| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Forest Lake/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 425 | n/a (estimate) | 2,072 | 2,247 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 34.1 | 40.7 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 14.6 | 57.0 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 11 | n/a | 53.6 | 179.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 21 | n/a (estimate) | 102 | 281 | 370 |
| Burglary | 38 | n/a | 185.3 | 214.2 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 336 | n/a | 1,638.1 | 1,464.8 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 30 | n/a | 146.3 | 287.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 404 | n/a (estimate) | 1,970 | 1,967 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Forest Lake crime rate is 10.9% 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 Forest Lake, there were 21 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 102 per 100,000 individuals, 72.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, Forest Lake recorded 404 property crimes, amounting to 1970 per 100,000 residents, 0.8% higher than the U.S. average.
When assessing the total crime rate in Forest Lake per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Forest Lake, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
Forest Lake has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 102 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Forest Lake ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In the latest reported crime year, Forest Lake 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.
The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Forest Lake is very similar to the national average. Forest Lake had a property crime rate of 1970, while the national average was 1954. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.
Determining whether Forest Lake is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Forest Lake has an overall crime rate that is 11% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.16 daily occurrences, comprising 0.06 violent crimes and 1.11 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Forest Lake as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Forest Lake. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Forest Lake has decreased by 25.8%. Violent crimes have decreased by 19.2%, while property crimes have decreased by 26.1%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
In Forest Lake, the poverty rate currently stands at 5%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Forest Lake crime rates.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Forest Lake is $286,500, compared to a national average of $184,700.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Forest Lake are $1,132, compared to a national average of $949 per month.
| Item | Forest Lake | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 28 | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.5 | 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 |
| Dellwood, MN | 1,295 | 39 | 276 | 316 |
| Grant, MN | 4,106 | 73 | 511 | 584 |
| North Oaks, MN | 5,244 | 73 | 511 | 584 |
| Scandia, MN | 4,135 | 99 | 695 | 794 |
| Osceola, WI | 2,521 | 105 | 702 | 807 |
| Columbus, MN | 4,109 | 113 | 793 | 906 |
| Marine on St. Croix, MN | 671 | 114 | 795 | 908 |
| Forest Lake, MN | 20,393 | 102 | 1,970 | 2,072 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Golden, CO | 20,391 | 209 | 4,058 | 4,267 |
| Elko, NV | 20,396 | 465 | 1,926 | 2,391 |
| Crest Hill, IL | 20,388 | 262 | 1,065 | 1,327 |
| Northfield, MN | 20,399 | 125 | 742 | 868 |
| Bayshore Gardens, FL | 20,380 | 369 | 2,233 | 2,602 |
| Forest Lake, MN | 20,393 | 102 | 1,970 | 2,072 |
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