| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Detroit Lakes/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 171 | n/a (estimate) | 1,715 | 1,863 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 40.1 | 36.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 10.0 | 48.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 12 | n/a | 120.4 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 17 | n/a (estimate) | 171 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 22 | n/a | 220.7 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 128 | n/a | 1,284.0 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 40.1 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 154 | n/a (estimate) | 1,545 | 1,606 | 1,760 |

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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| Item | Detroit Lakes | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 16 | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 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 |
| Frazee, MN | 1,416 | 0 | 154 | 154 |
| Audubon, MN | 573 | 0 | 178 | 178 |
| Perham, MN | 3,589 | 0 | 377 | 377 |
| Lake Park, MN | 648 | 140 | 559 | 698 |
| Vergas, MN | 327 | 260 | 1,625 | 1,885 |
| Callaway, MN | 222 | 0 | 2,186 | 2,186 |
| Detroit Lakes, MN | 9,567 | 171 | 1,545 | 1,715 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Versailles, KY | 9,568 | 69 | 757 | 826 |
| Leisure World, MD | 9,569 | 287 | 1,402 | 1,689 |
| Bethalto, IL | 9,570 | 88 | 789 | 877 |
| Fultondale, AL | 9,570 | 294 | 2,717 | 3,011 |
| Saline, MI | 9,563 | 211 | 1,009 | 1,220 |
| Detroit Lakes, MN | 9,567 | 171 | 1,545 | 1,715 |