| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ely/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 26 | n/a (estimate) | 810 | 1,863 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 36.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 48.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 124.6 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 125 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1 | n/a | 31.1 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 20 | n/a | 622.9 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 31.1 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 22 | n/a (estimate) | 685 | 1,606 | 1,760 |

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Ely is 61.8% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 4 violent crimes reported in Ely, equivalent to 125 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 65.3%. Additionally, Ely recorded 22 property crimes, amounting to 685 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 61.1%.
In the latest reported crime year, Ely 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.
Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Ely has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 685 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1760. Based on this report, Ely remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Ely. Based on the results of the surveys (7 responses), 57% of people felt that there was very little crime in Ely and felt safe walking alone at night. While 43% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Ely a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Ely has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 62%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.07 daily incidents, encompassing 0.01 violent crimes and 0.06 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Ely as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime rates in Ely has decreased by 38.1% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Ely is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 33.3%, while property crime has decreased by 38.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Ely.
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 Ely crime rate. The poverty level in Ely is 15.8%, while the national average is 15.1%.
In Ely, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.3 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
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 Ely, the average monthly rent stands at $740, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Ely | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 8 | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 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 |
| Babbitt, MN | 1,512 | 146 | 73 | 219 |
| Winton, MN | 134 | 383 | 2,394 | 2,778 |
| Ely, MN | 3,447 | 125 | 685 | 810 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Wellsville, OH | 3,447 | 202 | 1,066 | 1,268 |
| La Salle, CO | 3,448 | 88 | 1,008 | 1,096 |
| Flagler Estates, FL | 3,446 | 176 | 938 | 1,115 |
| Cleves, OH | 3,449 | 137 | 721 | 858 |
| Upland, PA | 3,445 | 1,288 | 958 | 2,246 |
| Ely, MN | 3,447 | 125 | 685 | 810 |