| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Owatonna/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 258 | n/a (estimate) | 971 | 1,863 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 10 | n/a | 37.6 | 36.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 7.5 | 48.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 28 | n/a | 105.4 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 40 | n/a (estimate) | 151 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 29 | n/a | 109.1 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 166 | n/a | 624.7 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 23 | n/a | 86.6 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 218 | n/a (estimate) | 820 | 1,606 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Owatonna is 54.2% 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 Owatonna, there were 40 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 151 per 100,000 individuals, 58.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 218 property crimes, amounting to 820 per 100,000 residents, 53.4% lower than the U.S. average.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Owatonna 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.
What do the local residents think about crime in Owatonna? Well, based on a recent survey of 14 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 57% of Owatonna residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 43% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Owatonna a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Owatonna crime rate is 54% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.71 crimes per day - 0.11 violent crimes and 0.6 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Owatonna. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Owatonna has decreased by 21.3%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 31%, while property crime has decreased by 19.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Owatonna.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Owatonna crime rates. The population density in Owatonna is 1837.1 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In Owatonna, 89.7% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community 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.
Owatonna has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 1.44 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Owatonna | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 37 | 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 |
| Kenyon, MN | 1,935 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Medford, MN | 1,254 | 97 | 605 | 701 |
| Waseca, MN | 9,195 | 195 | 965 | 1,161 |
| New Richland, MN | 1,060 | 330 | 908 | 1,239 |
| Faribault, MN | 24,714 | 308 | 1,129 | 1,437 |
| Warsaw, MN | 946 | 219 | 1,371 | 1,590 |
| Morristown, MN | 980 | 309 | 1,934 | 2,243 |
| Owatonna, MN | 26,702 | 151 | 820 | 971 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| West Whittier-Los Nietos, CA | 26,704 | 541 | 2,312 | 2,853 |
| Mauldin, SC | 26,699 | 219 | 1,381 | 1,600 |
| Brawley, CA | 26,691 | 297 | 890 | 1,187 |
| Milford, MA | 26,685 | 286 | 903 | 1,188 |
| Madison, MS | 26,675 | 57 | 388 | 445 |
| Owatonna, MN | 26,702 | 151 | 820 | 971 |