Explore Top 10 Safest Cities in Minnesota 2024 for Ultimate Safety

A safe environment is essential for mental and physical well-being. As crime is on the rise all over the country, living in the safest city in Minnesota can be a way to live in peace.

If you’re looking for a new home in Minnesota and safety is your top priority, this article will show you the top 10 safest cities in Minnesota. In this article, we’re going to take a look at crime statistics, trends, and tips on how to find and secure your home wherever you live.

Is Minnesota Safe?

Minnesota is a pretty safe state overall. It's one of the top 15 safest states in the U.S. by property and violent crime rates.

Minnesota's violent crime rate of 2.68 incidents per 1,000 people is less than half the national average of 4.49 per 1,000. It is also less than the U.S. average for property crime at 19.02 incidents per 1,000 people.

Is Minneapolis Safe?

As the largest city in Minnesota, Minneapolis does see higher crime rates than other areas of the state. The city has a violent crime rate of 12.86 per 1,000 and a property crime rate of 59.47 per 1,000. This exceeds state and national averages. However, Minneapolis is still considered safer than other major U.S. cities.

Crime in Minneapolis is concentrated in certain high-poverty neighborhoods. The downtown and surrounding areas where most residents and tourists spend time are relatively secure.

Top 10 Safest Cities in Minnesota

The following are the top 10 safest towns in Minnesota if you are considering settling there:

1. Mendota Heights

Mendota Heights is a small suburb of Minneapolis and St. Paul that tops the list of safest cities in MN. With just over 11,000 residents, Mendota Heights has exceptionally low crime rates. It reported only 61 violent crimes and 320 property crimes for all of 2021. Its violent crime rate of 0.55 per 1,000 and property crime rate of 2.88 per 1,000 make it the clear safest city in the state.

2. Minnetonka

Located west of Minneapolis, the mid-sized suburb of Minnetonka has approximately 53,000 residents. In 2021, the city saw 77 violent crimes and 1,078 property crimes. This equates to low crime rates of 1.44 violent crimes and 20.09 property crimes per 1,000 people. Minnetonka's schools, parks, and sense of community contribute to its safe reputation.

3. Lakeville

South of Minneapolis and home to around 67,000 people, Lakeville is the 3rd safest city in Minnesota. Only 105 violent crimes and 1,105 property crimes took place here in 2021. Lakeville's crime rates stand at 1.55 violent crimes and 16.33 property crimes per 1,000 residents. The city offers small-town charm and amenities that are close to Twin Cities.

4. Eden Prairie

Located southwest of Minneapolis, Eden Prairie is a desirable suburban city with about 64,000 residents. In 2021, Eden Prairie reported 120 violent crimes and 1,257 property crimes. This translates into crime rates of 1.86 violent crimes and 19.47 property crimes per 1,000 people. High-performing schools and family-friendly amenities make Eden Prairie a great choice for safety-minded residents.

5. Plymouth

Plymouth is another safe, mid-sized suburb not far from Minneapolis. Roughly 78,000 people call Plymouth home. Crime statistics show Plymouth had 159 violent crimes and 1,544 property crimes in 2021. The city's crime rates come out to 2.02 violent crimes and 19.60 property crimes per 1,000 residents. Plymouth provides a small-town community feel despite its proximity to the Twin Cities.

6. Maple Grove

Northwest of Minneapolis, Maple Grove is a larger suburb with around 69,000 people. In 2021, Maple Grove saw 176 violent crimes along with 1,759 property crimes. This comes out to crime rates of 2.53 violent crimes and 25.26 property crimes per 1,000 population. Maple Grove offers family-friendly neighborhoods, top schools, job opportunities, and low crime.

7. Woodbury

With around 75,000 residents, Woodbury is the 7th safest city in Minnesota. This St. Paul suburb reported 211 violent crimes and 2,099 property crimes in 2021. Per 1,000 people, Woodbury has 2.79 violent crimes and 27.82 property crimes. Woodbury provides small-town vibes near the Twin Cities metro. Its crime rates are well below state and national levels.

8. Eagan

Home to approximately 66,000 people, Eagan is a suburb of St. Paul and Minneapolis. It saw 237 violent crimes and 2,305 property crimes in 2021. Eagan's crime rates calculate 3.57 violent crimes and 34.77 property crimes per 1,000 residents. This Minneapolis suburb balances safety with amenities and convenience.

9. Rosemount

South of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Rosemount has around 25,000 residents. In 2021, Rosemount recorded 32 violent crimes and 468 property crimes. These statistics make for crime rates of 1.30 violent crimes and 18.96 property crimes per 1,000 people. Rosemount provides small-town communities with access to Twin Cities opportunities.

10. Moorhead

As the largest Minnesota city outside the Twin Cities metro, Moorhead is considered the 10th safest city in the state. Around 43,000 people live in Moorhead. The city saw 76 violent crimes and 1,178 property crimes in 2021. These numbers result in crime rates of 1.77 violent crimes and 27.44 property crimes per 1,000 population. Moorhead balances big city amenities with small-town charm and safety.

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Minnesota Crime Rate Overview: Key Stats & Trends for 2024

The crime rate in Minnesota has seen notable changes in 2024, with a general decline across most major categories. Here's an overview of the key crime statistics and trends for 2024:

• Violent crime rate in Minnesota: 2.81 per 1,000 residents​
• Murder rate: 182 cases​
• Rape incidents: 2,327 cases, down 11.6%​
• Robbery incidents: 3,260 cases, down 14%​
• Aggravated assault: 10,275 cases
• Property crime rate: 19.67 per 1,000 residents​
• Burglary: 10,416 cases, down 14.2%​
• Larceny/Theft: 72,701 cases, down 14.3%

How to Find the Safest Places to Live in Minnesota

Finding the safest places to live in Minnesota involves a mix of research and security planning to ensure peace of mind for you and your family. Below are some tips and safety measures to consider:

• Research crime rates for cities and neighborhoods of interest
• Drive or walk around potential areas during both day and night
• Talk to current residents about their experiences and safety tips
• Check sex offender registries and maps of high-crime areas
• Look at school ratings, community programs, and security measures
• Consider gated communities, homes with security systems, block patrols
• Make sure the home has secure locks, an alarm system, and outdoor lighting

FAQs

Which city in Minnesota has the lowest crime rate?

According to 2021 statistics, the city of Mendota Heights has the lowest crime rate in Minnesota. With only 0.55 violent crimes and 2.88 property crimes per 1,000 residents, Mendota Heights is the safest city in the state overall.

Does Minnesota have low crime?

Yes, Minnesota is considered one of the safer states in the U.S. based on its low violent and property crime rates compared to national averages. However, crime still exists, so practicing awareness and taking security precautions are recommended everywhere in Minnesota.

What part of Minnesota is good to live?

Many of the safest places to live in Minnesota are suburbs of Minneapolis and St. Paul, such as Plymouth, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Woodbury, and Eagan. Smaller towns south of the Twin Cities metro area, like Lakeville and Rosemount, also offer great safety and quality of life. Moorhead is a good option for a safe, larger city outside the metro.

Conclusion

Many Minnesota residents are finding a safe place to call home. The state as a whole has lower crime rates than national crime rates, but rates can vary greatly from city to city and neighborhood to neighborhood. Researching crime rates, security measures and community factors can take time but can help identify the safest options.

Small towns and rural areas tend to also have great safety, as do suburbs of the Twin Cities. Regardless of where you live, practicing awareness, building community, and taking safety precautions can help keep your family secure. Is safety at the top of your list when you start planning your next Minnesota move?