In the past, we researched the safest cities in Minnesota to live, and we of course couldn’t stop there. We decided to also examine the most dangerous places in Minnesota. We looked at crime rates across the state and found the places with the highest number to bring you the most dangerous cities in Minnesota. This is not to say these still aren’t wonderful places to live or visit. In fact, when the website Neighborhood Scout researched the most dangerous cities in America, only Minneapolis showed up on the list, and it was #78. Without further ado, thanks to Area Vibes, listed below are the 13 most dangerous places in Minnesota, and where you are most likely to be a victim of a crime.

1. Minneapolis
Minneapolis, MN, USA
Flickr/Ron Reiring
With over twice the Minnesota average crime rate, Minneapolis is the most dangerous city in the state.
2. St. Paul
Saint Paul, St Paul, MN, USA
Flickr/Jonathan Miske
Predictably coming in second is St. Paul, the second-largest city in Minnesota. St. Paul is top-rated for everything except crime rates. It has an average of 4,147 crimes reported per 100,000 people compared to the national average of 3,099 crimes per 100,000 people.
3. Virginia
Virginia, MN, USA
Flickr/edkohler
Virginia, a small town, ended up high on the list due to a larger number of less violent property crimes. They do, however, get top ratings for amenities, education, and cost of living. Plus, it's one of the best towns for foodies in Minnesota.
4. Brooklyn Center
Brooklyn Center, MN, USA
wikimedia commons/Tony Webster
Brooklyn Center is one of the highest crime rate cities in Minnesota, causing it to nab the #4 spot on our list. It gets good ratings though for a low cost of living and a stable housing market.
5. Brainerd
Brainerd, MN 56401, USA
Facebook/Brainerd.com
Brainerd has amazing ratings for amenities, cost of living, and education. With that being said, it has more than double the average Minnesota crime rate.
6. West St. Paul
West Saint Paul, West St Paul, MN 55118, USA
Facebook/City of West St. Paul
West St. Paul is #6 for extremely high incidents of theft among other crimes.

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7. Spring Lake Park
Spring Lake Park, MN 55432, USA
Google Maps
Spring Lake Park is a small town with high theft rates. However, its education rankings are top-notch.
8. Duluth
Duluth, MN, USA
Flickr/Sharon Mollerus
Minnesota's fifth-largest city has some of the highest education, amenity, and cost of living rankings, which are paired with high numbers of thefts and assaults. However, don't make the mistake of avoiding Duluth altogether. It's actually one of the best places in the state to enjoy the outdoors.
9. Park Rapids
Park Rapids, MN, USA
Facebook/Visit Park Rapids
Park Rapids is a small town with high rates of burglary and theft. It also has great schools, a low cost of living, and good amenities.
10. Waite Park
Waite Park, MN, USA
Google Maps
Waite Park has three times the Minnesota average of reported thefts, but it also has top ratings for amenities, cost of living, and education, along with a good housing market, and one of the best swimming holes in Minnesota.
11. St. Cloud
St. Cloud, St Cloud, MN, USA
Facebook/City of St. Cloud, MN
St. Cloud is another one of Minnesota's larger cities. With good schools and cheap housing, the only downside is that St. Cloud's crime rates are one-third more than the national average.
12. Bemidji
Bemidji, MN 56601, USA
Facebook/Visit Bemidji
Bemidji, one of our favorite "up north" areas, has a surprising number of thefts but scores high for amenities, cost of living, education, and recreational opportunities thanks to it being the home of Lake Bemidji State Park.
13. Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MN 55744, USA
Facebook/Visit Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is a Minnesota city with good schools and cheap housing, but high rates of property crime keep it on the list at #13.

So, what do you think? Did you know these were the most dangerous cities in Minnesota? Were you surprised by any of the places on this list? If you know of any other dangerous places to avoid in Minnesota, please feel free to share them with us.

The risks facing residents of the Land of 10,000 Lakes don’t end with the most dangerous cities in Minnesota. Need some examples? Check out our list of things in Minnesota that can kill you.

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Most Dangerous Places In Minnesota

Daniella DiRienzo | July 28, 2022

What are the best things about living in Minnesota?

There are so many benefits of living in Minnesota. Listed below are three of the best things about living in the North Star State.

  • Low cost of housing
  • Easy access to outdoor activities
  • Home to the Mall of America, one of the world's best shopping destinations


What are the worst things about living in Minnesota?

In addition to the benefits of living in Minnesota, there are also some drawbacks to putting down roots here. Listed below are a couple of bad things about living in Minnesota you'll want to consider before moving here.

  • Residents must deal with frigid temps and immense snowfall during the winter season.
  • There are numerous mosquitoes during the summers thanks to the state's 10,000 lakes, so you can expect to stock up on lots of mosquito repellent.

 

 

 

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