| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Hawley/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 13 | n/a (estimate) | 565 | 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 | 2 | n/a | 87.0 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 87 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 2 | n/a | 87.0 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 7 | n/a | 304.5 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 87.0 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 11 | n/a (estimate) | 478 | 1,606 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Hawley is 73.3% 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 Hawley, there were 2 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 87 per 100,000 individuals, 75.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 11 property crimes, amounting to 478 per 100,000 residents, 72.8% lower than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 565, significantly below the national average of 2119, Hawley stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Hawley distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 87 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Hawley among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Hawley reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Hawley records a property crime rate of 478 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1760. This underscores Hawley as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.
Determining whether Hawley 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, Hawley has an overall crime rate that is 73% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.04 daily occurrences, comprising 0.01 violent crimes and 0.03 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Hawley as a potential place to establish residency.
Hawley has a poverty rate of 3.7, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Hawley, 91.4% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
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 Hawley, the average monthly rent stands at $1,057, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Hawley | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Glyndon, MN | 1,414 | 0 | 291 | 291 |
| Lake Park, MN | 648 | 140 | 559 | 698 |
| Felton, MN | 128 | 292 | 1,827 | 2,120 |
| Baker, MN | 42 | 294 | 1,838 | 2,132 |
| Ulen, MN | 429 | 366 | 2,285 | 2,651 |
| Hitterdal, MN | 327 | 372 | 2,322 | 2,694 |
| Hawley, MN | 2,154 | 87 | 478 | 565 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Aristocrat Ranchettes, CO | 2,154 | 210 | 1,146 | 1,357 |
| Frankton, IN | 2,154 | 152 | 668 | 819 |
| South Temple, PA | 2,154 | 106 | 618 | 724 |
| Rising Sun, IN | 2,154 | 125 | 552 | 677 |
| Chester, CA | 2,154 | 226 | 965 | 1,191 |
| Hawley, MN | 2,154 | 87 | 478 | 565 |