Is Rochester or Willmar Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Rochester is safer than Willmar (Safety Score 55/100 vs 49/100), with a total crime rate of 1,522 per 100,000 versus 1,731 for Willmar — 12% lower. Rochester has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Willmar has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Rochester is 5.7x 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
Willmar — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Rochester, MN
Willmar, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Rochester | Willmar | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,522.5 | 1,730.7 | -208.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 154.0 | 438.5 | -284.5 |
| Murder Rate | 4.1 | 0.0 | +4.1 |
| Rape Rate | 26.1 | 130.6 | -104.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 26.1 | 4.7 | +21.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 97.8 | 303.2 | -205.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,368.5 | 1,292.2 | +76.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 173.6 | 112.0 | +61.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,103.6 | 1,100.9 | +2.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 91.3 | 79.3 | +12.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rochester or Willmar safer?
Rochester is safer with a total crime rate of 1,522 per 100K vs 1,731 for Willmar — a 12% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Rochester has a violent crime rate of 154.0 per 100K while Willmar has 438.5. Rochester 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 Willmar, MN
Willmar, a regional hub in west-central Minnesota, boasts a strong agricultural heritage and is home to a significant immigrant population, particularly from Somalia. Situated on the beautiful shores of Foot Lake, its economy thrives on food processing and retail. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 21,437, Willmar has a total crime rate of 1,730.7 per 100,000 residents.