Minneapolis Crime Rate: How Safe Is the City for Everyone?

Minneapolis often sparks curiosity — and concern — when people talk about safety. The Minneapolis crime rate has been a topic of debate for years, with some seeing a vibrant, walkable city full of culture and charm, while others point to the numbers that tell a tougher story. So, how safe is the City of Lakes really? Let's break it down.

Minneapolis Safety Overview

When we talk about safety, the numbers offer a good place to start. Recent data from NeighborhoodScout paints a clear picture of where Minneapolis crime rates stand compared to other U.S. cities.

Minneapolis Annual Crimes

With a crime rate of about 65 per 1,000 residents, Minneapolis ranks among the highest in the country. To put it simply, your odds of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime are about 1 in 15. More than 99% of other Minnesota communities report lower crime levels.

Minneapolis Violent Crimes

Violent crimes — including assault, robbery, and homicide — are a major contributor to the city's overall rate. The odds of being a victim of a violent crime are 1 in 86, which places Minneapolis among the most violent large cities in America. The murder rate, though numerically low, is high compared with most U.S. cities its size.

Minneapolis Property Crimes

Property crime drives most of the numbers. The odds of becoming a victim are 1 in 19, largely because of theft and car-related offenses. Minneapolis ranks among the worst cities in the nation for motor vehicle theft, with roughly one in every 54 residents experiencing their car being stolen.

Taken together, the statistics show that while crime isn't evenly spread across the city, Minneapolis faces serious challenges. If you're wondering “how safe is Minneapolis?”, the answer depends a lot on where you live and how aware you are of your surroundings.

Living Safely in Minneapolis

Safety in Minneapolis is about more than numbers — it's about how people feel walking home, raising families, or catching the bus after dark.

Locals often describe Minneapolis as a city of contrasts. On one hand, it's friendly, lively, and easy to explore. It even ranks as the 5th most walkable city in the U.S., with a Walk Score of 71. Neighborhoods like Lyn Lake, Uptown, and Lowry Hill East are known for their accessibility and vibrant street life.

On the other hand, crime — especially property crime — remains a headache for residents. Car break-ins, bike thefts, and vandalism can make daily life stressful in certain areas. Yet, not every neighborhood carries the same risks.

Safer Neighborhoods

Some of the safest and most community-oriented parts of the city include Linden Hills, Nokomis, Longfellow, and Southwest Minneapolis (Fulton, Lynnhurst, and East Harriet). These neighborhoods are known for family-friendly parks, strong community ties, and well-lit streets.

Areas of Concern

In contrast, North Minneapolis, Phillips, and parts of Central tend to report more violent incidents. While not every block is unsafe, these areas experience higher crime density, and residents often emphasize the need for stronger safety measures and community awareness.

Still, many locals will tell you: “It's not just about where you live — it's how you live.” That means being smart, staying alert, and building connections with your neighbors.

Visiting Minneapolis Safely

Every big city has its good and not-so-good areas, and Minneapolis is no different. So, is Minneapolis safe? Generally, yes — if you use common sense and stay aware.

Tourism in Minneapolis is booming. In 2024, the city hosted nearly 720,000 visitors through 760 major events. By mid-2025, over 2.2 million tourists had visited Minnesota, with more than half arriving by air. Downtown restaurants, theaters, and shops are thriving, especially during big events like the Twin Cities Marathon, Oktoberfest, and the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.

Tourists should stick to busy areas, keep their belongings close, and avoid wandering off into quieter streets late at night. Like in any major U.S. city, situational awareness goes a long way. Most visitors explore Minneapolis safely — and leave impressed by its arts scene, skyline views, and lakeside charm.

Campus Safety in Minneapolis

The University of Minnesota sits right in the city's core, so safety on campus is an ongoing conversation. Crime around campus has seen some increases in recent years, prompting the university to step up patrols and safety programs.

Students can contact the University of Minnesota Public Safety at 505 Washington Ave SE or call 612-624-2677 anytime they feel unsafe. Campus security also offers escort services and safety alerts to help students stay informed.

While the surrounding area occasionally experiences thefts or assaults, most students say they feel safe when they stay alert, walk in groups at night, and use on-campus safety resources. Awareness and community involvement make a big difference here.

