For the most part, Minnesota Nice is real. Time and again, you hear of Minnesotans going out of their way to help out strangers, whether it’s to jump a dead battery or shovel a neighbor’s sidewalk. But not everyone got the memo to be nice. Using data from the 2015 Minnesota Unified Crime Report, we’ve discovered some of the most dangerous cities in Minnesota that you don’t want to find yourself in after dark.

1. Granite Falls, Minnesota
Granite Falls, MN 56241, USA
Tony Webster/Flickr
Starting off our list of dangerous places in Minnesota is Granite Falls. Why is this tiny town so dangerous? In 2015, the Granite Falls Police Department reported the highest murder rate of any other department in the state. With a rate of 33 murders per 100,000 people, the rate in Granite Falls is well above the national average of 4.5 murders per 100,000 people. There are fun attractions in this town, though. Read about the Kiwanis Falls Popcorn Stand.
2. Olivia, Minnesota
Olivia, MN 56277, USA
davef3138 / Flickr
It may be a tiny town in rural Renville County, but Olivia has the highest number of rapes per 100,000 people in Minnesota - a whopping 255. Just a few steps behind is Franklin - also in Renville County - where the rate is 210 per 100,000 people. It’s one of the most dangerous places in Minnesota!
3. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN, USA
Logan Selinski / Flickr
Everyone knows that the bigger the population, the more crime. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that the most populous city in Minnesota is one of the most dangerous places to avoid in Minnesota after dark. With 459 robberies per 100,000 people, you may want to start looking over your shoulder even in the nicest neighborhood. It’s one of the most dangerous cities in Minnesota.
4. Breitung Township, Minnesota
Breitung Township, MN, USA
Joe Passe / Flickr
This one’s a bit of a shock - where in the world is Breitung Township? It’s a tiny town way up north along Highway 1 in St. Louis County with the dubious honor of most car thefts by population in Minnesota. The town only has 610 people, but with the high number of car thefts reported, it has an alarming auto theft rate of 820 per 100,000. If you find yourself up there at night, make sure you lock your doors. It’s surprising that it’s one of the most dangerous places in Minnesota!
5. Floodwood, Minnesota
Floodwood, MN 55736, USA
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Most of us probably don’t give much thought to arson. It’s just not something you hear about every day. But keep your eyes peeled for plumes of smoke, the arson rate here is 190 per 100,000 people - the highest in the state, making Floodwood a dangerous place to avoid in Minnesota. Read all about Floodwood, Minnesota.

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6. Rock County, Minnesota
Rock County, MN, USA
Rock County Facebook
Even though its largest city only has a population of 4,745, Rock County, Minnesota, is definitely a place to watch out for yourself. This area has the highest number of aggravated assaults for its population in Minnesota, with 777 per 10,000 people. You’ll want to stay out of the some of the worst neighborhoods in Minnesota.
7. Waite Park, Minnesota
Waite Park, MN, USA
Jerry Huddleston/Flickr
Waite Park has the distinction of two important spots on this list. First, the city has the largest number of Part I crimes - things like rape, murder, robbery, and other violent offenses - in the entire state. In fact, its rate is nearly double that of Minneapolis, which has over 50 times the population. This alone would earn it a place on the list of the most dangerous places in Minnesota. The other alarming Waite Park fact: the city has the highest human trafficking rate by population in Minnesota, with 133 per 100,000 people being victim to this crime. If you're traveling with a group and staying safe, though, you can enjoy a nice nature destination here. Learn about Quarry Park and Nature Preserve.
8. Bemidji, Minnesota
Bemidji, MN 56601, USA
Tony Webster / Flickr
Bemidji is another northern town that looks quaint and charming on the outside. But it actually has the second-highest number of violent crimes per 100,000 people in Minnesota - just after Waite Park. My theory? Both Waite Park and Bemidji have nearby colleges. All the comings and goings of students and visitors may increase crime rates. Bemidji redeems itself with the fall colors! Grab a friend to check out the autumn colors at Lake Bemidji State Park.
9. Pine County, Minnesota
Pine County, MN, USA
Flickr/Ruin Raider
The Pine County Sheriff’s Office reported 286 burglaries in the area in 2015. That doesn’t seem like a lot if you compare it to the Minneapolis total of 3,555, but if the same area had 100,000 people, there would be 989 burglaries per year. That’s the highest rate in Minnesota, and a good reason to watch your back if you’re in the area after the sun goes down. If you do end up in Pine County, make sure you check out the nice town of Pine City, Minnesota.
10. St. Paul, Minnesota
Saint Paul, St Paul, MN, USA
Flickr/m01229
Minnesota’s capital and second-largest city was bound to make the list based on its size alone. Its reason for making the list is definitely scary: tied with Mankato, it has the largest incidents of race-related crimes in the state. But that’s not all, it also had 8 incidents related to sexual orientation in 2015, second only to Minneapolis. A sad distinction for an otherwise beautiful city. If you're looking to go and just stay outside the city itself, take a look at these waterfalls in St. Paul.

But despite having some dangerous places, Minnesota has some pretty safe cities too. Plus, Minnesota is often listed as one of the safest states in the country. What do you think? Should any other cities make the list?

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More to Explore

Most Dangerous Cities in Minnesota

Danielle Schwartz | July 08, 2022

What are the safest places to live in Minnesota?

After reading all about the dangerous places to live, you might be wondering where the best places to settle down are, especially in a state known for its residents' pleasant natures. Not to worry, there are lots of areas that qualify as the safest places to live in Minnesota. Elko Market came in at number one, so if you're hoping for a nice place to live with your family, this town is definitely one to consider. Other safe cities that made the list include Corcoran, Dayton, and West Hennepin.

What are the most scenic towns in Minnesota?

The most scenic towns in Minnesota are:

 

If you're looking for a sweet weekend getaway, or even to move to a quiet and beautiful location, check out the most scenic towns in Minnesota. For a fun Main Street experience that will make you feel like you're in an old-fashioned American movie, make your way to Lanesboro. It's especially pretty in the summer months when you can see greenery all around you. In the mood for water views? Plan a trip to Hastings, where you can see both the Vermillion River and the Mississippi River.

What is the oldest town in Minnesota?

When you're a bit tired of the modern big-city feel, it's always nice to take a break and go to a place where you can be a part of history. Head to Wabasha, the oldest town in Minnesota, for an amazing trip down the state's memory lane. Established in 1830, it's close enough to the Twin Cities that you can make a day trip out of it if you want to keep it quick. It's located by the Mississippi River, so you can enjoy the tranquil feeling that only comes from being near the water. There are lots of charming activities to take part in and you might end up wanting to stay for a longer time!

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