| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | South St. Paul/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 345 | n/a (estimate) | 1,671 | 1,863 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 33.9 | 36.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 14.5 | 48.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 62 | n/a | 300.3 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 72 | n/a (estimate) | 349 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 30 | n/a | 145.3 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 210 | n/a | 1,017.0 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 33 | n/a | 159.8 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 273 | n/a (estimate) | 1,322 | 1,606 | 1,760 |

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 South St. Paul crime rate is lower than the national average by 21.2%. Specifically, there were 72 violent crimes in South St. Paul, equivalent to 349 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 2.9%. Furthermore, South St. Paul recorded 273 property crimes, amounting to 1322 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 24.9%.
When it comes to violent crimes per 100,000 people, South St. Paul maintains a rate that is very similar to the national average. With 349 reported violent crimes, it falls in line with the national average of 359. This alignment suggests that South St. Paul shares a similar crime profile with other cities, highlighting its comparable level of safety within the broader urban landscape.
During the most recently reported crime year, South St. Paul 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.
What is the prevailing sentiment among South St. Paul residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 20 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 40% of South St. Paul residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 60% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if South St. Paul is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. South St. Paul has a total crime rate that is 21% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.95 daily crimes (0.2 violent daily crimes and 0.75 daily property crimes) in South St. Paul.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in South St. Paul. 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 South St. Paul has decreased by 44.1%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 4%, while property crime has decreased by 49.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in South St. Paul.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower South St. Paul crime rate. The poverty level in South St. Paul is 10.1%, while the national average is 15.1%.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in South St. Paul crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. South St. Paul has an unemployment rate of 3.6%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in South St. Paul is $372,841, compared to a national average of $326,622.

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| Item | South St. Paul | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 29 | 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 |
| Birchwood Village, MN | 1,099 | 36 | 225 | 261 |
| Dellwood, MN | 1,339 | 36 | 225 | 261 |
| Lake St. Croix Beach, MN | 1,120 | 41 | 259 | 300 |
| North Hudson, WI | 3,906 | 51 | 281 | 332 |
| Afton, MN | 3,114 | 49 | 306 | 355 |
| Lakeland, MN | 1,779 | 52 | 324 | 376 |
| Bayport, MN | 3,875 | 27 | 404 | 431 |
| South St. Paul, MN | 20,723 | 349 | 1,322 | 1,671 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Shelby, NC | 20,722 | 1,044 | 2,433 | 3,477 |
| Rio Rico, AZ | 20,721 | 498 | 2,115 | 2,614 |
| Tukwila, WA | 20,710 | 927 | 15,244 | 16,171 |
| Tullahoma, TN | 20,737 | 391 | 1,669 | 2,061 |
| Fort Mill, SC | 20,703 | 46 | 632 | 678 |
| South St. Paul, MN | 20,723 | 349 | 1,322 | 1,671 |