| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Owatonna/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 334 | n/a (estimate) | 1,265 | 2,247 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 15 | n/a | 56.8 | 40.7 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 22.7 | 57.0 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 39 | n/a | 147.8 | 179.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 60 | n/a (estimate) | 227 | 281 | 370 |
| Burglary | 19 | n/a | 72.0 | 214.2 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 237 | n/a | 897.9 | 1,464.8 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 18 | n/a | 68.2 | 287.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 274 | n/a (estimate) | 1,038 | 1,967 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Owatonna crime rate is lower than the national average by 45.6%. Specifically, there were 60 violent crimes in Owatonna, equivalent to 227 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 38.5%. Furthermore, Owatonna recorded 274 property crimes, amounting to 1038 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 46.9%.
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.
AreaVibes surveyed 14 local residents in Owatonna to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 57% of people answered that there was very little crime in Owatonna and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 43% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
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 46% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.92 crimes per day - 0.16 violent crimes and 0.75 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 increased by 1.8%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 3.5%, while property crime has increased by 1.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Owatonna.
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.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Owatonna stands at $171,400, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.
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 Owatonna, the average monthly rent stands at $811, while the national average is $949 per month.
| 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 | 1,865 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Medford, MN | 1,220 | 127 | 887 | 1,014 |
| Waseca, MN | 8,892 | 140 | 962 | 1,102 |
| New Richland, MN | 1,039 | 406 | 1,219 | 1,625 |
| Warsaw, MN | 925 | 271 | 1,894 | 2,164 |
| Faribault, MN | 23,853 | 254 | 1,995 | 2,248 |
| Morristown, MN | 959 | 377 | 2,641 | 3,018 |
| Owatonna, MN | 25,716 | 227 | 1,038 | 1,265 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| White Bear Lake, MN | 25,718 | 69 | 1,740 | 1,809 |
| Reedley, CA | 25,710 | 586 | 1,393 | 1,979 |
| Laurel, MD | 25,734 | 482 | 1,981 | 2,463 |
| Green, OH | 25,737 | 231 | 1,402 | 1,634 |
| Hanahan, SC | 25,743 | 394 | 1,447 | 1,841 |
| Owatonna, MN | 25,716 | 227 | 1,038 | 1,265 |
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