Top 10 Safest Cities in Minnesota 2025: Best Towns and Places to Live Safely

Whenever you are looking to reside in a US state, it’s obvious to consider the safety index for a peaceful life. Minnesota generally enjoys crime rates below the national average and is known for its “Minnesota nice” culture. In fact, recent data show that violent crime fell by ~7% and property crime by 13% statewide.

However, crime still varies by city. That’s why this guide will let you explore the safest cities in Minnesota. We’ll extract official statistics and share resident insights to help you make informed living decisions. Plus, you will get practical safety tips to enhance your personal safety against any misfortune.

How We Ranked the Safest Cities in Minnesota?

To identify the safest cities in Minnesota, we relied exclusively on the most recent and authentic official crime data. Violent crime rates were gathered primarily from the FBI Crime Data Explorer, which provides uniform reporting across Minnesota’s cities.

Where FBI data for 2024-2025 was not yet published, we supplemented with credible resources such as Numbeo and official Minnesota public safety dashboards and local police department reports.

What is the Safest City in Minnesota?

The safest city in Minnesota is Montevideo (population ~5,247). According to NeighborhoodScout, this city recorded virtually no violent crimes and negligible property crimes in the most recent year. Montevideo’s violent crime rate was effectively 0.0 per 1,000 residents in 2023.

In practical terms, its AreaVibes livability grade is an A+ for crime and safety that makes it much safer than the national average. Residents here enjoy an affordable cost of living and a tight-knit community which is perfect for a low-crime environment.

Top 10 Safest Cities in Minnesota For Living

The table below shows the safest places to live in Minnesota, with each city’s rank and recent violent crime rate:

Each of these cities combines low crime statistics with features that residents value. Below, we describe what makes each of the safest towns in Minnesota stand out beyond the numbers:

1. Montevideo

This small city in southwestern Minnesota boasts scenic river views and a strong community spirit. Its population density is low with only about 5,200 residents. Factors like community events, neighborhood watch programs, and proactive policing likely contribute. Montevideo also has very affordable housing, which may alleviate economic stress and help keep crime down.

2. West Hennepin

This district in Hennepin County covers semi-rural areas around Maple Plain and Minnetrista. It has roughly the same population as Montevideo (~5,245) but is closer to the Twin Cities. West Hennepin’s landscape and its low-density character contribute to safety. The vast open spaces and attentive local police patrols mean residents feel secure.

3. Corcoran

A small city northwest of the Twin Cities metro, Corcoran has just over 8,000 people. It’s known for preserving green space and a rural-suburban mix. Community efforts and growing family neighborhoods have kept crime low even as the city has expanded. Residents often cite Corcoran’s ample parks and good schools as part of its family-friendly, safe atmosphere.

4. South Lake Minnetonka

This semi-rural area around the lake of the same name is one of Minnesota’s most affluent neighborhoods. With about 12,150 residents, it reports extremely low crime. Locals enjoy a blend of lakeside recreation, and incidents of violence are extremely rare. The area’s high median income and funding for public safety also contribute to keeping crime minimal.

5. La Crescent

A charming town on the Mississippi River in southeast Minnesota, La Crescent (pop ~5,346) is known as the “Apple Capital” of Minnesota. La Crescent’s economy is stable and community-oriented, being a close-knit small city. Its historic downtown and riverfront parks attract families and tourists alike, but crime remains extremely low.

6. Lonsdale

South of Minneapolis, Lonsdale is a small city (pop ~5,012) known for its friendly vibe and community events. It’s one of the fastest-rising names in safety rankings. Residents attribute this to high civic engagement because the city regularly organizes block parties and has active youth programs.

7. Hibbing

An Iron Range city of nearly 16,000 people, Hibbing might surprise some as a safety leader. Like Montevideo, Hibbing reported zero violent crimes in the latest data. Mining towns like Hibbing often have strong union and community networks. Hibbing’s economy is historically based on mining and provides stable jobs.

8. Big Lake

Located about 40 miles northwest of Minneapolis, Big Lake (pop ~12,749) has grown as a commuter suburb. The city expanded rapidly in the 2010s and blends a small-town feel with convenient highway access. Its safety comes from vigilant policing and an engaged citizenry. Local neighborhoods in Big Lake also report feeling safer than urban core areas.

9. New Ulm

A historic city in southern Minnesota (pop ~13,991) with strong German heritage, New Ulm offers cultural attractions and a family-oriented atmosphere. It’s fairly large compared to other top ten, but its violent crime rate is still negligible. New Ulm’s strong economy and active downtown contribute to safety.

10. Minnetrista

An upscale suburban city west of Minneapolis (pop ~10,992), Minnetrista features large homes and many parks. Minnetrista’s wealth and spacious lots naturally lower crime opportunities. The city is also home to several corporate headquarters and thriving neighborhoods. In general, it stands out for its combination of natural beauty and strong public safety services.

Resident and Traveler Insights on Safety

What do people on the ground say? Numbeo rates many Minnesota communities as fairly safe. For example, Minneapolis has a “Safety Index” in the mid-40s (rated moderate safety), while small towns like Montevideo often score in the 60s or 70s (high safety). In addition to raw crime data, 83% of Minnesotans report that “their community is mostly or always safe”.

