| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Preston/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 8 | n/a (estimate) | 603 | 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 | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 0 | n/a (estimate) | 0 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1 | n/a | 75.4 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 7 | n/a | 527.9 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 8 | n/a (estimate) | 603 | 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 Preston is 71.5% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 0 violent crimes reported in Preston, equivalent to 0 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 100%. Additionally, Preston recorded 8 property crimes, amounting to 603 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 65.7%.
With a crime rate of 603, significantly below the national average of 2119, Preston 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.
In the most recent Preston crime report, it stands out for its remarkable safety record, reporting zero instances of violent crime. Violent crimes are a pivotal measure of a city's overall safety, and in Preston, the absence of such incidents highlights just how safe it is. This underscores this area as an urban environment where residents and visitors can enjoy a high level of safety and peace of mind when it comes to violent crime and overall safety.
In the most recently reported crime year, Preston registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
In 1991, property crime rates in the United States soared to over 5,140 crimes per 100,000 people. In the years since, the U.S. property crime rate has continued to decline with the most recent year reporting only 1760 property crimes. In Preston, the property crime rate was even less than the national average with a rate of 603, cementing it as one of the safest places to live with regards to property crime.
The United States grapples with some of the world's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by reports of stolen vehicles. In the most recent crime report, Preston emerged as one such city, recording zero reported vehicle thefts, affirming its status as a secure and vigilant community.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Preston 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 Preston crime rate is 72% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.02 crimes per day - 0 violent crimes and 0.02 property crimes.
Preston has a poverty rate that stands at 10.2, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Preston crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
In Preston, 88.5% 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.
In Preston, the average rental rates are $758 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | Preston | 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 |
| Chatfield, MN | 2,746 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Harmony, MN | 1,070 | 104 | 649 | 753 |
| Rushford Village, MN | 776 | 235 | 1,467 | 1,702 |
| Burr Oak, IA | 206 | 282 | 1,503 | 1,785 |
| Lanesboro, MN | 808 | 298 | 1,860 | 2,158 |
| Chester, IA | 156 | 341 | 1,822 | 2,164 |
| Fountain, MN | 506 | 300 | 1,873 | 2,173 |
| Preston, MN | 1,237 | 0 | 603 | 603 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Maud, TX | 1,237 | 189 | 992 | 1,182 |
| White Cloud, MI | 1,237 | 212 | 674 | 886 |
| Lincoln Center, KS | 1,237 | 208 | 928 | 1,136 |
| Whitaker, PA | 1,237 | 116 | 679 | 795 |
| Felton, DE | 1,237 | 292 | 1,534 | 1,826 |
| Preston, MN | 1,237 | 0 | 603 | 603 |