Bemidji, MN Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Bemidji, MN

What is Bemidji's overall crime grade for 2026?

Bemidji earns an overall crime grade of B- for 2026, which places it in a moderately safe tier among Minnesota cities of comparable size. A B- grade means the city performs better than a significant portion of U.S. cities but still has room for improvement — particularly around property crime, which tends to drive the grade down in smaller cities with higher poverty rates. With a poverty rate of 28% and a median household income of $36,250, socioeconomic pressures do contribute to certain crime patterns, but the B- grade reflects a city where most residents go about daily life without incident.

What is the crime rate in Bemidji, and how does it compare to similar cities?

Bemidji's crime profile is shaped by its population of approximately 15,277 and a relatively low population density of 404 people per square mile. Property crimes — including theft, vehicle break-ins, and vandalism — account for the largest share of reported incidents and are the primary reason the city doesn't score higher than a B-. Violent crimes exist but are proportionally lower. Compared to other northern Minnesota cities with similar poverty rates near 28%, Bemidji's B- grade is competitive. The unemployment rate of 4.9% is close to the national average, which helps moderate crime pressure relative to cities with higher joblessness.

Which neighborhoods in Bemidji are the safest?

Based on community data and local reputation, several areas in Bemidji tend to see lower crime activity. The neighborhoods near Lake Bemidji State Park and the northern residential corridors are consistently regarded as quieter and family-friendly. The Birchmont Beach area on the northeast side of the city is known for its stable, community-oriented environment. Residential pockets near Bemidji High School also benefit from active community presence. By contrast, incidents tend to cluster more in and around the downtown commercial corridor and areas with higher transient foot traffic. Using the interactive crime map to filter by incident type and date range will give you the most current picture of activity by zone.

Is Bemidji safe to live in?

With a crime grade of B-, Bemidji is a reasonably safe place to live, especially when you factor in its small-city character and tight-knit community. The median home value of $138,216 and median rent of $860 make it one of the more affordable housing markets in Minnesota, which attracts long-term residents who invest in neighborhood stability. The trade-off is a 28% poverty rate — nearly double the national average — which correlates with elevated property crime in specific pockets of the city. Families and individuals who prioritize areas like the Birchmont Beach neighborhood or the residential zones near Bemidji State University generally report a high quality of life and strong sense of community safety.

What types of crime are most common in Bemidji?

Property crime dominates Bemidji's incident reports and is the category most responsible for pulling the overall grade to a B- rather than a B or higher. Theft — including shoplifting and vehicle break-ins — represents the most frequent offense type. Vandalism is also a recurring concern, particularly in commercial and downtown zones. Substance-related incidents (alcohol and drug offenses) appear at a higher-than-average rate relative to cities of similar size, which local officials attribute in part to the city's 28% poverty rate and regional social service demands. Violent crime, while present, is a smaller share of total incidents and tends to be concentrated rather than spread evenly across all neighborhoods. Checking the crime map's category filters lets you isolate exactly which incident types have occurred near any specific address.

How does Bemidji's poverty rate affect its crime grade?

Bemidji's 28% poverty rate is one of the most significant contextual factors behind its B- crime grade. Research consistently shows that cities where more than one-quarter of residents live below the poverty line experience elevated rates of property crime and substance-related offenses. With a median household income of just $36,250 — well below the Minnesota state median — economic stress is a real driver of certain crime categories. That said, a B- grade means Bemidji is still outperforming many cities with comparable poverty levels, which speaks to the effectiveness of local law enforcement and community engagement programs. Residents in higher-income pockets of the city, such as neighborhoods near Lake Bemidji State Park, tend to experience crime rates closer to a B or B+ profile.

Is it safe to visit Bemidji as a tourist?

Yes — visitors to Bemidji generally have a safe experience, particularly around the city's major attractions. The lakefront area, the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues, and the arts and cultural district see heavy foot traffic and active policing. Tourist-facing areas benefit from the visibility that comes with high activity, which naturally deters opportunistic crime. The main caution for visitors is standard urban awareness: secure valuables in your vehicle, be mindful in quieter downtown blocks after dark, and check the crime map for any recent upticks in the specific area where you're staying. With an overall grade of B-, Bemidji is far from a high-risk destination — it's a welcoming northern Minnesota city where the vast majority of visits are incident-free.