| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Brainerd/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 323 | n/a (estimate) | 2,210 | 1,863 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 10 | n/a | 68.4 | 36.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 41.1 | 48.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 47 | n/a | 321.6 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 63 | n/a (estimate) | 431 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 27 | n/a | 184.7 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 226 | n/a | 1,546.4 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 7 | n/a | 47.9 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 260 | n/a (estimate) | 1,779 | 1,606 | 1,760 |
The Brainerd crime rates are 4.3% 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 63 violent crimes in Brainerd (431 per 100,000 people), which is 20% higher than the national average and there were a total of 260 property crimes (1779 per 100,000 residents) which is 1.1% higher than average.
The Brainerd crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Brainerd, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.
During the most recently reported crime year, Brainerd 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.
Brainerd maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Brainerd, 1779 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1760 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 local residents think about crime in Brainerd? Well, based on a recent survey of 23 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 57% of Brainerd residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 43% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Brainerd is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Brainerd has a total crime rate that is 4% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.88 daily crimes (0.17 violent daily crimes and 0.71 daily property crimes) in Brainerd.
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 Brainerd 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 Brainerd has decreased by 25.2% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 12.5% and property crime has decreased by 27.8%.
Brainerd has a poverty rate of 18.6, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
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 Brainerd, the cost of living is 8.59% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Brainerd, the average monthly rent stands at $1,062, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Brainerd | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 29 | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 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 |
| Pillager, MN | 392 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cuyuna, MN | 297 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Deerwood, MN | 752 | 173 | 0 | 173 |
| Crosby, MN | 2,881 | 0 | 212 | 212 |
| Lake Shore, MN | 1,002 | 0 | 263 | 263 |
| Nisswa, MN | 1,795 | 0 | 644 | 644 |
| East Gull Lake, MN | 932 | 104 | 649 | 753 |
| Brainerd, MN | 13,746 | 431 | 1,779 | 2,210 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Superior, CO | 13,747 | 181 | 988 | 1,169 |
| Palos Verdes Estates, CA | 13,749 | 24 | 788 | 812 |
| La Grande, OR | 13,742 | 255 | 2,669 | 2,924 |
| Lake Forest Park, WA | 13,735 | 62 | 1,686 | 1,748 |
| Moss Point, MS | 13,734 | 183 | 1,191 | 1,374 |
| Brainerd, MN | 13,746 | 431 | 1,779 | 2,210 |
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