Hastings, MN Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Hastings, MN

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Hastings is 35.8% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Hastings, there were 37 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 170 per 100,000 individuals, 54% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 288 property crimes, amounting to 1323 per 100,000 residents, 32.3% lower than the U.S. average.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Hastings reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Hastings?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Hastings residents. Out of the respondents (11 in total), 64% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Hastings were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 36% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Hastings a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Hastings a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Hastings crime rate is 36% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.89 crimes per day - 0.1 violent crimes and 0.79 property crimes.

Has Crime in Hastings Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Hastings. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Hastings has decreased by 7.4%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 68.2%, while property crime has decreased by 12.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Hastings.

Potential Causes for Crime in Hastings

In Hastings, the cost of living is 0.81% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

In Hastings, the median home price stands at $229,900, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

In Hastings, the average rental rates are $972 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Hastings crime map