| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Prior Lake/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 332 | n/a (estimate) | 1,179 | 1,863 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 3.6 | 2.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 9 | n/a | 32.0 | 36.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 7.1 | 48.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 18 | n/a | 63.9 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 30 | n/a (estimate) | 107 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 18 | n/a | 63.9 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 269 | n/a | 955.2 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 15 | n/a | 53.3 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 302 | n/a (estimate) | 1,072 | 1,606 | 1,760 |

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 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.
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.
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.
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.
| Item | Prior Lake | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 26 | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.1 | 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 |
| Elko New Market, MN | 4,901 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tonka Bay, MN | 1,505 | 36 | 225 | 261 |
| Spring Park, MN | 2,218 | 40 | 252 | 292 |
| Excelsior, MN | 2,486 | 40 | 252 | 292 |
| Deephaven, MN | 4,046 | 0 | 352 | 352 |
| Minnetrista, MN | 8,230 | 45 | 343 | 388 |
| Farmington, MN | 23,819 | 79 | 333 | 413 |
| Prior Lake, MN | 27,582 | 107 | 1,072 | 1,179 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Brownsburg, IN | 27,585 | 63 | 600 | 663 |
| Athens, AL | 27,586 | 243 | 2,069 | 2,313 |
| Leisure City, FL | 27,592 | 311 | 1,655 | 1,966 |
| West Islip, NY | 27,610 | 193 | 876 | 1,069 |
| Norco, CA | 27,611 | 146 | 2,543 | 2,688 |
| Prior Lake, MN | 27,582 | 107 | 1,072 | 1,179 |