Austin, MN Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Austin, MN

What overall crime grade does Austin, MN receive?

Austin, Minnesota earns an overall crime grade of B, reflecting a community that manages safety reasonably well for a city of its size. With roughly 25,180 residents and a population density of 729 people per square mile, Austin's crime profile is shaped by a mix of property and violent incidents. Over the most recent 90-day reporting window, 953 total incidents were logged — a figure that, while notable, places Austin in a competitive position compared to many similarly sized Midwestern cities.

What types of crime are most common in Austin, MN?

Based on the most recent 90-day data (953 total incidents), theft is the single largest crime category at 23% of all incidents (218 reports). A broad "other" category accounts for another 20% (187 incidents), covering miscellaneous offenses. Shootings represent a significant 18% share (167 incidents), making them the third most frequently recorded incident type — a figure worth noting for a city of Austin's size. Assaults follow at 15% (139 incidents). Rounding out the breakdown: vandalism at 8% (81 incidents), motor vehicle theft at 7% (71 incidents), arrests at 5% (51 incidents), and burglary at 4% (39 incidents). Property-related crimes — theft, motor vehicle theft, vandalism, and burglary combined — account for roughly 42% of all reported activity.

How serious is violent crime in Austin, MN?

Violent crime deserves attention in Austin's data. Shootings (18%, 167 incidents) and assaults (15%, 139 incidents) together represent about 33% of all incidents recorded in the last 90 days. That combined share is meaningful for a community of 25,180 people. Residents in areas with higher foot traffic or commercial density should stay aware of surroundings, particularly during evening hours. The Austin Police Department actively monitors these trends, and the city's overall B crime grade suggests that enforcement and community efforts are keeping the broader picture from deteriorating further.

How does Austin's poverty rate affect its crime landscape?

Austin's poverty rate of 16.3% sits above the national average, and research consistently links economic stress to property crime in particular. With a median household income of $48,730 and a median home value of $114,089, many residents are working-class households managing tight budgets. Theft — the city's top crime category at 23% — often correlates with economic pressure in the community. On the positive side, Austin's unemployment rate of just 3.6% suggests the labor market is relatively healthy, which helps moderate crime levels that might otherwise be higher given the poverty rate.

Is theft a major concern for Austin residents?

Yes — theft is Austin's most prevalent reported crime, comprising 23% of all incidents (218 cases) in the most recent 90-day period. Motor vehicle theft adds another 7% (71 cases), meaning vehicle- and property-related theft collectively account for nearly one in three incidents. Residents throughout Austin, including those in residential areas near the Downtown Historic District and outlying neighborhoods, should take standard precautions: lock vehicles, avoid leaving valuables visible, and consider home security measures. Burglary, while the smallest category at just 4% (39 incidents), is still an active concern worth guarding against.

What are the safest areas in Austin, MN?

While granular neighborhood-level crime grades are not available in the current dataset, general patterns from incident reporting suggest that areas with stronger community organization and lower commercial density tend to see fewer incidents. Neighborhoods near the Downtown Historic District benefit from higher visibility and foot traffic that can deter opportunistic crime. Residential areas on the East Side and West Side of Austin are generally considered quieter, with active neighborhood involvement. Regardless of location, checking the Austin crime map regularly gives the most current picture of where incidents are clustering at any given time.

How does Austin's crime grade compare to similar cities?

Austin, MN's B overall crime grade is a solid standing for a small city with a 16.3% poverty rate. Many comparable small Midwestern cities with similar income levels and population densities receive C or D grades. The B grade reflects that while Austin has real crime challenges — particularly the elevated shooting and theft incident counts — local law enforcement and community programs are producing measurable results. The 3.6% unemployment rate and stable housing market (median rent $815, median home value $114,089) provide a foundation that helps keep crime from escalating to levels seen in more economically distressed communities.

Is Austin, MN a good place to live given its crime data?

For most residents, Austin offers an affordable, community-oriented lifestyle that justifies its B crime grade. Median home values of $114,089 and median rent of $815 make housing accessible, and the 3.6% unemployment rate means jobs are available. The crime data does highlight areas to stay informed about — particularly the shooting and theft incident rates — but these are not unusual challenges for a city of Austin's demographic profile. Families, retirees, and working professionals who stay engaged with local crime maps, participate in neighborhood watch programs, and practice basic security habits will find Austin a comfortable and reasonably safe place to call home.