| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Cottage Grove/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 311 | n/a (estimate) | 721 | 1,863 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 16.2 | 36.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 9.3 | 48.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 13.9 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 17 | n/a (estimate) | 39 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 26 | n/a | 60.3 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 251 | n/a | 581.9 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 17 | n/a | 39.4 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 294 | n/a (estimate) | 682 | 1,606 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Cottage Grove crime rate is 66% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Cottage Grove, there were 17 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 39 per 100,000 individuals, 89% lower than the national average. Additionally, Cottage Grove recorded 294 property crimes, amounting to 682 per 100,000 residents, 61.3% lower than the U.S. average.
Cottage Grove proudly maintains an impressively low crime rate, registering at a mere 721, which sharply contrasts with the national average of 2119. This stark contrast firmly positions Cottage Grove as one of the most secure residential destinations throughout the entire United States. The total crime rate takes into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 people, offering an invaluable assessment of the area's safety suitability for living.
Cottage Grove stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 39 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Cottage Grove secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
In the latest reported crime year, Cottage Grove recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Cottage Grove has a property crime rate of 682 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1760. This is a good indicator that Cottage Grove is a safe place to live.
AreaVibes surveyed 7 local residents in Cottage Grove to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 86% of people answered that there was very little crime in Cottage Grove and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 14% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Cottage Grove a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Cottage Grove crime rate is 66% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.85 crimes per day - 0.05 violent crimes and 0.81 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Cottage Grove has decreased by 35.6%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Cottage Grove, 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 decreased by 54.1%, while property crime has decreased by 34.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Cottage Grove is a safe place to live.
Cottage Grove has a population density of 1141.4 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Cottage Grove crime rates.
In Cottage Grove, 91.8% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community 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.
In Cottage Grove, the average rental rates are $2,258 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Cottage Grove | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 45 | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.3 | 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 |
| Lake St. Croix Beach, MN | 1,120 | 41 | 259 | 300 |
| North Hudson, WI | 3,906 | 51 | 281 | 332 |
| Afton, MN | 3,114 | 49 | 306 | 355 |
| Lakeland, MN | 1,779 | 52 | 324 | 376 |
| Farmington, MN | 23,819 | 79 | 333 | 413 |
| Bayport, MN | 3,875 | 27 | 404 | 431 |
| Prescott, WI | 4,364 | 88 | 419 | 507 |
| Cottage Grove, MN | 38,398 | 39 | 682 | 721 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Carpentersville, IL | 38,383 | 111 | 779 | 891 |
| Commack, NY | 38,358 | 164 | 743 | 907 |
| Meridian, MS | 38,491 | 242 | 1,572 | 1,814 |
| Mechanicsville, VA | 38,496 | 232 | 1,668 | 1,899 |
| Braintree Town, MA | 38,517 | 284 | 1,120 | 1,404 |
| Cottage Grove, MN | 38,398 | 39 | 682 | 721 |
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