Minnesota is known for its natural beauty, friendly people, and high quality of life. But not every location in the state is equally secure and serene. In reality, several cities in Minnesota have crime rates that are significantly higher than the national average. In this article, we will reveal which city has the highest crime rate in Minnesota, and what factors contribute to its high level of criminal activity.
What is the Crime Rate in Minnesota?
Before we unveil the city with the highest crime rate in Minnesota, let’s first look at the general crime picture in the state. According to the Minnesota Crime Data Explorer, the state had a total of 135,828 crimes reported in 2021, of which 18,021 were violent crimes and 117,807 were property crimes. Minnesota’s crime rate was 23.80 per 1,000 residents, slightly higher than the national average of 22.0.
The violent crime rate in Minnesota was 3.16 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 4.0. The most common violent crimes in Minnesota were assault (11,264 cases), robbery (4,052 cases), rape (2,497 cases), and murder (208 cases).
The property crime rate in Minnesota was 20.64 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly higher than the national average of 19.3. Minnesota’s most common property crimes were theft (89,784 cases), burglary (14,666), and motor vehicle theft (13,357 cases).
How Does Crime Vary Throughout Minnesota?
The crime rate in Minnesota is not consistent throughout the state. Some regions and cities have significantly higher or lower crime rates than the statewide average. According to CrimeGrade.org, the southeast region of the state is generally considered the safest, with a crime rate of 17.88 per 1,000 people. The eastern part of the state is the most dangerous, with a crime rate of 38.61 per 1,000 people.
The same website ranks Minnesota’s safest and most dangerous cities according to crime rates. The top 10 safest cities in Minnesota are:
- Goodridge (0.00 per 1,000 residents)
- Currie (0.00 per thousand residents)
- Bellingham (0.00 per thousand residents)
- Clontarf (0.00 per 1,000 residents)
- Henriette (0.00/1,000 residents)
- Ceylon (0.00 per 1,000 people)
- Alpha (0.00 per 1,000 residents)
- Beaver Creek (0.00 per 1,000 residents)
- Big Falls (0.00 per thousand residents)
- Dalton (0.00 per 1,000 residents)
The top 10 most dangerous cities in Minnesota are:
- Minneapolis (66.97 per 1,000 residents)
- St. Paul (48.51 per 1,000 people)
- Duluth (46.32 per 1,000 residents)
- Brooklyn Center (45.27 per 1,000 residents)
- Columbia Heights (44.69 per 1,000 residents)
- Waite Park (43.75 per 1,000 residents)
- West St. Paul (42.86 per 1,000 residents)
- Spring Lake Park (42.69 per 1,000 residents)
- Robbinsdale (42.65 per 1,000 residents)
- Moorhead (41.99 per 1,000 residents)
Which Minnesota City Has the Highest Crime Rate?
According to CrimeGrade.org data, Minnesota’s largest and most populated city, Minneapolis, has the highest crime rate. In 2021, Minneapolis recorded 28,648 crimes, with 5,533 violent and 23,115 property offenses. Minneapolis’ crime rate was 66.97 per 1,000 people, more than double the state average and more than tripling the national average.
Minneapolis had a violent crime rate of 12.92 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is more than four times the state average and three times the national average. Assault (3,583 instances), robbery (1,347 cases), rape (513 incidents), and murder (90 cases) were the most frequently committed violent crimes in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis’ property crime rate was 54.05 per 1,000 inhabitants, more than double the state average and nearly thrice the national average. The most prevalent types of property crimes in Minneapolis were theft (15,674 instances), burglary (4,489 cases), and motor vehicle theft (2,952 cases).
Why Does Minneapolis Have Such a High Crime Rate?
The reasons for Minneapolis’ high crime rate are complex. Crime is a multifaceted issue driven by a variety of factors, including socioeconomic status, demographics, law enforcement resources, criminal justice systems, and cultural expectations. However, some plausible causes for the high crime rate in Minneapolis include:
- Minneapolis is a vast, diversified city that draws individuals from all origins and lifestyles. This can result in societal disputes, inequities, and tensions, which can lead to crime.
- Minneapolis has witnessed substantial social unrest and civil disruption in recent years, particularly with the death of George Floyd by a police officer in 2020. This has damaged community confidence and cooperation with law enforcement, increasing the opportunities and reasons for criminal activity.
- Minneapolis has a higher poverty rate and lower median income than the state and national norms. Poverty and economic difficulty can cause stress, irritation, and despair, which can lead to criminality.
- Minneapolis has a high drug misuse and addiction rate, particularly for opioids and methamphetamines. Drug usage and trafficking can lead to increased violence, property crime, and organized crime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Minnesota has natural beauty and a great quality of life, some locations have higher crime rates. Minneapolis has the highest crime rate, which is driven by a variety of factors including socioeconomic inequality, social instability, and substance misuse. Addressing these multiple challenges needs a holistic approach that includes community participation, law enforcement resources, and economic solutions.