This high percentage reflects local confidence: in surveys, the vast majority say fear of crime rarely limits their activities. Reddit threads about Minnesota cities frequently highlight that suburban areas like Edina, Plymouth, and Minnetonka feel very safe, especially for families. Travelers note that even in Minneapolis/St. Paul, neighborhoods are generally walkable and secure compared to many other big cities in the U.S.

Cost of living also factors in. Data show that smaller safe towns often have lower housing costs. For instance, Montevideo’s median home price is around $100,600 (about 47% below the state average). Numbeo and AreaVibes both give Montevideo an “A+” for affordability and safety. This means newcomers can enjoy safety without breaking the bank.

Why These Cities Rank High in Safety

Several factors explain why the above towns consistently score as the safest places to live in Minnesota.

1. Population Size and Density

You notice that the safest cities here are typically smaller or suburban communities. There are simply fewer opportunities for crime to occur with fewer people and lower density. In contrast, urban centers like Minneapolis face challenges tied to higher density and greater economic inequality. Many of Minnesota’s safest towns have populations under 15,000.

2. Community Engagement

Strong civic pride and community involvement are key drivers of safety. Minnesota’s “Minnesota nice” ethos means neighbors are more likely to look out for one another. Initiatives such as neighborhood watch programs and high rates of volunteerism create communities that discourage criminal behavior.

3. Law Enforcement Presence

Smaller cities often maintain dedicated local police departments with enough officers per capita. This approach ensures consistent visibility and responsiveness throughout. In suburban areas, proactive measures like stricter oversight of loitering and community policing further reduce opportunities for crime.

4. Socioeconomic Stability

Economic well-being plays a significant role in keeping communities safe. Cities with steady employment opportunities and affordable housing tend to experience lower crime rates. In Minnesota’s safest cities, unemployment is low and incomes are typically above the state median. Plus the quality-of-life indicators like child well-being and education rank highly.

How to Stay Safe in Minnesota

No matter where you are staying, sensible precautions can always enhance safety. Here are six practical tips residents and travelers can try to maximize security:

1. Stay informed and connected

Keep up with local news and weather alerts so you’re aware of any safety advisories. Many cities have community apps or social media groups for public safety announcements. Sign up for emergency alerts so you’ll know if something happens nearby.

2. Secure your home and belongings

Simple steps like locking doors and windows, installing motion-sensor lights, and using deadbolts can greatly reduce risk. When traveling, use hotel safes or lock luggage. Don’t advertise valuables because property crimes can happen opportunistically even in safe towns.

3. Be aware of your surroundings

Stay alert to unusual activity, even if you are walking or driving. Stick to well-lit streets at night and travel in groups when possible. In winter, clear pathways and steps of ice to avoid accidents. Minnesota’s biggest safety hazard is icy weather, not crime.

4. Build community ties

Get to know your neighbors and participate in local events. Communities where people look out for each other naturally deter crime. Sharing contact information with neighbors or a neighborhood watch can be an effective way to improve local security.

5. Use privacy-focused security technology

Consider installing a home security system or smart cameras that emphasize privacy and local control. For example, you can try the following technologies to keep your safety game one step ahead:

• Eufy ExpertSecure System E10

The Eufy ExpertSecure System E10 is designed as a professional-grade 24/7 local video alarm solution with live expert monitoring. Unlike traditional systems that depend on cloud storage, the ExpertSecure E10 relies on LocalSecure technology with storage up to 16 TB. It combines AI-powered detection with immediate expert response, ensuring threats are verified quickly.

• Eufy Security Cameras

Eufy’s line of security cameras is optimized for users who want flexibility and smart features in one package. These cameras emphasize local storage and military-grade encryption to let video stay secure without being uploaded to third-party servers. With options for indoor, outdoor, and wireless setups, they feature AI motion detection, night vision, two-way audio, and seamless integration with mobile apps for remote access.

6. Practice general safety habits

Always let someone know your plans when traveling and carry a phone. Follow local laws like speed limits and no trespassing. Familiarize yourself with emergency numbers and local resources like non-emergency police numbers.

Conclusion

Minnesota offers many safe communities for families and travelers. The safest cities in Minnesota tend to be suburban, with tight-knit populations and proactive local governments. Our analysis shows places like Montevideo and Hibbing reporting extremely low crime rates. Residents’ sentiments and surveys mirror this because the majority of Minnesotans feel their neighborhoods are safe.

By using up-to-date data and on-the-ground insights, we can identify the safest towns and what makes them so secure. In Minnesota, the combination of friendly communities, vigilant law enforcement, and thoughtful planning make for some of the safest places to live in Minnesota.

FAQs

What is the best city to live in Minnesota?

Eden Prairie appears as the top city to live in Minnesota due to its quality of life ranking. Eden Prairie scores highly on jobs, schools, parks, and has very low crime. Still, the “best” city depends on your priorities and certain living choices.

Where does Minnesota rank in the crime rate?

Minnesota ranks 32nd in the violent crime rate. According to USAFacts, the state has a violent crime rate of 257 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,606 per 100,000, both below U.S. averages.

Which city has the least amount of crime?

Montevideo has the least amount of crime because it had no recorded violent or property crimes in the latest reporting period. This gives Montevideo the lowest absolute crime count of any city in Minnesota.

What is the safest city in the United States?

South Burlington and Vermont are often cited as the safest in the U.S. These places report negligible violent and property crimes. Other sources sometimes highlight towns like Ridgefield, CT, or Campton Hills.