B+
19%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
53%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
12%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleDetroit Lakes/100k peopleMinnesota/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime171n/a (estimate)1,7151,8632,119
Murder0n/a0.02.95.0
Rape4n/a40.136.837.5
Robbery1n/a10.048.960.6
Assault12n/a120.4168.0256.1
Violent crime17n/a (estimate)171257359
Burglary22n/a220.7184.7229.2
Theft128n/a1,284.01,208.51,272.1
Vehicle theft4n/a40.1213.1258.8
Property crime154n/a (estimate)1,5451,6061,760

Detroit Lakes crime map

Get this widget

The Detroit Lakes crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Detroit Lakes as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Detroit Lakes crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Detroit Lakes crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
Get Crime Data Within A 1-Mile Radius! Local Insights Report
  • View detailed crime data near your address
  • Use local crime insights to avoid risky areas
  • Get hyperlocal crime stats, not city averages
* Crime data not available for every address.
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Crime Rates in Detroit Lakes, MN

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Detroit Lakes crime rate is 19.1% 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 Detroit Lakes, there were 17 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 171 per 100,000 individuals, 52.5% lower than the national average. Additionally, Detroit Lakes recorded 154 property crimes, amounting to 1545 per 100,000 residents, 12.2% lower than the U.S. average.

During the most recently reported crime year, Detroit Lakes 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.

Detroit Lakes has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 1545 property crimes in Detroit Lakes, while the national average was 1760 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Detroit Lakes?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Detroit Lakes residents. Out of the respondents (7 in total), 57% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Detroit Lakes were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 43% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Detroit Lakes a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Detroit Lakes, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Detroit Lakes presents a total crime rate that is 19% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Detroit Lakes experiences an average of 0.47 daily crimes, comprising 0.05 violent incidents and 0.42 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Detroit Lakes Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Detroit Lakes has decreased by 40.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Detroit Lakes, 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 34.6%, while property crime has decreased by 40.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Detroit Lakes is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Detroit Lakes

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 Detroit Lakes crime rate. The poverty level in Detroit Lakes is 11.8%, while the national average is 15.1%.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Detroit Lakes, the cost of living is 0.21% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Detroit Lakes, the average rental rates are $1,151 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.

Compare Detroit Lakes, MN Crime

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      Compare Neighborhoods & Addresses Local Insights Report

      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.

      Local Insights Report

      Crime Quick Facts

      • Detroit Lakes crime rates are 19% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Detroit Lakes are 53% lower than the national average
      • In Detroit Lakes you have a 1 in 59 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Detroit Lakes is safer than 46% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Detroit Lakes has decreased by 9%

      Detroit Lakes, MN Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Detroit Lakes

        See all the best places to live around Detroit Lakes
        How would you rate the amount of crime in Detroit Lakes?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Detroit Lakes?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        See all Detroit Lakes poll results

        Daily Crime In Detroit Lakes (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Detroit Lakes on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of Minnesota and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Detroit Lakes (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to Minnesota, are 1.09 times less than the state average and 1.24 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Detroit Lakes on a daily basis are 1.50 times less than than Minnesota average and 2.11 times less than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Detroit Lakes are 1.04 times less than the daily state average and 1.14 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Detroit Lakes (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota compared to other areas of Minnesota, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Detroit Lakes safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Detroit Lakes is safer than 26% of Minnesota cities, and 46% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Minnesota, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Detroit Lakes. At this time, Detroit Lakes sees a below average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Detroit Lakes

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Detroit Lakes is 1 in 587
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Detroit Lakes is 1 in 65
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Detroit Lakes is 1 in 59
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Detroit Lakes? In Detroit Lakes, MN you have a 1 in 587 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 65 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 59 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Detroit Lakes.

        Year Over Year Crime In Detroit Lakes (per 100,000 people)

        An analysis of year to year crime rates in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota (per 100,000 people) is a useful indicator of whether the area is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live. The amount of violent crime in Detroit Lakes has decreased by 22%, the amount of property crime in Detroit Lakes has decreased by 7%, and the total amount of crime in Detroit Lakes has decreased by 9% year over year.

        Detroit Lakes police department

        Item Detroit Lakes Minnesota National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)167,759558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.81.83.3
        There are a total of 16 Detroit Lakes police officers. This results in 1.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 2.1% greater than the Minnesota average and 43.4% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Minnesota

        State Total offenders Minnesota /100K National /100K
        Minnesota1,28326266
        There are a total of 1,283 sex offenders in Minnesota. This yields a total of 26 sex offenders in Minnesota per 100,000 residents which is 90% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Frazee, MN1,4160154154
        Audubon, MN5730178178
        Perham, MN3,5890377377
        Lake Park, MN648140559698
        Vergas, MN3272601,6251,885
        Callaway, MN22202,1862,186
        Detroit Lakes, MN9,5671711,5451,715

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Versailles, KY9,56869757826
        Leisure World, MD9,5692871,4021,689
        Bethalto, IL9,57088789877
        Fultondale, AL9,5702942,7173,011
        Saline, MI9,5632111,0091,220
        Detroit Lakes, MN9,5671711,5451,715
        Source: The Detroit Lakes, MN crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.