How to Stay Safe in Minneapolis

Social media may be full of mixed opinions about the Minneapolis MN crime rate, but most practical safety advice comes down to a few simple habits.

• Stick to busy, well-lit areas when out at night — especially in Downtown West. Avoid Nicollet Avenue south of Grant after dark.
• If you're out late enjoying rooftop bars or breweries in the North Loop or near Loring Park, use a rideshare instead of walking long distances.
• For dining, locals love spots like Lotus on LaSalle and Gai Noi near Loring Park — lively areas where foot traffic and lighting improve safety.
• If you live in Minneapolis, sign up for neighborhood alerts and block clubs. They're one of the best ways to stay informed about local incidents.
• Avoid 5th & Hennepin late at night and 1st Ave after bars close — these areas can get rowdy.
• Keep valuables out of sight in vehicles, use steering-wheel locks, and park in secure or well-lit lots.
• Add simple home safety measures such as installing security cameras, a video doorbell, motion-activated lights, and strong deadbolts. These are inexpensive ways to deter theft and increase personal security.

Small choices make a big impact. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, being alert and informed is the best way to stay safe.

Our Recommended Home Security Products  

If you want to strengthen your home security in Minneapolis, here are a few categories of tools worth considering, followed by specific product recommendations within each category.

Security Cameras

For keeping an eye on your property and capturing clear footage day or night, these security cameras offer strong performance:

• The eufyCam S4blends a wide 4K perspective with a flexible PTZ lens, giving you both context and detail without much effort. With balanced motion detection and a low-maintenance, solar-ready setup, it's designed to simply fit into daily life while helping keep you safe.
• The eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 Max system uses a 4K wide-angle lens and a PTZ camera that auto-tracks subjects and hands off seamlessly between cameras. With local AI analysis, keyword search, PoE setup, and weatherproof design, it keeps monitoring simple, reliable, and continuous
• The eufy Indoor Cam S350is a flexible indoor surveillance camera featuring a 4K wide-angle lens and a 2K telephoto lens for sharp detail and 8× hybrid zoom. With 360° coverage and clear night vision, it's great for keeping the home safe.

Video Doorbells

To see who's at your door and enhance entryway security, consider eufy video doorbells, such as:

• The eufy Video Doorbell E340uses dual cameras to show both visitors and the area at your feet, with 2K clarity and color night vision. Flexible battery or wired setup, smart chime compatibility, and clear nighttime views make doorstep monitoring simple and reliable.
• The eufy wired Video Doorbell S330uses dual cameras to eliminate blind spots and show your entire doorstep. With 2K HDR clarity and 3-second preview videos, it's easy to see how visitors arrived. All recordings are stored locally, with no subscription required.

If you prefer a single, unified solution, the eufy ExpertSecure System delivers a full home-security package packed with pro-level monitoring and dependable, whole-home protection.

Conclusion

The Minneapolis crime rate tells part of the story — but not all of it. While crime remains higher here than in most American cities, Minneapolis is still full of vibrant neighborhoods, resilient communities, and people who care deeply about where they live. By staying aware, building community trust, and following smart safety habits, anyone can enjoy the city's energy and spirit while staying safe.

FAQs

What are the odds of becoming a crime victim in Minneapolis?

In Minneapolis, you face approximately a 1 in 86 chance of being the victim of a violent crime and a 1 in 19 chance for property crime. This high likelihood reflects the combined rate of around 65 crimes per 1,000 residents—placing the city among the higher-risk communities nationwide.

Does gun violence and serious crime contribute heavily to the city's crime index?

Yes. The violent crime rate in Minneapolis is 11.63 per 1,000 residents, significantly above the national median. Included in that are murders, assaults with deadly weapons, robberies and rape. The city's rank for homicide rates is among the higher ones when compared to cities of all sizes.

Are some neighbourhoods in Minneapolis safer than others?

Absolutely. While the overall numbers show raised risk, local variation is strong. Neighborhoods such as Linden Hills, Southwest Minneapolis (Fulton, Lynnhurst, East Harriet) and parts of Uptown and Northeast are noted for being more family-friendly and lower risk. By contrast, areas like North Minneapolis, Phillips and sections of Central see higher concentration of incidents—so awareness of location does matter.