D+
5%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
18%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
3%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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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.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleWillmar/100k peopleMinnesota/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime515n/a (estimate)2,4412,2472,324
Murder0n/a0.03.26.3
Rape17n/a80.640.740.0
Robbery0n/a0.057.066.1
Assault75n/a355.5179.7268.2
Violent crime92n/a (estimate)436281370
Burglary17n/a80.6214.2269.8
Theft365n/a1,730.11,464.81,401.9
Vehicle theft41n/a194.3287.9282.7
Property crime423n/a (estimate)2,0051,9671,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Willmar, MN

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Willmar is 5% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 92 violent crimes reported in Willmar, equivalent to 436 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 17.9%. Additionally, Willmar recorded 423 property crimes, amounting to 2005 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 2.6%.

When evaluating the Willmar crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Willmar crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Willmar reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

Willmar maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Willmar, 2005 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Willmar?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Willmar. Based on the results of the surveys (14 responses), 36% of people felt that there was very little crime in Willmar and felt safe walking alone at night. While 64% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Willmar a Safe Place to Live?

Is Willmar 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, Willmar has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 5%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.41 daily incidents, encompassing 0.25 violent crimes and 1.16 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Willmar as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Willmar Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Willmar has decreased by 9.8%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Willmar, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 18%, while property crime has decreased by 14.2%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Willmar is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Willmar

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Willmar crime rates. The population density in Willmar is 1399 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Willmar, 78.4% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

In Willmar, the cost of living is 3.85% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

Willmar crime map



The Willmar crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Willmar 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 Willmar crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Willmar 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

  • Willmar crime rates are 5% higher than the national average
  • Violent crimes in Willmar are 18% higher than the national average
  • In Willmar you have a 1 in 41 chance of becoming a victim of crime
  • Willmar is safer than 23% of the cities in the United States
  • Year over year crime in Willmar has decreased by 15%

Willmar, MN Crime Quiz

     

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        Daily Crime In Willmar (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Willmar, MN per 100,000 people. In Willmar, the total number of daily crimes is 1.09 times more than the Minnesota average and 1.05 times more than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Willmar is 1.55 times more than the Minnesota average and 1.18 times more than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Willmar has a daily crime rate that is 1.02 times more than the Minnesota average and 1.03 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Willmar (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Willmar in comparison to other Minnesota communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Willmar safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Willmar being safer than 9% of cities in Minnesota and 23% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Minnesota cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Willmar. In conclusion, Willmar ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Willmar

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Willmar is 1 in 230
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Willmar is 1 in 50
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Willmar is 1 in 41
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Willmar? In Willmar, you have a 1 in 230 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 50. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Willmar, MN is 1 in 41.

        Year Over Year Crime In Willmar (per 100,000 people)

        An ideal indicator of whether Willmar is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live can be done by analyzing the year over year crime rates per 100,000 people. Year over year violent crime in Willmar has increased by 11% and the rate of property crime in Willmar has decreased by 19%. The total crime rate in Willmar has decreased by 15% year to year.

        Willmar police department

        Item Willmar Minnesota National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)357,759558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.81.83.3
        There are a total of 35 Willmar police officers. This results in 1.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 1.5% less than the Minnesota average and 45.4% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Minnesota

        State Total offenders Minnesota /100K National /100K
        Minnesota1,28326266
        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
        Atwater, MN1,1410181181
        Spicer, MN1,316105736842
        New London, MN1,249122854976
        Prinsburg, MN5613502,4522,803
        Blomkest, MN1993582,5052,862
        Kandiyohi, MN4213952,7673,162
        Kerkhoven, MN7144022,8173,219
        Willmar, MN19,7284362,0052,441

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        North Bay Shore, NY19,7285302,1262,655
        Saco, ME19,7161431,5141,657
        Niskayuna, NY19,7412801,1231,403
        West Mifflin, PA19,74242329371
        Shafter, CA19,7433942,3472,741
        Willmar, MN19,7284362,0052,441
        Source: The Willmar, 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.