Minnesota boasts a relatively low overall crime rate in comparison to the national average, yet not all of its cities share the same safety record. In recent data provided by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), one city emerges as an outlier in terms of criminal activity: Minneapolis.
Minneapolis has the highest crime rate in the state
Minneapolis, being the largest and most populous city in Minnesota, exhibits the highest crime rate within the state. According to the BCA’s figures, Minneapolis recorded a staggering 25,423 crimes in 2022, equating to a crime rate of 63.8 incidents per 1,000 residents.
This figure more than doubles the state’s average rate of 23.8 per 1,000 residents and even surpasses the national median of 26.8 per 1,000 residents. In fact, Minneapolis ranks in the top 10% of the most perilous cities in the United States, according to data from NeighborhoodScout.
Violent crime is a major problem in Minneapolis
The prevalence of violent crime significantly contributes to Minneapolis’ high crime rate. Violent crime encompasses acts such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. In 2022, Minneapolis reported a staggering 5,426 violent crimes, constituting 21.3% of all recorded incidents in the city.
The violent crime rate in Minneapolis stood at 13.6 per 1,000 residents, which is more than four times higher than the state average of 3.16 per 1,000 residents and surpasses the national median of 4 per 1,000 residents.
Alarming data from NeighborhoodScout reveals that Minneapolis has one of the highest murder rates in the nation, with 82 homicides reported in 2022. This results in a murder rate of 0.21 per 1,000 residents, more than five times higher than the state’s average of 0.04 per 1,000 residents.
Property crime is also common in Minneapolis
Property crime, which encompasses activities like burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, also plagues Minneapolis. In 2022, the city reported a total of 19,997 property crimes, constituting a substantial 78.7% of all crimes committed.
The property crime rate in Minneapolis reached 50.2 per 1,000 residents, which is more than twice the state average of 20.64 per 1,000 residents and surpasses the national median of 19 per 1,000 residents. NeighborhoodScout statistics emphasize the elevated risk of falling victim to property crime in Minneapolis, with a one in 20 chance of experiencing burglary, theft, or motor vehicle theft.
In Conclusion
While Minneapolis is a vibrant and culturally diverse city offering numerous economic opportunities, it also grapples with severe crime and public safety challenges. As evidenced by the data, Minneapolis claims the unfortunate distinction of having the highest crime rate in Minnesota and ranks among the nation’s most perilous cities. The prevalence of violent and property crimes seriously impacts the quality of life and overall well-being of its residents.