Is Brainerd or Minneapolis Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Brainerd is safer than Minneapolis (Safety Score 35/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,210 per 100,000 versus 6,305 for Minneapolis — 65% lower. Brainerd has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Brainerd has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Minneapolis is 29.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Brainerd — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Minneapolis — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Brainerd, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Brainerd | Minneapolis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,210.1 | 6,304.5 | -4,094.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 431.1 | 1,161.6 | -730.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 18.0 | -18.0 |
| Rape Rate | 68.4 | 89.1 | -20.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 41.1 | 371.9 | -330.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 321.6 | 681.3 | -359.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,779.0 | 5,142.9 | -3,363.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 184.7 | 618.7 | -434.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,546.4 | 2,977.5 | -1,431.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 47.9 | 1,546.7 | -1,498.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brainerd or Minneapolis safer?
Brainerd is safer with a total crime rate of 2,210 per 100K vs 6,305 for Minneapolis — a 65% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Brainerd has a violent crime rate of 431.1 per 100K while Minneapolis has 1,161.6. Brainerd has lower violent crime.
About Brainerd, MN
Brainerd, a city in Crow Wing County, is known for its Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues. Situated in north-central Minnesota, it's a regional hub for the Brainerd Lakes Area, attracting seasonal visitors. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 14,615, Brainerd has a total crime rate of 2,210.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, Minnesota, a city bisected by the Mississippi River, boasts a vibrant arts scene, home to the iconic Guthrie Theater. Its diverse population is concentrated in a landscape of lakes and parks. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 423,282, Minneapolis has a total crime rate of 6,304.5 per 100,000 residents.