| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Willmar/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 371 | n/a (estimate) | 1,731 | 1,863 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 28 | n/a | 130.6 | 36.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 4.7 | 48.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 65 | n/a | 303.2 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 94 | n/a (estimate) | 438 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 24 | n/a | 112.0 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 236 | n/a | 1,100.9 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 17 | n/a | 79.3 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 277 | n/a (estimate) | 1,292 | 1,606 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Willmar is 18.3% 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 Willmar, there were 94 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 438 per 100,000 individuals, 22.1% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 277 property crimes, amounting to 1292 per 100,000 residents, 26.6% lower than the U.S. average.
Willmar 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.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Willmar. Based on the results of the surveys (16 responses), 44% of people felt that there was very little crime in Willmar and felt safe walking alone at night. While 56% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Willmar 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. Willmar has a total crime rate that is 18% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.02 daily crimes (0.26 violent daily crimes and 0.76 daily property crimes) in Willmar.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Willmar. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Willmar has decreased by 35%. Violent crimes have increased by 20.5%, while property crimes have decreased by 43.8%. 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.
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 Willmar crime rates. Willmar registers a population density of 1443 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Willmar, 78.4% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
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 Willmar is $248,836, compared to a national average of $326,622.
| Item | Willmar | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 35 | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 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 |
| Atwater, MN | 1,176 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Spicer, MN | 1,364 | 80 | 497 | 576 |
| New London, MN | 1,275 | 101 | 631 | 732 |
| Prinsburg, MN | 580 | 291 | 1,818 | 2,108 |
| Kandiyohi, MN | 438 | 306 | 1,913 | 2,220 |
| Pennock, MN | 495 | 320 | 2,001 | 2,322 |
| Blomkest, MN | 206 | 338 | 2,113 | 2,451 |
| Willmar, MN | 20,156 | 438 | 1,292 | 1,731 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Oroville, CA | 20,168 | 981 | 3,819 | 4,800 |
| Central Falls, RI | 20,175 | 323 | 1,005 | 1,329 |
| Horizon City, TX | 20,136 | 85 | 656 | 741 |
| Montgomery, IL | 20,189 | 116 | 912 | 1,027 |
| Five Forks, SC | 20,122 | 178 | 802 | 980 |
| Willmar, MN | 20,156 | 438 | 1,292 | 1,731 |