Is Hastings or Rochester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Hastings is safer than Rochester (Safety Score 70/100 vs 55/100), with a total crime rate of 1,113 per 100,000 versus 1,522 for Rochester — 27% lower. Hastings has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Hastings has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Rochester is 5.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Hastings — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Rochester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hastings, MN
Rochester, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Hastings | Rochester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,112.5 | 1,522.5 | -410.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 113.1 | 154.0 | -41.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 4.1 | -4.1 |
| Rape Rate | 49.8 | 26.1 | +23.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 9.0 | 26.1 | -17.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 54.3 | 97.8 | -43.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 999.5 | 1,368.5 | -369.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 90.5 | 173.6 | -83.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 868.3 | 1,103.6 | -235.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 40.7 | 91.3 | -50.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hastings or Rochester safer?
Hastings is safer with a total crime rate of 1,113 per 100K vs 1,522 for Rochester — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Hastings has a violent crime rate of 113.1 per 100K while Rochester has 154.0. Hastings has lower violent crime.
About Hastings, MN
Hastings, Minnesota, a city at the confluence of the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers, boasts a historic downtown recognized by the National Register. With a population of around 23,000, it serves as a regional hub in Dakota County. With a safety score of 70/100 and a population coverage of 22,112, Hastings has a total crime rate of 1,112.5 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.