| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Atwater/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 0 | n/a (estimate) | 0 | 1,863 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 36.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 48.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 0 | n/a (estimate) | 0 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 0 | n/a (estimate) | 0 | 1,606 | 1,760 |

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 Atwater is 100% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 0 violent crimes reported in Atwater, equivalent to 0 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 100%. Additionally, Atwater recorded 0 property crimes, amounting to 0 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 100%.
In the most recent crime analysis, Atwater shines as an exemplar of safety among American cities. From data collected from over 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies nationwide, Atwater proudly distinguishes itself by belonging to the exclusive category of cities with zero reported crime incidents. This remarkable achievement not only attests to the city's steadfast dedication to safety but also solidifies its standing as one of the safest areas in the United States, where residents can truly enjoy peace of mind.
During the last reported year, Atwater recorded zero incidents of violent crime, a critical indicator of safety within any city. This demonstrates the exceptional safety record in Atwater in terms of violent crime, portraying it as an exceptionally safe city in this regard. Less than 10% of all cities that reported crime had no instances of violent crime.
During the most recently reported crime year, Atwater experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Atwater was one of only a few hundred cities in the U.S. that had no reported property crime. In a nation where property-related offenses are unfortunately commonplace, this achievement elevates this area to a league of its own. Among other things, It signifies that the city's residents have taken ownership of their safety, working together to create an environment where property crimes are virtually non-existent.
The United States contends with some of the world's highest vehicle theft rates, with approximately 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a modest fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to have zero reported instances of stolen vehicles. Atwater stands out as one of these cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report, underscoring its commitment to a secure environment.
Determining whether Atwater is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Atwater has an overall crime rate that is 100% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0 daily occurrences, comprising 0 violent crimes and 0 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Atwater as a potential place to establish residency.
Atwater has a population density of 1145.3 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Atwater crime rates.
In Atwater, 84.9% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, 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 Atwater, the cost of living is 11.46% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| Item | Atwater | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Eden Valley, MN | 1,039 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Spicer, MN | 1,364 | 80 | 497 | 576 |
| New London, MN | 1,275 | 101 | 631 | 732 |
| Litchfield, MN | 6,894 | 246 | 1,075 | 1,321 |
| Willmar, MN | 20,156 | 438 | 1,292 | 1,731 |
| Kandiyohi, MN | 438 | 306 | 1,913 | 2,220 |
| Blomkest, MN | 206 | 338 | 2,113 | 2,451 |
| Atwater, MN | 1,176 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| St. Ansgar, IA | 1,176 | 80 | 429 | 509 |
| Akron, IN | 1,176 | 135 | 595 | 730 |
| Wellsville, MO | 1,176 | 0 | 1,087 | 1,087 |
| East Bank, WV | 1,175 | 104 | 483 | 587 |
| Curtisville, PA | 1,175 | 105 | 615 | 720 |
| Atwater, MN | 1,176 | 0 | 0 | 0 |