Is Rochester or South Lake Minnetonka Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South Lake Minnetonka is safer than Rochester (Safety Score 96/100 vs 55/100), with a total crime rate of 368 per 100,000 versus 1,522 for Rochester — 76% lower. Rochester has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Lake Minnetonka has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Rochester is 10.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Rochester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
South Lake Minnetonka — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Rochester, MN
South Lake Minnetonka, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Rochester | South Lake Minnetonka | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,522.5 | 367.9 | +1,154.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 154.0 | 33.4 | +120.6 |
| Murder Rate | 4.1 | 0.0 | +4.1 |
| Rape Rate | 26.1 | 16.7 | +9.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 26.1 | 0.0 | +26.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 97.8 | 16.7 | +81.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,368.5 | 334.4 | +1,034.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 173.6 | 50.2 | +123.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,103.6 | 275.9 | +827.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 91.3 | 8.4 | +82.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rochester or South Lake Minnetonka safer?
South Lake Minnetonka is safer with a total crime rate of 368 per 100K vs 1,522 for Rochester — a 76% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Rochester has a violent crime rate of 154.0 per 100K while South Lake Minnetonka has 33.4. South Lake Minnetonka has lower violent crime.
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.
About South Lake Minnetonka, MN
South Lake Minnetonka, a cluster of affluent suburbs in Hennepin County, features historic lakeside estates and a median household income significantly above the state average. Its picturesque bays and peninsulas were once a popular retreat for wealthy Minneapolis industrialists. With a safety score of 96/100 and a population coverage of 11,961, South Lake Minnetonka has a total crime rate of 367.9 per 100,000 residents.
More Crime Rate Comparisons
Compare Rochester
Compare South Lake Minnetonka
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