Is Fergus Falls or St. Paul Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fergus Falls is safer than St. Paul (Safety Score 27/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 2,569 per 100,000 versus 3,452 for St. Paul — 26% lower. Fergus Falls has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fergus Falls has a 100% lower rate.
Note: St. Paul is 21.3x 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
St. Paul — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fergus Falls, MN
St. Paul, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fergus Falls | St. Paul | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,569.3 | 3,452.1 | -882.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 203.6 | 618.0 | -414.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.6 | -8.6 |
| Rape Rate | 7.0 | 65.8 | -58.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 7.0 | 119.1 | -112.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 189.5 | 424.3 | -234.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,365.7 | 2,834.1 | -468.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 210.6 | 468.3 | -257.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,056.9 | 1,883.6 | +173.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 98.3 | 482.2 | -383.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fergus Falls or St. Paul safer?
Fergus Falls is safer with a total crime rate of 2,569 per 100K vs 3,452 for St. Paul — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fergus Falls has a violent crime rate of 203.6 per 100K while St. Paul has 618.0. Fergus Falls 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 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.