Mendota Heights, MN Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Mendota Heights, MN

What is Mendota Heights' overall crime grade for 2026?

Mendota Heights earns an A+ overall crime grade for 2026 — the highest possible rating. This exceptional score reflects one of the safest suburban environments in the Twin Cities metro area. With a population of approximately 11,339 residents spread across a low-density footprint of 482 people per square mile, the city's crime rate sits well below both state and national benchmarks. The combination of a 2% unemployment rate and a median household income of $119,347 — nearly double the U.S. median — creates the kind of economic stability that strongly correlates with reduced criminal activity. In practical terms, an A+ grade means residents face a significantly lower probability of being affected by either property or violent crime compared to the vast majority of U.S. cities.

How safe is Mendota Heights compared to other cities?

Mendota Heights ranks among the safest communities not just in Minnesota, but nationally. Its A+ crime grade places it in a select tier of cities where crime rates are exceptionally low across all major categories. For context, most U.S. cities score in the C or D range on comparable safety indices. Mendota Heights' poverty rate of just 4.2% — compared to a national average closer to 12–13% — is a strong structural indicator of community safety. With a median home value of $401,549 and median rent of just $881, the city attracts and retains stable, long-term residents who invest in their neighborhoods, which further suppresses crime. Neighboring communities in Dakota County benefit from shared law enforcement resources, but Mendota Heights consistently outperforms regional peers on safety metrics.

What types of crimes are most commonly reported in Mendota Heights?

Given Mendota Heights' A+ crime grade, reported incidents across all categories are rare. When crimes do occur, they are overwhelmingly in the property crime category rather than violent crime. The most frequently reported incident types in affluent, low-density suburbs like Mendota Heights typically include vehicle break-ins, mail theft, and occasional residential burglaries — crimes of opportunity rather than organized or violent activity. Violent crimes such as assault, robbery, or homicide are statistically negligible in a community with this profile. The city's low unemployment rate of 2% and strong household income of $119,347 median are directly associated with lower rates of both property and violent crime. Residents near high-traffic corridors like Dodd Road or near commercial nodes along Mendota Road should remain the most attentive to property crime, as these areas see higher vehicle and foot traffic.

What are the safest areas and neighborhoods in Mendota Heights?

Because Mendota Heights carries an A+ overall crime grade, the entire city is considered exceptionally safe — there are no high-crime zones or neighborhoods that stand out negatively on the crime map. That said, the residential neighborhoods clustered around Victoria Road and the quiet streets near Friendly Hills are consistently regarded as among the most tranquil, benefiting from low through-traffic and strong community cohesion. Areas near Mendota Road and the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River are popular with families and tend to have very low reported incident rates. The neighborhoods surrounding Valley Park and Sibley Memorial Highway also reflect the city's broader safety profile. With a population density of only 482 people per square mile, most of Mendota Heights feels spacious and residential, which naturally limits crime opportunities across the board.

Is Mendota Heights a good place to live based on safety and economic data?

The data makes a compelling case. Mendota Heights' A+ crime grade is supported by a robust economic foundation: a median household income of $119,347, a median home value of $401,549, an unemployment rate of just 2%, and a poverty rate of only 4.2%. These four indicators together paint a picture of a community with very low socioeconomic stress — one of the most reliable predictors of long-term public safety. The median rent of $881 is notably modest relative to home values, suggesting a stable, owner-occupied community where residents have long-term stakes in neighborhood quality. For families, professionals, and retirees evaluating safety as a primary criterion, Mendota Heights' statistics are difficult to match in the broader Twin Cities region. The city's 11,339 residents enjoy a quality of life that combines suburban calm with proximity to Minneapolis-St. Paul urban amenities, all backed by one of the strongest crime safety grades available.

How does Mendota Heights' poverty rate affect its crime statistics?

Mendota Heights' poverty rate of 4.2% is a key driver behind its A+ crime grade. Research consistently shows that communities with poverty rates below 5% experience significantly lower rates of both property and violent crime. At 4.2%, Mendota Heights sits well within that threshold. Compare this to the national poverty rate of approximately 12–13%, and it becomes clear why Mendota Heights outperforms so many peer cities on safety metrics. Combined with a 2% unemployment rate — roughly half the national average — the city's residents face minimal economic precarity. This economic stability reduces the conditions that typically give rise to crimes of desperation or opportunity. For prospective residents evaluating the crime map, these underlying statistics are just as informative as the incident data itself.