A-
21%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
57%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
14%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peoplePrior Lake/100k peopleMinnesota/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime525n/a (estimate)1,8382,2472,324
Murder0n/a0.03.26.3
Rape7n/a24.540.740.0
Robbery4n/a14.057.066.1
Assault34n/a119.1179.7268.2
Violent crime45n/a (estimate)158281370
Burglary37n/a129.6214.2269.8
Theft427n/a1,495.21,464.81,401.9
Vehicle theft16n/a56.0287.9282.7
Property crime480n/a (estimate)1,6811,9671,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Prior Lake, MN

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Prior Lake crime rate is 20.9% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Prior Lake, there were 45 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 158 per 100,000 individuals, 57.4% lower than the national average. Additionally, Prior Lake recorded 480 property crimes, amounting to 1681 per 100,000 residents, 14% lower than the U.S. average.

In the most recently reported crime year, Prior Lake registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Prior Lake?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Prior Lake residents. Out of the respondents (8 in total), 88% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Prior Lake were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 13% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Prior Lake a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Prior Lake is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Prior Lake has a total crime rate that is 21% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.44 daily crimes (0.12 violent daily crimes and 1.32 daily property crimes) in Prior Lake.

Has Crime in Prior Lake Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Prior Lake. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Prior Lake has decreased by 25.6%. Violent crimes have didn't change by 0%, while property crimes have decreased by 27.4%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Prior Lake

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Prior Lake, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 1.5%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Prior Lake, the cost of living is 14% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Prior Lake is $328,400, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Prior Lake crime map



The Prior Lake crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Prior Lake as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Prior Lake crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Prior Lake crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
New Real Estate Listings in Prior Lake Area
Search Homes for Sale in Prior Lake, MN

Compare Prior Lake, MN Crime

      vs

      Crime Quick Facts

      • Prior Lake crime rates are 21% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Prior Lake are 57% lower than the national average
      • In Prior Lake you have a 1 in 55 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Prior Lake is safer than 53% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Prior Lake has decreased by 28%

      Prior Lake, MN Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Prior Lake

        See all the best places to live around Prior Lake
        How would you rate the amount of crime in Prior Lake?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Prior Lake?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        See all Prior Lake poll results

        Daily Crime In Prior Lake (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in Prior Lake, per 100,000 residents. In Prior Lake, the total number of daily crimes is 1.22 times less than the Minnesota average and 1.26 times less than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Prior Lake are 1.78 times less than the Minnesota average and 2.35 times less than the national average. For property crime, Prior Lake has a daily crime rate that is 1.17 times less than the Minnesota average and 1.16 times less than the daily national average.

        How Safe is Prior Lake (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Prior Lake, Minnesota compared to other areas of Minnesota, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Prior Lake safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Prior Lake is safer than 30% of Minnesota cities, and 53% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Minnesota, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Prior Lake. At this time, Prior Lake sees a above average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Prior Lake

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Prior Lake is 1 in 635
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Prior Lake is 1 in 60
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Prior Lake is 1 in 55
        Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in Prior Lake, Minnesota? If you reside in Prior Lake, then there is a 1 in 635 chance that you will experience a violent crime. These types of crimes may include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 60. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 55 risk that you will become a victim of crime in Prior Lake.

        Year Over Year Crime In Prior Lake (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Prior Lake is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Prior Lake has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have decreased by 2% in Prior Lake, while property crimes in Prior Lake have decreased by 29%. Total crime has decreased by 28% year over year.

        Prior Lake police department

        Item Prior Lake Minnesota National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)267,759558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.11.83.3
        There are a total of 26 Prior Lake police officers. This results in 1.1 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 38.4% less than the Minnesota average and 65.8% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Minnesota

        State Total offenders Minnesota /100K National /100K
        Minnesota1,28326266
        There are a total of 1,283 sex offenders in Minnesota. This yields a total of 26 sex offenders in Minnesota per 100,000 residents which is 90% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Tonka Bay, MN1,46639276316
        Elko New Market, MN4,71520300320
        Excelsior, MN2,41444309353
        Spring Park, MN2,13653374427
        Deephaven, MN3,90427504531
        Jordan, MN6,289102566668
        Farmington, MN22,99689582671
        Prior Lake, MN26,7751581,6811,838

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Florence, AZ26,777134373507
        Winona, MN26,7721662,3522,518
        Hutto, TX26,778115637752
        Colleyville, TX26,76658436494
        West Linn, OR26,764821,0731,155
        Prior Lake, MN26,7751581,6811,838
        Source: The Prior Lake, MN crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.