Minnesota Crime & Safety
Crime rates and safety scores for all 87 counties.
Avg Violent Crime Rate
153.0
per 100K
Avg Property Crime Rate
970.0
per 100K
Avg Safety Score
58/100
State Overview
Crime & Safety in Minnesota
National Context
Minnesota Ranks Among the Nation's Safest States
Minnesota reports an average total crime rate of 1,123.5 per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This significant gap positions the North Star State as a leader in public safety compared to the rest of the country. All 87 counties provided data, ensuring a complete and transparent picture of the state's security landscape.
Violent vs. Property Crime
Property Offenses Drive Most State Crime Reports
Property crime accounts for the vast majority of incidents at 970.4 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate remains remarkably low at 153.0. Both categories sit well below national benchmarks, where the average violent crime rate is 369.8 and property crime is 2,015.7. This means Minnesotans face significantly lower risks of both theft and physical harm than the typical American.
Safest Counties
Tranquility Defines Minnesota's Rural Safe Havens
Lake of the Woods County leads the state with a rare 0.0 crime rate, meaning no reportable offenses occurred during the tracking period. Wadena and Grant counties follow closely, with Wadena reporting just 14.2 total crimes per 100,000 residents. These regions represent the pinnacle of public safety within the state's expansive rural corridors.
Crime Hotspots
Analyzing Activity in Regional and Urban Hubs
Benton County records the state's highest rate at 10,322.1 per 100,000, with property crime making up over 90% of that figure. Major metropolitan hubs Ramsey and Hennepin counties also see higher activity at 4,185.0 and 3,900.1 respectively, though these numbers are typical for densely populated transit centers. Even in these busier areas, violent crime rates stay within a manageable range compared to other major U.S. cities.
The Takeaway
A High Standard of Safety Across Minnesota
Residents and prospective movers will find that Minnesota offers a high quality of life backed by crime rates that are significantly lower than national norms. While property awareness is still necessary in high-traffic areas like Benton or Ramsey, the state as a whole remains exceptionally secure. The data confirms Minnesota is one of the most reliable options for those prioritizing personal and community safety.
Safest Counties
All Minnesota Counties
Crime rates per 100K population. — = data pending.
Concerned about home security?
SimpliSafe offers 24/7 professional monitoring with no contracts required.
Sponsored
Data Sources
Crime data sourced from the FBI Crime Data Explorer (UCR) and County Health Rankings. Safety scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Not legal or security advice. Coverage varies by county and reporting year.