Prior Lake, MN Crime Rates: Stats & Map

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21%

Total crime NAT. AVG.

57%

Violent crime NAT. AVG.

14%

Property crime NAT. AVG.

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.

Statistic	Reported_incidents	_{/100k people}	Prior Lake_{/100k people}	Minnesota_{/100k people}	National_{/100k people}
Total crime	525	n/a (estimate)	1,838	2,247	2,324
Murder	0	n/a	0.0	3.2	6.3
Rape	7	n/a	24.5	40.7	40.0
Robbery	4	n/a	14.0	57.0	66.1
Assault	34	n/a	119.1	179.7	268.2
Violent crime	45	n/a (estimate)	158	281	370
Burglary	37	n/a	129.6	214.2	269.8
Theft	427	n/a	1,495.2	1,464.8	1,401.9
Vehicle theft	16	n/a	56.0	287.9	282.7
Property crime	480	n/a (estimate)	1,681	1,967	1,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Prior Lake, MN

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Prior Lake crime rate is 20.9% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Prior Lake, there were 45 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 158 per 100,000 individuals, 57.4% lower than the national average. Additionally, Prior Lake recorded 480 property crimes, amounting to 1681 per 100,000 residents, 14% lower than the U.S. average.

In the most recently reported crime year, Prior Lake 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Prior Lake?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Prior Lake residents. Out of the respondents (8 in total), 88% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Prior Lake were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 13% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Prior Lake a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Prior Lake 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. Prior Lake has a total crime rate that is 21% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.44 daily crimes (0.12 violent daily crimes and 1.32 daily property crimes) in Prior Lake.

Has Crime in Prior Lake Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Prior Lake. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Prior Lake has decreased by 25.6%. Violent crimes have didn't change by 0%, while property crimes have decreased by 27.4%. 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Prior Lake

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Prior Lake, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 1.5%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Prior Lake, the cost of living is 14% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Prior Lake is $328,400, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Prior Lake crime map

The Prior Lake crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Prior Lake as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Prior Lake crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Prior Lake crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.

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Crime Quick Facts

Prior Lake crime rates are 21% lower than the national average
Violent crimes in Prior Lake are 57% lower than the national average
In Prior Lake you have a 1 in 55 chance of becoming a victim of crime
Prior Lake is safer than 53% of the cities in the United States
Year over year crime in Prior Lake has decreased by 28%

Prior Lake, MN Crime Quiz

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Daily Crime In Prior Lake (per 100,000 people)

The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in Prior Lake, per 100,000 residents. In Prior Lake, the total number of daily crimes is 1.22 times less than the Minnesota average and 1.26 times less than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Prior Lake are 1.78 times less than the Minnesota average and 2.35 times less than the national average. For property crime, Prior Lake has a daily crime rate that is 1.17 times less than the Minnesota average and 1.16 times less than the daily national average.

How Safe is Prior Lake (higher is better)

What are the odds that you'll be safer in Prior Lake, Minnesota compared to other areas of Minnesota, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Prior Lake safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Prior Lake is safer than 30% of Minnesota cities, and 53% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Minnesota, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Prior Lake. At this time, Prior Lake sees a above average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Prior Lake

The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Prior Lake is 1 in 635

The chance of being a victim of property crime in Prior Lake is 1 in 60

The chance of being a victim of crime in Prior Lake is 1 in 55

Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in Prior Lake, Minnesota? If you reside in Prior Lake, then there is a 1 in 635 chance that you will experience a violent crime. These types of crimes may include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 60. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 55 risk that you will become a victim of crime in Prior Lake.

Year Over Year Crime In Prior Lake (per 100,000 people)

The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Prior Lake is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Prior Lake has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have decreased by 2% in Prior Lake, while property crimes in Prior Lake have decreased by 29%. Total crime has decreased by 28% year over year.

Prior Lake police department

Item	Prior Lake	Minnesota	National
Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)	26	7,759	558,732
Police officers & civilians /1000 residents	1.1	1.8	3.3

There are a total of 26 Prior Lake police officers. This results in 1.1 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 38.4% less than the Minnesota average and 65.8% less than the National average.

Sex offenders in Minnesota

State	Total offenders	Minnesota_/100K	National_/100K
Minnesota	1,283	26	266

There are a total of 1,283 sex offenders in Minnesota. This yields a total of 26 sex offenders in Minnesota per 100,000 residents which is 90% less than the national average.

Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

City	Population	Violent crime_{/100k people}	Property crime_{/100k people}	Total crime_{/100k people}
Tonka Bay, MN	1,466	39	276	316
Elko New Market, MN	4,715	20	300	320
Excelsior, MN	2,414	44	309	353
Spring Park, MN	2,136	53	374	427
Deephaven, MN	3,904	27	504	531
Jordan, MN	6,289	102	566	668
Farmington, MN	22,996	89	582	671
Prior Lake, MN	26,775	158	1,681	1,838

Cities with similar population

City	Population	Violent crime_{/100k people}	Property crime_{/100k people}	Total crime_{/100k people}
Florence, AZ	26,777	134	373	507
Hutto, TX	26,778	115	637	752
Winona, MN	26,772	166	2,352	2,518
Colleyville, TX	26,766	58	436	494
West Linn, OR	26,764	82	1,073	1,155
Prior Lake, MN	26,775	158	1,681	1,838

Source: The Prior Lake, MN crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.