| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | West St. Paul/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 955 | n/a (estimate) | 4,523 | 2,247 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 14 | n/a | 66.3 | 40.7 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 17 | n/a | 80.5 | 57.0 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 47 | n/a | 222.6 | 179.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 78 | n/a (estimate) | 369 | 281 | 370 |
| Burglary | 68 | n/a | 322.1 | 214.2 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 678 | n/a | 3,211.3 | 1,464.8 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 131 | n/a | 620.5 | 287.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 877 | n/a (estimate) | 4,154 | 1,967 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the West St. Paul crime rate is higher than the national average by 94.6%. Specifically, there were 78 violent crimes in West St. Paul, equivalent to 369 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 0.1%. Furthermore, West St. Paul recorded 877 property crimes, amounting to 4154 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 112.5%.
With a crime rate of 4523 per 100,000 residents, West St. Paul has a crime rate that is 94.62% 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 West 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.
For violent crimes per 100,000 people, West St. Paul has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 369 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.
West St. Paul showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
Every year, one in 25 people fall victim to a property crime in West St. Paul - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 4154 per 100,000 people, West 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.
Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and West St. Paul has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, West St. Paul reported 131 vehicle thefts, which equates to 620 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in West St. Paul is 1 in 162.
What is the prevailing sentiment among West St. Paul residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 33 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 30% of West St. Paul residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 70% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is West St. Paul a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, West St. Paul has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 95%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.62 daily incidents, encompassing 0.21 violent crimes and 2.4 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of West St. Paul as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in West St. Paul crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in West St. Paul has decreased by 36.3% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 27.8% and property crime has decreased by 36.9%.
West St. Paul has a poverty rate that stands at 12.2, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in West St. Paul crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
In West St. Paul, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.61 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in West St. Paul are $1,045, compared to a national average of $949 per month.
| Item | West St. Paul | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 32 | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 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 |
| Dellwood, MN | 1,295 | 39 | 276 | 316 |
| Afton, MN | 3,008 | 44 | 309 | 353 |
| Prescott, WI | 4,278 | 92 | 346 | 438 |
| Bayport, MN | 3,758 | 51 | 409 | 460 |
| Grant, MN | 4,106 | 73 | 511 | 584 |
| North Oaks, MN | 5,244 | 73 | 511 | 584 |
| Rosemount, MN | 24,792 | 47 | 567 | 614 |
| West St. Paul, MN | 19,805 | 369 | 4,154 | 4,523 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Mililani Mauka, HI | 19,808 | 205 | 1,915 | 2,120 |
| Painesville, OH | 19,817 | 374 | 2,270 | 2,644 |
| West Hempstead, NY | 19,787 | 324 | 1,302 | 1,626 |
| Belle Glade, FL | 19,829 | 1,310 | 2,392 | 3,701 |
| Seymour, IN | 19,780 | 107 | 1,760 | 1,868 |
| West St. Paul, MN | 19,805 | 369 | 4,154 | 4,523 |
Here are the best places to live in Minnesota
Top 10 best public schools in West St. Paul
These are the 10 most affordable cities in Minnesota
Top 10 cities in Minnesota with the best education system