| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Big Lake/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 61 | n/a (estimate) | 473 | 1,863 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 9 | n/a | 69.7 | 36.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 48.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 8 | n/a | 62.0 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 17 | n/a (estimate) | 132 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 3 | n/a | 23.2 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 38 | n/a | 294.5 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 23.2 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 44 | n/a (estimate) | 341 | 1,606 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Big Lake is 77.7% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Big Lake, there were 17 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 132 per 100,000 individuals, 63.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 44 property crimes, amounting to 341 per 100,000 residents, 80.6% lower than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 473, significantly below the national average of 2119, Big Lake stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
In the most recently reported crime year, Big 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.
Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Big Lake maintains a property crime rate of 341 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Big Lake as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Big Lake residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 9 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 78% of Big Lake 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, 22% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Big Lake 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, Big Lake has an overall crime rate that is 78% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.17 daily occurrences, comprising 0.05 violent crimes and 0.12 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Big Lake as a potential place to establish residency.
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 Big Lake 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 Big Lake has decreased by 1.6% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 240% and property crime has decreased by 22.8%.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Big Lake crime rate. The poverty level in Big Lake is 4.7%, while the national average is 15.1%.
In Big Lake, the cost of living is 5.35% higher 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.
Big Lake has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 0 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
| Item | Big Lake | 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 |
| Becker, MN | 5,061 | 78 | 312 | 390 |
| Dayton, MN | 6,423 | 18 | 417 | 435 |
| Hanover, MN | 3,482 | 62 | 388 | 450 |
| Buffalo, MN | 16,770 | 54 | 421 | 475 |
| Nowthen, MN | 4,863 | 71 | 443 | 513 |
| Ramsey, MN | 27,748 | 62 | 517 | 580 |
| Clearwater, MN | 1,690 | 100 | 626 | 726 |
| Big Lake, MN | 11,468 | 132 | 341 | 473 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lanham, MD | 11,468 | 406 | 1,983 | 2,390 |
| Lincolnton, NC | 11,470 | 361 | 2,124 | 2,484 |
| Forest, VA | 11,470 | 190 | 1,367 | 1,556 |
| Grand Rapids, MN | 11,472 | 88 | 1,032 | 1,121 |
| Summit, IL | 11,472 | 469 | 1,530 | 1,999 |
| Big Lake, MN | 11,468 | 132 | 341 | 473 |
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