| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waite Park/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 356 | n/a (estimate) | 4,232 | 1,863 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 23.8 | 36.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 11.9 | 48.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 8 | n/a | 95.1 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 11 | n/a (estimate) | 131 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 11 | n/a | 130.8 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 328 | n/a | 3,898.7 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 6 | n/a | 71.3 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 345 | n/a (estimate) | 4,101 | 1,606 | 1,760 |

The Waite Park crime rates are 99.7% 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 11 violent crimes in Waite Park (131 per 100,000 people), which is 63.6% lower than the national average and there were a total of 345 property crimes (4101 per 100,000 residents) which is 133% higher than average.
Waite Park has a crime rate of 4232 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 99.68%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Waite Park. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
In the latest reported crime year, Waite Park recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
Waite Park has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 4101 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Waite Park is 1 in 25, which is far higher than the national average.
What do the local residents think about crime in Waite Park? Well, based on a recent survey of 14 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 0% of Waite Park residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 100% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Waite Park a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Waite Park crime rate is 100% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.98 crimes per day - 0.03 violent crimes and 0.95 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Waite Park crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Waite Park has decreased by 54.5% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 81.4% and property crime has decreased by 52.3%.
In Waite Park, the poverty rate currently stands at 22.4%, 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 Waite Park crime rates.
In Waite Park, the median home price stands at $287,477, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Waite Park are $1,333, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.

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| Item | Waite Park | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 17 | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 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 |
| Rice, MN | 1,785 | 0 | 267 | 267 |
| Avon, MN | 1,599 | 0 | 292 | 292 |
| Rockville, MN | 2,668 | 71 | 441 | 512 |
| St. Joseph, MN | 7,722 | 119 | 448 | 567 |
| St. Augusta, MN | 3,922 | 90 | 564 | 655 |
| Cold Spring, MN | 4,375 | 121 | 552 | 673 |
| Clearwater, MN | 1,690 | 100 | 626 | 726 |
| Waite Park, MN | 7,879 | 131 | 4,101 | 4,232 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Seminole, TX | 7,880 | 178 | 864 | 1,043 |
| Leola, PA | 7,877 | 181 | 1,054 | 1,235 |
| North Weeki Wachee, FL | 7,881 | 212 | 1,130 | 1,342 |
| Ojai, CA | 7,884 | 270 | 769 | 1,039 |
| Fanwood, NJ | 7,886 | 13 | 732 | 745 |
| Waite Park, MN | 7,879 | 131 | 4,101 | 4,232 |