10 Most Dangerous Cities in Minnesota (2024)
- Bemidji
- Waite Park
- Minneapolis
- St. Paul
- Roseville
- St. Cloud
- Fridley
- West St. Paul
- Brooklyn Park
- Brooklyn Center
1. Bemidji
The most dangerous city in Minnesota is Bemidji. Located in Beltrami County in northern Minnesota, Bemidji has a population of 14,574 people and a crime rate that is 268% above the national average. The area around Bemidji is home to the Red Lake Indian Reservation, the White Earth Reservation, and the Leech Lake Reservation. Each of these areas is vastly underserved, with many residents living well below the poverty line. Violent crimes, theft, drug use, and alcoholism drive most of the crime in Bemidji.
2. Waite Park
Waite Park is another one of the worst cities in Minnesota due to its high crime rate. Waite Park is located west of St. Cloud in Stearns County. The city has a crime rate that is 247% above the national average, with residents having a 1 in 13 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. Property crime is common in Waite Park, with residents having to worry about vehicle and home theft. Violent crimes are less prevalent but still a concern in some areas.
3. Minneapolis
Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota and the county seat of Hennepin County. It's also one of the most dangerous cities in Minnesota. With a population of 429,954, Minneapolis has a crime rate that is 179% above the national average. Violent crime in Minneapolis is a major problem, with shootings, homicides, and robberies being common. Other common types of criminal activity involve theft, burglary, car theft, and gang activity.
4. St. Paul
Directly next to Minneapolis, St. Paul is the fourth worst city in Minnesota for crime. St. Paul has a population of 311,527 and a crime rate that is 133% above the national average. Common types of crime in St. Paul involve car theft, burglary, robbery, and homicide. Gun violence and gang activity are common in some neighborhoods as well.
5. Roseville
Roseville is a suburb of Minneapolis-St. Paul and is located in Ramsey County. With a population of 36,254 Roseville has a crime rate that is 144% above the national average. Roseville’s violent crime rate is actually below the national average, but the city does have a high property crime rate. Car and property theft are the most prevalent types of crime.
6. St. Cloud
St. Cloud is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota’s central region. With a population of 68,881, St. Cloud has a crime rate that is 104% above the national average, making it the sixth most dangerous city in Minnesota. Common types of crime include homicide, shootings, gang activity, and theft. Many residents live below the poverty line, with unemployment being well above the national average.
7. Fridley
Fridley is also one of the worst cities in Minnesota due to its high crime rate. Fridley is located in Anoka County and is a suburb of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The city has a crime rate that is 99% above the national average, with residents having a 1 in 22 chance of falling victim to a crime. Common types of crime include theft, burglary, car theft, and robbery. Not only does Fridley have a high crime rate, but the city has poorly rated schools and an overall high poverty rate.
8. West St. Paul
West St. Paul is a city in Dakota County and part of the greater Twin Cities area. The city’s crime rate is 95% above the national average. That means local residents have a 1 in 23 chance of being the victims of any type of crime. Gang activity has been reported in many parts of the city, with drug trafficking being common. Other types of crime include homicide, robbery, theft, and burglary.
9. Brooklyn Park
Brooklyn Park is another dangerous Minnesota City that has a crime problem. Brooklyn Park is located along the Mississippi River just north of Minneapolis. With a population of 86,478 Brooklyn Park has a crime rate that is 58% above the national average. Residents have an overall 1 in 28 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. Common types of crime include theft, burglary, assault, and robbery.
10. Brooklyn Center
Brooklyn Center is a city located just outside of Minneapolis and St. Paul. With a population of 33,782, Brooklyn Center has a crime rate that is 56% above the national average. Common types of crime include theft, assault, robbery, and burglary. The area has long been plagued by poverty and unemployment, with the average salary being 11% below the national average. Many buildings in Brooklyn Center are run-down and derelict.