrant arts and culture scene in Minneapolis. There’s always something new to explore, from theaters to art galleries.
Rochester’s healthcare facilities are top-notch. It’s great to live in a city known for its medical expertise and innovation.
I been to Bimidji its like a war zone out there