| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Sauk Centre/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 86 | n/a (estimate) | 1,853 | 2,247 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 21.5 | 40.7 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 57.0 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 5 | n/a | 107.7 | 179.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 6 | n/a (estimate) | 129 | 281 | 370 |
| Burglary | 17 | n/a | 366.3 | 214.2 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 57 | n/a | 1,228.2 | 1,464.8 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 6 | n/a | 129.3 | 287.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 80 | n/a (estimate) | 1,724 | 1,967 | 1,954 |
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 Sauk Centre is 20.3% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 6 violent crimes reported in Sauk Centre, equivalent to 129 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 65%. Additionally, Sauk Centre recorded 80 property crimes, amounting to 1724 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 11.8%.
During the most recently reported crime year, Sauk Centre experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Sauk Centre exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1724 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1954 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Sauk Centre maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.
Is Sauk Centre a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Sauk Centre has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 20%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.24 daily incidents, encompassing 0.02 violent crimes and 0.22 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Sauk Centre as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Sauk Centre has increased by 7.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Sauk Centre, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 100%, while property crime has increased by 3.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Sauk Centre is a safe place to live.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Sauk Centre crime rates. Sauk Centre registers a population density of 1085.7 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
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 Sauk Centre, there are 1.6 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.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Sauk Centre are $767, compared to a national average of $949 per month.
| Item | Sauk Centre | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 7 | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 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 |
| Osakis, MN | 1,744 | 0 | 347 | 347 |
| Melrose, MN | 3,651 | 55 | 333 | 388 |
| St. Rosa, MN | 38 | 304 | 2,129 | 2,433 |
| Elrosa, MN | 200 | 314 | 2,198 | 2,511 |
| Freeport, MN | 855 | 348 | 2,439 | 2,788 |
| Nelson, MN | 114 | 381 | 2,664 | 3,044 |
| New Munich, MN | 309 | 381 | 2,668 | 3,049 |
| Sauk Centre, MN | 4,466 | 129 | 1,724 | 1,853 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Wellington, OH | 4,466 | 260 | 1,576 | 1,836 |
| Heritage Village, CT | 4,465 | 86 | 856 | 942 |
| Wamego, KS | 4,465 | 272 | 1,306 | 1,578 |
| Fort Pierce South, FL | 4,468 | 173 | 1,043 | 1,216 |
| Kaplan, LA | 4,463 | 511 | 2,231 | 2,742 |
| Sauk Centre, MN | 4,466 | 129 | 1,724 | 1,853 |
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