Is Brainerd or St. Paul Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Brainerd is safer than St. Paul (Safety Score 35/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 2,210 per 100,000 versus 3,452 for St. Paul — 36% 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: St. Paul is 20.8x 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
St. Paul — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Brainerd, MN
St. Paul, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Brainerd | St. Paul | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,210.1 | 3,452.1 | -1,242.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 431.1 | 618.0 | -186.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.6 | -8.6 |
| Rape Rate | 68.4 | 65.8 | +2.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 41.1 | 119.1 | -78.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 321.6 | 424.3 | -102.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,779.0 | 2,834.1 | -1,055.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 184.7 | 468.3 | -283.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,546.4 | 1,883.6 | -337.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 47.9 | 482.2 | -434.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brainerd or St. Paul safer?
Brainerd is safer with a total crime rate of 2,210 per 100K vs 3,452 for St. Paul — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Brainerd has a violent crime rate of 431.1 per 100K while St. Paul has 618.0. 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 St. Paul, MN
St. Paul, Minnesota, is the state capital, known for its historic Summit Avenue. This city, one of the "Twin Cities," sits on the Mississippi River, with a diverse population of over 300,000 residents. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 304,051, St. Paul has a total crime rate of 3,452.1 per 100,000 residents.