| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Northfield/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 180 | n/a (estimate) | 868 | 2,247 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 33.7 | 40.7 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 4.8 | 57.0 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 18 | n/a | 86.8 | 179.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 26 | n/a (estimate) | 125 | 281 | 370 |
| Burglary | 9 | n/a | 43.4 | 214.2 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 140 | n/a | 674.8 | 1,464.8 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 24.1 | 287.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 154 | n/a (estimate) | 742 | 1,967 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Northfield is 62.7% 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 Northfield, there were 26 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 125 per 100,000 individuals, 66.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 154 property crimes, amounting to 742 per 100,000 residents, 62% lower than the U.S. average.
In the most recently reported crime year, Northfield registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
AreaVibes surveyed 10 local residents in Northfield to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 70% of people answered that there was very little crime in Northfield and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 30% 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.
To determine if Northfield is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Northfield has a total crime rate that is 63% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.49 daily crimes (0.07 violent daily crimes and 0.42 daily property crimes) in Northfield.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Northfield. 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 Northfield has decreased by 1.1%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 7.1%, while property crime has decreased by 0%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Northfield.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Northfield crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Northfield has an unemployment rate of 3.7%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Northfield, the cost of living is 0.01% higher than the national average.
Northfield has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 1.24 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
| Item | Northfield | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 25 | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.2 | 1.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Minnesota /100K | National /100K |
| Minnesota | 1,283 | 26 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Kenyon, MN | 1,865 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lonsdale, MN | 4,102 | 41 | 265 | 306 |
| Elko New Market, MN | 4,715 | 20 | 300 | 320 |
| Farmington, MN | 22,996 | 89 | 582 | 671 |
| Lakeville, MN | 65,710 | 77 | 674 | 751 |
| Cannon Falls, MN | 4,053 | 23 | 1,386 | 1,410 |
| Dundas, MN | 1,761 | 57 | 1,713 | 1,770 |
| Northfield, MN | 20,399 | 125 | 742 | 868 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Elko, NV | 20,396 | 465 | 1,926 | 2,391 |
| Forest Lake, MN | 20,393 | 102 | 1,970 | 2,072 |
| Golden, CO | 20,391 | 209 | 4,058 | 4,267 |
| Crest Hill, IL | 20,388 | 262 | 1,065 | 1,327 |
| Bayshore Gardens, FL | 20,380 | 369 | 2,233 | 2,602 |
| Northfield, MN | 20,399 | 125 | 742 | 868 |
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