While Minnesota consistently ranks among the nation’s safest states, a recent analysis of FBI 2024 crime data reveals that several of its cities face higher-than‑average crime challenges. Researchers examined violent and property offenses across 128 Minnesota municipalities with populations over 5,000, adjusting the figures to crimes per capita so that small towns and larger cities could be compared fairly.
How the rankings were compiled
The study, dubbed “Saturday Night Science,” combined the FBI’s latest violent‑crime and property‑crime reports. By measuring offenses per 100,000 residents, the ranking levels the playing field between a bustling suburb and a modestly sized town. The resulting list orders the ten cities with the highest overall crime scores, from tenth place up to the top spot.
Top ten most dangerous Minnesota cities
10. Roseville – This Ramsey County suburb, located about 15 minutes from downtown St. Paul, is known for its shopping and 32 parks. Violent crime is relatively low, but property crime is a concern, with 271 violent offenses and 5,772 property offenses per 100,000 residents.
9. Bloomington – Home to the Mall of America and the state’s fifth‑largest population, Bloomington sees heavy tourist traffic that inflates its crime numbers. The city recorded 308 violent crimes and 3,924 property crimes per 100,000 residents.
8. Brooklyn Park – A growing Hennepin County suburb of nearly 82,000 residents, Brooklyn Park reported 313 violent crimes, including seven murders, 43 rapes, 82 robberies and 181 aggravated assaults, yielding a rate of 382 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
7. Brainerd – The Crow Wing County seat is a popular summer destination. Its tourism draw brings a higher crime rate, with 573 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and the state’s highest reported rape rate, giving locals roughly a 1‑in‑174 chance of being a violent‑crime victim.
6. Maplewood – This east‑metro suburb offers easy access to the Twin Cities but struggles with property crime. Maplewood logged 935 larcenies and one of the highest burglary rates in the state, translating to about a 1‑in‑32 chance of experiencing a property crime each year.
5. St. Cloud – Central Minnesota’s largest city improved its position from the previous year but still faces significant safety concerns. It recorded 343 violent crimes and 3,467 property crimes per 100,000 residents, with a violent‑crime risk of roughly 1‑in‑291.
4. St. Paul – The state capital, with its vibrant neighborhoods and attractions, logged 624 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, about two murders per month, and higher rates of car theft and arson than nearby Minneapolis.
3. Bemidji – Known for the legend of Paul Bunyan, this northern tourist town posted 6,134 property crimes per 100,000 residents, giving residents a 1‑in‑16 chance of a property offense and frequent aggravated assaults.
2. Minneapolis – The state’s largest city tops the list, with 1,132 violent crimes and 5,253 property crimes per 100,000 residents. It records the highest murder and burglary rates in Minnesota, equating to a 1‑in‑88 chance of being a violent‑crime victim over the year.
1. (Tie) – Not applicable – The study’s methodology placed Minneapolis firmly at the top; no other city surpassed its combined violent‑and‑property crime score.
What the numbers mean for residents
These statistics underscore the importance of community vigilance, effective policing, and local initiatives that address the root causes of crime, such as poverty and transient tourism traffic. While the overall state remains safe compared with national averages, families and faith‑based groups in the highlighted cities may wish to stay informed about neighborhood safety programs and support efforts that strengthen local law‑enforcement partnerships.
Looking ahead
Future updates to the ranking will incorporate 2025 data, offering a clearer picture of whether community‑driven strategies are reducing crime rates. Residents are encouraged to participate in local town‑hall meetings, support neighborhood watch groups, and advocate for policies that protect families while respecting constitutional rights.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
