| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | St. Joseph/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 38 | n/a (estimate) | 567 | 1,863 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 59.7 | 36.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 48.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 59.7 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 8 | n/a (estimate) | 119 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 3 | n/a | 44.8 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 22 | n/a | 328.4 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 74.6 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 30 | n/a (estimate) | 448 | 1,606 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in St. Joseph is 73.2% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In St. Joseph, there were 8 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 119 per 100,000 individuals, 66.7% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 30 property crimes, amounting to 448 per 100,000 residents, 74.6% lower than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 567, significantly below the national average of 2119, St. Joseph 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.
St. Joseph stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 119 violent crimes per 100,000 people, St. Joseph secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
In the latest reported crime year, St. Joseph recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that St. Joseph records a property crime rate of 448 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1760. This underscores St. Joseph as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.
Determining whether St. Joseph 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, St. Joseph has an overall crime rate that is 73% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.1 daily occurrences, comprising 0.02 violent crimes and 0.08 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of St. Joseph as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in St. Joseph. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in St. Joseph has decreased by 25.5%. Violent crimes have increased by 60%, while property crimes have decreased by 34.8%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In St. Joseph, 94.4% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
In St. Joseph, the cost of living is 2.29% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
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 St. Joseph are $1,277, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | St. Joseph | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 8 | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.2 | 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 |
| Rice, MN | 1,785 | 0 | 267 | 267 |
| Avon, MN | 1,599 | 0 | 292 | 292 |
| Rockville, MN | 2,668 | 71 | 441 | 512 |
| Albany, MN | 2,803 | 281 | 246 | 527 |
| St. Augusta, MN | 3,922 | 90 | 564 | 655 |
| Cold Spring, MN | 4,375 | 121 | 552 | 673 |
| Clearwater, MN | 1,690 | 100 | 626 | 726 |
| St. Joseph, MN | 7,722 | 119 | 448 | 567 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Corbin, KY | 7,722 | 191 | 1,084 | 1,275 |
| Greenville, AL | 7,724 | 578 | 3,842 | 4,420 |
| Fairlawn, OH | 7,724 | 133 | 702 | 835 |
| Lander, WY | 7,719 | 158 | 959 | 1,117 |
| McCook, NE | 7,729 | 42 | 1,042 | 1,083 |
| St. Joseph, MN | 7,722 | 119 | 448 | 567 |