Is Lakes Area or Minneapolis Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lakes Area is safer than Minneapolis (Safety Score 83/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 761 per 100,000 versus 6,305 for Minneapolis — 88% lower. Lakes Area has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lakes Area has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Minneapolis is 39.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lakes Area — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Minneapolis — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lakes Area, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lakes Area | Minneapolis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 760.6 | 6,304.5 | -5,543.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 102.0 | 1,161.6 | -1,059.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 18.0 | -18.0 |
| Rape Rate | 46.4 | 89.1 | -42.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 371.9 | -371.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 55.7 | 681.3 | -625.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 658.6 | 5,142.9 | -4,484.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 37.1 | 618.7 | -581.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 593.6 | 2,977.5 | -2,383.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 27.8 | 1,546.7 | -1,518.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lakes Area or Minneapolis safer?
Lakes Area is safer with a total crime rate of 761 per 100K vs 6,305 for Minneapolis — a 88% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lakes Area has a violent crime rate of 102.0 per 100K while Minneapolis has 1,161.6. Lakes Area has lower violent crime.
About Lakes Area, MN
The Lakes Area of Minnesota, known for its abundant freshwater lakes popular with tourists and retirees, is home to Brainerd, a city established during the Northern Pacific Railway's westward expansion. This region, predominantly White, experiences seasonal population shifts. With a safety score of 83/100 and a population coverage of 10,781, Lakes Area has a total crime rate of 760.6 per 100,000 residents.
About Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, Minnesota, a city bisected by the Mississippi River, boasts a vibrant arts scene, home to the iconic Guthrie Theater. Its diverse population is concentrated in a landscape of lakes and parks. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 423,282, Minneapolis has a total crime rate of 6,304.5 per 100,000 residents.