| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Forest Lake/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 330 | n/a (estimate) | 1,596 | 1,863 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 19.3 | 36.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 4.8 | 48.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 20 | n/a | 96.7 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 25 | n/a (estimate) | 121 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 32 | n/a | 154.7 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 251 | n/a | 1,213.7 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 22 | n/a | 106.4 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 305 | n/a (estimate) | 1,475 | 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 Forest Lake is 24.7% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 25 violent crimes reported in Forest Lake, equivalent to 121 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 66.3%. Additionally, Forest Lake recorded 305 property crimes, amounting to 1475 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 16.2%.
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.
To determine if Forest Lake is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Forest Lake has a total crime rate that is 25% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.9 daily crimes (0.07 violent daily crimes and 0.84 daily property crimes) in Forest Lake.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Forest Lake has decreased by 42.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Forest Lake, 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 3.9%, while property crime has decreased by 44.2%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Forest Lake is a safe place to live.
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 Forest Lake, the cost of living is 13.15% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Forest Lake, there are 1.49 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Forest Lake has a median home price of $519,243, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| 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 | 1,339 | 36 | 225 | 261 |
| Grant, MN | 4,234 | 67 | 417 | 484 |
| Scandia, MN | 4,288 | 67 | 417 | 484 |
| Isanti, MN | 6,216 | 80 | 491 | 570 |
| Osceola, WI | 2,620 | 117 | 487 | 605 |
| North Oaks, MN | 5,400 | 84 | 522 | 606 |
| Wyoming, MN | 8,226 | 61 | 565 | 626 |
| Forest Lake, MN | 21,199 | 121 | 1,475 | 1,596 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Grayslake, IL | 21,187 | 66 | 641 | 707 |
| Palisades Park, NJ | 21,216 | 24 | 689 | 713 |
| North Salt Lake, UT | 21,178 | 38 | 991 | 1,029 |
| Lockport, NY | 21,177 | 572 | 2,588 | 3,160 |
| Universal City, TX | 21,174 | 258 | 2,102 | 2,361 |
| Forest Lake, MN | 21,199 | 121 | 1,475 | 1,596 |
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