Houston County Crime & Safety

Houston County, Minnesota

Safety Score

88/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Safe

Total Crime Rate

260.3

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

37.2

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

223.1

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

88/100

Higher = safer

State avg 58/100

State Safety Rank

#12

of 87 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Houston County, Minnesota

Houston County Achieves High National Safety

Houston County presents a total crime rate of 260.3 per 100,000, which is well below the national benchmark of 2,385.5. This strong performance results in an elite safety score of 99.6.

A Top Safety Performer in Minnesota

The county is one of Minnesota's safest, with a crime rate far lower than the state average of 1,123.5. It comfortably outperforms the statewide average safety score of 98.2.

Consistently Low Rates Among Neighbors

Houston County's rate of 260.3 is much lower than Goodhue County's 1,671.0, though it is comparable to Jackson County's 270.3. Five reporting agencies contribute to these consistently low safety metrics.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime Risks

Violent crime is rare at just 37.2 per 100,000, while property crime stands at 223.1. These numbers suggest a community where residents face very little risk of either personal or property-related offenses.

Simple Habits Maintain High Safety

While local crime is minimal, residents should still practice common-sense security like locking doors at night. Simple perimeter lighting serves as an effective and low-cost way to maintain this high level of safety.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Houston County, MN?

Houston County has a total crime rate of 260.3 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (37.2 per 100K) and property crimes (223.1 per 100K).

Is Houston County, MN safe?

Houston County has a safety score of 88/100, rated "Safe". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #12 out of 87 counties in Minnesota for safety (1 = safest).

How does Houston County crime compare to the Minnesota average?

The county is one of Minnesota's safest, with a crime rate far lower than the state average of 1,123.5. It comfortably outperforms the statewide average safety score of 98.2.

What types of crime are most common in Houston County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Houston County?

Crime data for Houston 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 Houston County safer than the Minnesota average?

Houston County has a safety score of 88/100, which is above the Minnesota average of 58/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.