| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | West St. Paul/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 988 | n/a (estimate) | 4,465 | 1,863 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 10 | n/a | 45.2 | 36.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 7 | n/a | 31.6 | 48.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 19 | n/a | 85.9 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 36 | n/a (estimate) | 163 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 157 | n/a | 709.5 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 740 | n/a | 3,344.2 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 55 | n/a | 248.6 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 952 | n/a (estimate) | 4,302 | 1,606 | 1,760 |
The West St. Paul crime rates are 110.7% 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 36 violent crimes in West St. Paul (163 per 100,000 people), which is 54.7% lower than the national average and there were a total of 952 property crimes (4302 per 100,000 residents) which is 144.4% higher than average.
West St. Paul has a crime rate of 4465 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 110.69%, 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 West St. Paul. 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 most recently reported crime year, West St. Paul 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.
With a property crime rate of 4302 crimes per 100,000 people, West St. Paul unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in West St. Paul is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 24, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
AreaVibes surveyed 33 local residents in West St. Paul to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 30% of people answered that there was very little crime in West St. Paul and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 70% 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.
To determine if West St. Paul 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. West St. Paul has a total crime rate that is 111% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.71 daily crimes (0.1 violent daily crimes and 2.61 daily property crimes) in West St. Paul.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in West St. Paul. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in West St. Paul has decreased by 34.1%. Violent crimes have decreased by 66.7%, while property crimes have decreased by 31.5%. 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.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, 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 West St. Paul, the cost of living is 3.49% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in West St. Paul stands at $381,206, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In West St. Paul, the average rental rates are $1,601 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | West St. Paul | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 32 | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 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 |
| Dellwood, MN | 1,339 | 36 | 225 | 261 |
| Birchwood Village, MN | 1,099 | 36 | 225 | 261 |
| Afton, MN | 3,114 | 49 | 306 | 355 |
| Bayport, MN | 3,875 | 27 | 404 | 431 |
| Grant, MN | 4,234 | 67 | 417 | 484 |
| Prescott, WI | 4,364 | 88 | 419 | 507 |
| Rosemount, MN | 25,406 | 57 | 500 | 556 |
| West St. Paul, MN | 20,423 | 163 | 4,302 | 4,465 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Meadowbrook, VA | 20,418 | 269 | 1,936 | 2,205 |
| Hauppauge, NY | 20,417 | 155 | 702 | 857 |
| Arlington, WA | 20,435 | 338 | 2,221 | 2,559 |
| Howard, WI | 20,411 | 199 | 827 | 1,027 |
| Bothell West, WA | 20,411 | 133 | 1,006 | 1,139 |
| West St. Paul, MN | 20,423 | 163 | 4,302 | 4,465 |
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