Is Brainerd or Rochester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Rochester is safer than Brainerd (Safety Score 55/100 vs 35/100), with a total crime rate of 1,522 per 100,000 versus 2,210 for Brainerd — 31% lower. Brainerd has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Brainerd has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Rochester is 8.4x 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
Rochester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Brainerd, MN
Rochester, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Brainerd | Rochester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,210.1 | 1,522.5 | +687.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 431.1 | 154.0 | +277.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 4.1 | -4.1 |
| Rape Rate | 68.4 | 26.1 | +42.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 41.1 | 26.1 | +15.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 321.6 | 97.8 | +223.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,779.0 | 1,368.5 | +410.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 184.7 | 173.6 | +11.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,546.4 | 1,103.6 | +442.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 47.9 | 91.3 | -43.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brainerd or Rochester safer?
Rochester is safer with a total crime rate of 1,522 per 100K vs 2,210 for Brainerd — a 31% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Brainerd has a violent crime rate of 431.1 per 100K while Rochester has 154.0. Rochester 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 Rochester, MN
Rochester, Minnesota, home to the Mayo Clinic, is a city in southeastern Minnesota. Its population of over 120,000 makes it the state's third-largest city. With a safety score of 55/100 and a population coverage of 122,694, Rochester has a total crime rate of 1,522.5 per 100,000 residents.