| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bemidji/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 856 | n/a (estimate) | 5,400 | 1,863 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 33 | n/a | 208.2 | 36.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 13 | n/a | 82.0 | 48.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 83 | n/a | 523.6 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 129 | n/a (estimate) | 814 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 56 | n/a | 353.2 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 642 | n/a | 4,049.7 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 29 | n/a | 182.9 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 727 | n/a (estimate) | 4,586 | 1,606 | 1,760 |
The Bemidji crime rates are 154.8% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 129 violent crimes in Bemidji (814 per 100,000 people), which is 126.6% higher than the national average and there were a total of 727 property crimes (4586 per 100,000 residents) which is 160.6% higher than average.
With a crime rate of 5400 per 100,000 residents, Bemidji has a crime rate that is 154.79% 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 Bemidji 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.
Bemidji ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 814 per 100,000 people, Bemidji is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 123 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Bemidji, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
Bemidji 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.
Bemidji faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 4586 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Bemidji stands at 1 in 22, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Bemidji. Based on the results of the surveys (69 responses), 28% of people felt that there was very little crime in Bemidji and felt safe walking alone at night. While 72% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Bemidji, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Bemidji presents a total crime rate that is 155% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Bemidji experiences an average of 2.35 daily crimes, comprising 0.35 violent incidents and 1.99 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime rates in Bemidji has decreased by 33.8% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Bemidji is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 50%, while property crime has decreased by 39.7%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Bemidji.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Bemidji crime rates. In Bemidji, the poverty rate stands at 28%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
In Bemidji, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.26 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.
The median home price in Bemidji is $252,522, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
| Item | Bemidji | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 31 | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 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 |
| Turtle River, MN | 87 | 291 | 1,816 | 2,106 |
| Tenstrike, MN | 196 | 299 | 1,866 | 2,165 |
| Solway, MN | 64 | 317 | 1,979 | 2,296 |
| Wilton, MN | 164 | 336 | 2,099 | 2,435 |
| Cass Lake, MN | 922 | 375 | 2,344 | 2,719 |
| Bemidji, MN | 15,682 | 814 | 4,586 | 5,400 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Clarksdale, MS | 15,683 | 274 | 1,777 | 2,051 |
| Mineral Wells, TX | 15,683 | 306 | 2,712 | 3,019 |
| Beech Grove, IN | 15,679 | 279 | 1,653 | 1,932 |
| Great Bend, KS | 15,685 | 315 | 1,556 | 1,872 |
| Groveland, FL | 15,677 | 203 | 1,078 | 1,280 |
| Bemidji, MN | 15,682 | 814 | 4,586 | 5,400 |
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