Otter Tail County Crime & Safety

Otter Tail County, Minnesota

Safety Score

58/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

967.2

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

123.2

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

844.0

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

58/100

Higher = safer

State avg 58/100

State Safety Rank

#50

of 87 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Otter Tail County, Minnesota

Reliable Safety in Otter Tail

Otter Tail County secures a safety score of 98.5, performing very well against national metrics. The total crime rate of 967.2 per 100K is far below the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Transparency

Exceeding the Minnesota average safety score of 98.2, Otter Tail is a safe haven for residents. Its nine reporting agencies contribute to a comprehensive and transparent view of local safety.

Regional Comparative Analysis

While safer than Mower County, Otter Tail has a higher crime rate than Norman County’s ultra-low 263.3. It balances a higher population with a very strong safety record.

Crime Metrics and Realities

Property crime accounts for 844.0 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 123.2. Both figures stay below the state and national averages, indicating a secure community.

Monitoring Seasonal and Main Homes

Residents can maintain this safety by ensuring their homes and seasonal properties are properly secured. Using motion-activated cameras is a smart way to monitor property year-round.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Otter Tail County, MN?

Otter Tail County has a total crime rate of 967.2 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (123.2 per 100K) and property crimes (844.0 per 100K).

Is Otter Tail County, MN safe?

Otter Tail County has a safety score of 58/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #50 out of 87 counties in Minnesota for safety (1 = safest).

How does Otter Tail County crime compare to the Minnesota average?

Exceeding the Minnesota average safety score of 98.2, Otter Tail is a safe haven for residents. Its nine reporting agencies contribute to a comprehensive and transparent view of local safety.

What types of crime are most common in Otter Tail County?

Property crime accounts for 844.0 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 123.2. Both figures stay below the state and national averages, indicating a secure community.

How is crime data measured and reported for Otter Tail County?

Crime data for Otter Tail 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.

What is being done about crime in Otter Tail County?

Otter Tail County has a safety score of 58/100, which is below the Minnesota average of 58/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.