In the heart of the United States, buried among the tranquil landscapes of Minnesota, a disturbing reality emerges: one county claims the foreboding moniker of Murder Capital. Beyond the state’s reputation for stunning landscape and Midwestern friendliness, this region has a darker story that defies preconceived beliefs.
As the story progresses, the elements that contribute to this uncomfortable disparity become clear, delving into the social, economic, and systemic complexity that influences the country’s fate. Join us on a trip to find the uncomfortable truth beneath the veil of peace, as Minnesota’s lovely veneer meets the grim reality of a Murder Capital.
Minnesota Crime Rates by County
Minnesota is a state with a relatively low crime rate compared to the national average. According to the 2020 Uniform Crime Report, the state had a violent crime rate of 281.9 per 100,000 population and a property crime rate of 1,879.4 per 100,000 population. Both rates were lower than the national rates of 387.0 and 2,109.9, respectively.
However, within the state, there are significant variations in crime rates among different counties. Some counties have much higher rates of violent and property crimes than others, and some even rank among the most dangerous places in the country.
The Murder Capital of Minnesota: Hennepin County
Hennepin County, which includes the city of Minneapolis, has the highest murder rate in Minnesota. In 2020, there were 97 murders in the county, accounting for more than half of the state’s total. The murder rate in Hennepin County was 9.8 per 100,000 population, which was almost three times higher than the state average of 3.4. Hennepin County also had the highest rates of rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft in the state.
Hennepin County’s crime problem is largely concentrated in Minneapolis, which is the largest and most populous city in the state. Minneapolis had 82 murders in 2020, which was the highest number in its history. The city also experienced a surge in violent crime, especially shootings, carjackings, and robberies.
The Minneapolis Police Department attributed the rise in crime to several factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, civil unrest, reduced police staffing, and increased gang activity.
Other High-Crime Counties in Minnesota
Hennepin County is not the only county in Minnesota with high crime rates. Other counties that have above-average rates of violent and property crimes include:
- Ramsey County, which includes the city of St. Paul, the state capital. Ramsey County had the second-highest murder rate in the state, with 32 murders in 2020, or 6.5 per 100,000 population. The county also had high rates of rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, and larceny.
- St. Louis County, which includes the city of Duluth, is the fourth-largest city in the state. St. Louis County had the third-highest murder rate in the state, with 11 murders in 2020, or 4.4 per 100,000 population. The county also had high rates of rape, robbery, aggravated assault, and motor vehicle theft.
- Anoka County, which is part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Anoka County had the fourth-highest murder rate in the state, with 10 murders in 2020, or 3.8 per 100,000 population. The county also had high rates of rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.
The Safest Counties in Minnesota
On the other hand, some counties in Minnesota have very low crime rates and are among the safest places in the country. Some of these countries are:
- Carver County, which is also part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Carver County had the lowest murder rate in the state, with zero murders in 2020. The county also had the lowest rates of rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft in the state.
- Scott County, which is another county in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Scott County had the second-lowest murder rate in the state, with one murder in 2020, or 0.6 per 100,000 population. The county also had low rates of rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.
- Wright County, which is located in central Minnesota. Wright County had the third-lowest murder rate in the state, with one murder in 2020, or 0.7 per 100,000 population. The county also had low rates of rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.
Summary
In summary, while Minnesota has a lower crime rate than the national average, a striking discrepancy exists within its counties. Hennepin County dubbed the “Murder Capital,” leads in crime statistics, owing to variables such as social upheaval, pandemic effects, and increasing gang activity.
Ramsey, St. Louis, and Anoka counties are also high-crime areas, while Carver, Scott, and Wright counties are known for their safety. This intricate mosaic of crime rates highlights the various nature of security concerns across the state, necessitating nuanced responses adapted to each county’s specific circumstances.