Is Moorhead or Rochester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Rochester is safer than Moorhead (Safety Score 55/100 vs 39/100), with a total crime rate of 1,522 per 100,000 versus 2,041 for Moorhead — 25% lower. Moorhead has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Rochester has a 58% lower rate.
Note: Rochester is 2.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Moorhead — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Rochester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Moorhead, MN
Rochester, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Moorhead | Rochester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,040.8 | 1,522.5 | +518.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 365.5 | 154.0 | +211.4 |
| Murder Rate | 8.8 | 4.1 | +4.7 |
| Rape Rate | 59.4 | 26.1 | +33.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 26.4 | 26.1 | +0.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 270.8 | 97.8 | +173.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,675.3 | 1,368.5 | +306.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 288.4 | 173.6 | +114.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,166.8 | 1,103.6 | +63.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 220.2 | 91.3 | +128.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moorhead or Rochester safer?
Rochester is safer with a total crime rate of 1,522 per 100K vs 2,041 for Moorhead — a 25% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Moorhead has a violent crime rate of 365.5 per 100K while Rochester has 154.0. Rochester has lower violent crime.
About Moorhead, MN
Moorhead, Minnesota, a city across the Red River from Fargo, North Dakota, is home to Concordia College. Its population of over 44,000 residents reflects a diverse mix of students and families. With a safety score of 39/100 and a population coverage of 45,424, Moorhead has a total crime rate of 2,040.8 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.