| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bemidji/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,309 | n/a (estimate) | 8,546 | 2,247 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 25 | n/a | 163.2 | 40.7 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 13 | n/a | 84.9 | 57.0 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 62 | n/a | 404.8 | 179.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 100 | n/a (estimate) | 653 | 281 | 370 |
| Burglary | 85 | n/a | 554.9 | 214.2 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,076 | n/a | 7,024.9 | 1,464.8 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 48 | n/a | 313.4 | 287.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 1,209 | n/a (estimate) | 7,893 | 1,967 | 1,954 |
The Bemidji crime rates are 267.7% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 100 violent crimes in Bemidji (653 per 100,000 people), which is 76.6% higher than the national average and there were a total of 1209 property crimes (7893 per 100,000 residents) which is 303.9% higher than average.
With a total of 8546 crimes per 100,000 people, the Bemidji crime rates stand at 267.7 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Bemidji, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.
During the most recently reported crime year, Bemidji experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Bemidji faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 7893 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Bemidji stands at 1 in 13, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
AreaVibes surveyed 67 local residents in Bemidji to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 28% of people answered that there was very little crime in Bemidji and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 72% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Is Bemidji a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Bemidji has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 268%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 3.59 daily incidents, encompassing 0.27 violent crimes and 3.31 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Bemidji as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Bemidji has increased by 1.3%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Bemidji, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 16.3%, while property crime has increased by 0.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Bemidji is a safe place to live.
In Bemidji, the poverty rate currently stands at 28%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Bemidji crime rates.
In Bemidji, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.1%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Bemidji crime rates.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Bemidji, the average monthly rent stands at $860, while the national average is $949 per month.
| Item | Bemidji | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 31 | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 1.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Minnesota /100K | National /100K |
| Minnesota | 1,283 | 26 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Turtle River, MN | 85 | 345 | 2,412 | 2,757 |
| Wilton, MN | 158 | 353 | 2,472 | 2,825 |
| Tenstrike, MN | 190 | 366 | 2,563 | 2,929 |
| Solway, MN | 62 | 411 | 2,876 | 3,287 |
| Cass Lake, MN | 896 | 454 | 3,179 | 3,633 |
| Bemidji, MN | 15,277 | 653 | 7,893 | 8,546 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Salida, CA | 15,269 | 642 | 3,010 | 3,652 |
| St. Simons, GA | 15,291 | 140 | 644 | 784 |
| Bay Village, OH | 15,258 | 44 | 322 | 366 |
| Bradley, IL | 15,296 | 355 | 2,079 | 2,434 |
| Chubbuck, ID | 15,301 | 257 | 2,536 | 2,793 |
| Bemidji, MN | 15,277 | 653 | 7,893 | 8,546 |
Here are the best places to live in Minnesota
Top 10 cities in Minnesota with the best education system
See the best places to live in & around Bemidji
10 Best cities in Minnesota for employment