A+
44%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
70%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
39%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peoplePrior Lake/100k peopleMinnesota/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime332n/a (estimate)1,1791,8632,119
Murder1n/a3.62.95.0
Rape9n/a32.036.837.5
Robbery2n/a7.148.960.6
Assault18n/a63.9168.0256.1
Violent crime30n/a (estimate)107257359
Burglary18n/a63.9184.7229.2
Theft269n/a955.21,208.51,272.1
Vehicle theft15n/a53.3213.1258.8
Property crime302n/a (estimate)1,0721,6061,760

Prior Lake crime map

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The Prior Lake crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Prior Lake as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Prior Lake crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Prior Lake crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Prior Lake, MN

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Prior Lake crime rate is 44.4% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Prior Lake, there were 30 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 107 per 100,000 individuals, 70.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, Prior Lake recorded 302 property crimes, amounting to 1072 per 100,000 residents, 39.1% lower than the U.S. average.

Prior Lake distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 107 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Prior Lake among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Prior Lake?

What do the local residents think about crime in Prior Lake? Well, based on a recent survey of 10 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 90% of Prior Lake residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 10% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Prior Lake a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Prior Lake 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, Prior Lake has an overall crime rate that is 44% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.91 daily occurrences, comprising 0.08 violent crimes and 0.83 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Prior Lake as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Prior Lake Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Prior Lake has decreased by 53% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Prior Lake 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 decreased by 33.3%, while property crime has decreased by 54.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Prior Lake.

Potential Causes for Crime in Prior Lake

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Prior Lake, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 1.5%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.

In Prior Lake, the cost of living is 17.58% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Prior Lake, there are 1.11 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Compare Prior Lake, MN Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Prior Lake crime rates are 44% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Prior Lake are 70% lower than the national average
      • In Prior Lake you have a 1 in 85 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Prior Lake is safer than 62% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Prior Lake has decreased by 11%

      Prior Lake, MN Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Prior Lake (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in Prior Lake, per 100,000 residents. In Prior Lake, the total number of daily crimes is 1.58 times less than the Minnesota average and 1.80 times less than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Prior Lake are 2.41 times less than the Minnesota average and 3.37 times less than the national average. For property crime, Prior Lake has a daily crime rate that is 1.50 times less than the Minnesota average and 1.64 times less than the daily national average.

        How Safe is Prior Lake (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Prior Lake, Minnesota compared to other areas of Minnesota, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Prior Lake safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Prior Lake is safer than 44% of Minnesota cities, and 62% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Minnesota, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Prior Lake. At this time, Prior Lake sees a above average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Prior Lake

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Prior Lake is 1 in 939
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Prior Lake is 1 in 94
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Prior Lake is 1 in 85
        Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in Prior Lake, Minnesota? If you reside in Prior Lake, then there is a 1 in 939 chance that you will experience a violent crime. These types of crimes may include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 94. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 85 risk that you will become a victim of crime in Prior Lake.

        Year Over Year Crime In Prior Lake (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Prior Lake is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Prior Lake has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have decreased by 11% in Prior Lake, while property crimes in Prior Lake have decreased by 11%. Total crime has decreased by 11% year over year.

        Prior Lake police department

        Item Prior Lake Minnesota National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)267,759558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.11.83.3
        There are a total of 26 Prior Lake police officers. This results in 1.1 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 38.4% less than the Minnesota average and 65.8% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Minnesota

        State Total offenders Minnesota /100K National /100K
        Minnesota1,28326266
        There are a total of 1,283 sex offenders in Minnesota. This yields a total of 26 sex offenders in Minnesota per 100,000 residents which is 90% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Elko New Market, MN4,901000
        Tonka Bay, MN1,50536225261
        Spring Park, MN2,21840252292
        Excelsior, MN2,48640252292
        Deephaven, MN4,0460352352
        Minnetrista, MN8,23045343388
        Farmington, MN23,81979333413
        Prior Lake, MN27,5821071,0721,179

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Brownsburg, IN27,58563600663
        Athens, AL27,5862432,0692,313
        Leisure City, FL27,5923111,6551,966
        West Islip, NY27,6101938761,069
        Norco, CA27,6111462,5432,688
        Prior Lake, MN27,5821071,0721,179
        Source: The Prior Lake, MN crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.