Is Fergus Falls or Rochester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Rochester is safer than Fergus Falls (Safety Score 55/100 vs 27/100), with a total crime rate of 1,522 per 100,000 versus 2,569 for Fergus Falls — 41% lower. Fergus Falls has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fergus Falls has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Rochester is 8.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Fergus Falls — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Rochester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fergus Falls, MN
Rochester, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fergus Falls | Rochester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,569.3 | 1,522.5 | +1,046.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 203.6 | 154.0 | +49.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 4.1 | -4.1 |
| Rape Rate | 7.0 | 26.1 | -19.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 7.0 | 26.1 | -19.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 189.5 | 97.8 | +91.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,365.7 | 1,368.5 | +997.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 210.6 | 173.6 | +37.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,056.9 | 1,103.6 | +953.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 98.3 | 91.3 | +7.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fergus Falls or Rochester safer?
Rochester is safer with a total crime rate of 1,522 per 100K vs 2,569 for Fergus Falls — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fergus Falls has a violent crime rate of 203.6 per 100K while Rochester has 154.0. Rochester has lower violent crime.
About Fergus Falls, MN
Fergus Falls, a city of 13,000 in Otter Tail County, sits on the Otter Tail River. It's home to the historic Kirkbride Building, a former state hospital. The community reflects a blend of agricultural roots and small-town charm. With a safety score of 27/100 and a population coverage of 14,245, Fergus Falls has a total crime rate of 2,569.3 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.