A-
11%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
72%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
1%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleForest Lake/100k peopleMinnesota/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime425n/a (estimate)2,0722,2472,324
Murder0n/a0.03.26.3
Rape7n/a34.140.740.0
Robbery3n/a14.657.066.1
Assault11n/a53.6179.7268.2
Violent crime21n/a (estimate)102281370
Burglary38n/a185.3214.2269.8
Theft336n/a1,638.11,464.81,401.9
Vehicle theft30n/a146.3287.9282.7
Property crime404n/a (estimate)1,9701,9671,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Forest Lake, MN

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Forest Lake crime rate is 10.9% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Forest Lake, there were 21 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 102 per 100,000 individuals, 72.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, Forest Lake recorded 404 property crimes, amounting to 1970 per 100,000 residents, 0.8% higher than the U.S. average.

When assessing the total crime rate in Forest Lake per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Forest Lake, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

Forest Lake has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 102 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Forest Lake ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

In the latest reported crime year, Forest Lake recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Forest Lake is very similar to the national average. Forest Lake had a property crime rate of 1970, while the national average was 1954. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.

Is Forest Lake a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Forest Lake is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Forest Lake has an overall crime rate that is 11% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.16 daily occurrences, comprising 0.06 violent crimes and 1.11 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Forest Lake as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Forest Lake Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Forest Lake. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Forest Lake has decreased by 25.8%. Violent crimes have decreased by 19.2%, while property crimes have decreased by 26.1%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Forest Lake

In Forest Lake, the poverty rate currently stands at 5%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Forest Lake crime rates.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Forest Lake is $286,500, compared to a national average of $184,700.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Forest Lake are $1,132, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Forest Lake crime map



The Forest Lake crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Forest Lake as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Forest Lake crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Forest Lake crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Forest Lake, MN Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Forest Lake crime rates are 11% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Forest Lake are 72% lower than the national average
      • In Forest Lake you have a 1 in 49 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Forest Lake is safer than 57% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Forest Lake has decreased by 22%

      Forest Lake, MN Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Forest Lake (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Forest Lake, MN per 100,000 people. In Forest Lake, the total number of daily crimes is 1.08 times less than the Minnesota average and 1.12 times less than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Forest Lake is 2.74 times less than the Minnesota average and 3.61 times less than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Forest Lake has a daily crime rate that is 1.00 times more than the Minnesota average and 1.01 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Forest Lake (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Forest Lake in comparison to other Minnesota communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Forest Lake safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Forest Lake being safer than 35% of cities in Minnesota and 57% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Minnesota cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Forest Lake. In conclusion, Forest Lake ranks above average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Forest Lake

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Forest Lake is 1 in 977
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Forest Lake is 1 in 51
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Forest Lake is 1 in 49
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Forest Lake, Minnesota you have a 1 in 977 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 51 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 49 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Forest Lake.

        Year Over Year Crime In Forest Lake (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Forest Lake, MN is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Forest Lake has decreased by 15%, while the property crime rate in Forest Lake has decreased by 22% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Forest Lake has decreased by 22% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Forest Lake police department

        Item Forest Lake Minnesota National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)287,759558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.51.83.3
        There are a total of 28 Forest Lake police officers. This results in 1.5 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 17.1% less than the Minnesota average and 54% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Minnesota

        State Total offenders Minnesota /100K National /100K
        Minnesota1,28326266
        There are a total of 1,283 sex offenders in Minnesota. This yields a total of 26 sex offenders in Minnesota per 100,000 residents which is 90% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Dellwood, MN1,29539276316
        Grant, MN4,10673511584
        North Oaks, MN5,24473511584
        Scandia, MN4,13599695794
        Osceola, WI2,521105702807
        Columbus, MN4,109113793906
        Marine on St. Croix, MN671114795908
        Forest Lake, MN20,3931021,9702,072

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Golden, CO20,3912094,0584,267
        Elko, NV20,3964651,9262,391
        Crest Hill, IL20,3882621,0651,327
        Northfield, MN20,399125742868
        Bayshore Gardens, FL20,3803692,2332,602
        Forest Lake, MN20,3931021,9702,072
        Source: The Forest Lake, MN crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.