St. Paul, MN Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in St. Paul, MN

The St. Paul crime rates are 133% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 2127 violent crimes in St. Paul (766 per 100,000 people), which is 107.3% higher than the national average and there were a total of 12900 property crimes (4648 per 100,000 residents) which is 137.8% higher than average.

With a crime rate of 5414 per 100,000 residents, St. Paul has a crime rate that is 132.96% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in St. Paul that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.

With a violent crime rate of 766 crimes per 100,000 residents, St. Paul is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, St. Paul ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 131 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. St. Paul is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 34 murders in St. Paul, which equates to 12 murders per 100,000 people. This results in St. Paul being a very dangerous place to live.

Every year, one in 22 people fall victim to a property crime in St. Paul - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 4648 per 100,000 people, St. Paul has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.

With a total of 3189 vehicle thefts last year, St. Paul has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 1149 per 100,000 people. This lands St. Paul in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 88.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in St. Paul?

AreaVibes surveyed 139 local residents in St. Paul to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 22% of people answered that there was very little crime in St. Paul and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 78% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is St. Paul a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is St. Paul 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 St. Paul crime rate is 133% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 41.17 crimes per day - 5.83 violent crimes and 35.34 property crimes.

Has Crime in St. Paul Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in St. Paul. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in St. Paul has increased by 0.8%. Violent crimes have decreased by 12%, while property crimes have increased by 3.3%. 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.

St. Paul Neighborhood Crime Rates

The St. Paul region comprises an array of over 17 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in St. Paul are exemplars such as Macalester-Groveland, Summit Hill and Highland, whereas Thomas Dale, Downtown and Dayton's Bluff grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in St. Paul

St. Paul has a population density of 5885.4 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower St. Paul crime rates.

In St. Paul, the cost of living is 0.98% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. St. Paul has a median home price of $217,100, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

St. Paul crime map