| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Hastings/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 246 | n/a (estimate) | 1,113 | 1,863 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 11 | n/a | 49.7 | 36.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 9.0 | 48.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 12 | n/a | 54.3 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 25 | n/a (estimate) | 113 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 20 | n/a | 90.4 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 192 | n/a | 868.3 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 9 | n/a | 40.7 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 221 | n/a (estimate) | 999 | 1,606 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Hastings is 47.5% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Hastings, there were 25 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 113 per 100,000 individuals, 68.5% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 221 property crimes, amounting to 999 per 100,000 residents, 43.2% lower than the U.S. average.
Hastings distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 113 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Hastings among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In the latest reported crime year, Hastings 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.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Hastings residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 11 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 64% of Hastings residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 36% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Hastings, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Hastings presents a total crime rate that is 48% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Hastings experiences an average of 0.67 daily crimes, comprising 0.07 violent incidents and 0.61 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime rates in Hastings has decreased by 29.9% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Hastings 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 increased by 13.6%, while property crime has decreased by 32.8%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Hastings.
In Hastings, 89.3% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Hastings, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.42, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
Hastings has an average rental rate of $1,446 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | Hastings | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 32 | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.4 | 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 |
| Lake St. Croix Beach, MN | 1,120 | 41 | 259 | 300 |
| Afton, MN | 3,114 | 49 | 306 | 355 |
| Prescott, WI | 4,364 | 88 | 419 | 507 |
| Rosemount, MN | 25,406 | 57 | 500 | 556 |
| Cottage Grove, MN | 38,398 | 39 | 682 | 721 |
| Sunfish Lake, MN | 540 | 104 | 649 | 753 |
| Lilydale, MN | 926 | 104 | 649 | 753 |
| Hastings, MN | 23,352 | 113 | 999 | 1,113 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Mandan, ND | 23,353 | 287 | 2,582 | 2,869 |
| Griffin, GA | 23,351 | 965 | 3,321 | 4,287 |
| Allison Park, PA | 23,344 | 125 | 728 | 853 |
| Jasmine Estates, FL | 23,361 | 375 | 1,995 | 2,370 |
| Webster Groves, MO | 23,373 | 120 | 649 | 769 |
| Hastings, MN | 23,352 | 113 | 999 | 1,113 |