| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waseca/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 107 | n/a (estimate) | 1,161 | 1,863 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 32.5 | 36.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 48.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 15 | n/a | 162.7 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 18 | n/a (estimate) | 195 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 13 | n/a | 141.0 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 74 | n/a | 802.7 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 21.7 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 89 | n/a (estimate) | 965 | 1,606 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Waseca is 45.2% 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 Waseca, there were 18 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 195 per 100,000 individuals, 45.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 89 property crimes, amounting to 965 per 100,000 residents, 45.2% lower than the U.S. average.
Waseca showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Waseca, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Waseca presents a total crime rate that is 45% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Waseca experiences an average of 0.29 daily crimes, comprising 0.05 violent incidents and 0.24 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Waseca crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Waseca has decreased by 30.1% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 28.6% and property crime has decreased by 36%.
In Waseca, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.57 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
In Waseca, the median home price stands at $240,475, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Waseca, the average rental rates are $1,164 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.

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| Item | Waseca | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 15 | 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 |
| Waterville, MN | 1,898 | 114 | 57 | 171 |
| Janesville, MN | 2,588 | 121 | 403 | 523 |
| Medford, MN | 1,254 | 97 | 605 | 701 |
| Owatonna, MN | 26,702 | 151 | 820 | 971 |
| New Richland, MN | 1,060 | 330 | 908 | 1,239 |
| Faribault, MN | 24,714 | 308 | 1,129 | 1,437 |
| Elysian, MN | 723 | 216 | 1,351 | 1,568 |
| Waseca, MN | 9,195 | 195 | 965 | 1,161 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Olney, IL | 9,196 | 225 | 1,041 | 1,266 |
| Picture Rocks, AZ | 9,197 | 449 | 1,905 | 2,354 |
| South Amboy, NJ | 9,192 | 139 | 1,391 | 1,530 |
| Toppenish, WA | 9,199 | 314 | 4,248 | 4,562 |
| Woodway, TX | 9,189 | 123 | 942 | 1,065 |
| Waseca, MN | 9,195 | 195 | 965 | 1,161 |