Red Wing, MN Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Red Wing, MN

What is Red Wing's overall crime grade?

Red Wing earns an A- overall crime grade, placing it among the safer small cities in Minnesota. With a population of approximately 16,366 spread across a low-density area of just 181 residents per square mile, the city benefits from tight-knit community dynamics that tend to suppress crime. An A- grade means Red Wing outperforms the majority of comparable U.S. cities — residents here face a meaningfully lower risk of both property and violent crime than the national average.

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

Red Wing's A- crime grade reflects a strong safety profile relative to cities of similar size and income level. The city's median household income of $57,056 and a poverty rate of 11.8% are key socioeconomic factors that researchers consistently link to crime patterns. Red Wing's poverty rate is moderate — not unusually high — which helps explain why its crime grade remains in the A range. Its unemployment rate of 4.8% also sits near the national average, contributing to overall community stability. Compared to larger Minnesota cities, Red Wing's crime exposure is substantially lower.

Is Red Wing safe to live in and visit?

Yes — Red Wing is considered a safe community by most measures. The city's A- overall crime grade signals that the vast majority of residents go about daily life without incident. The historic downtown district and the scenic riverfront area are popular with both locals and tourists and are generally considered low-risk environments. Neighborhoods near Memorial Park and residential areas along the bluffs tend to attract families precisely because of their quiet, secure character. Standard urban precautions — locking vehicles, being aware of surroundings after dark — remain good practice, but there are no widespread safety concerns that should deter visitors or prospective residents.

What types of crime are most common in Red Wing?

As is typical for small Midwestern cities earning an A- crime grade, property crimes make up the largest share of incidents in Red Wing. Theft and vehicle break-ins are the most frequently reported categories, while violent crimes represent a much smaller proportion of total incidents. Drug-related offenses are present, as they are in virtually every U.S. city of this size, but local law enforcement actively addresses them. The relatively low population density of 181 people per square mile means crime is spread thin across the city's geography, reducing the kind of concentrated hotspots seen in denser urban environments.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Red Wing?

While granular neighborhood-level grades are not available for every block, certain areas of Red Wing consistently stand out for their safety and livability. Residential neighborhoods near Memorial Park and those situated along the bluffs above the Mississippi River are popular with families and retirees who cite low crime as a key reason for choosing those areas. The historic downtown district benefits from high foot traffic and active community engagement, both of which are proven deterrents to opportunistic crime. Areas toward the city's outer residential edges, where the median home value of approximately $179,000 reflects stable, owner-occupied housing, also tend to report fewer incidents.

Is Red Wing a good place to live based on safety and economic data?

The data makes a compelling case. Red Wing's A- crime grade pairs with a median household income of $57,056, a median home value of $178,988, and a median rent of just $881 — a combination that signals genuine affordability alongside strong safety. The unemployment rate of 4.8% is consistent with a functioning local economy, and the poverty rate of 11.8%, while not negligible, has not translated into elevated crime levels. For families, retirees, or remote workers seeking a low-crime, affordable small city with scenic surroundings, Red Wing's numbers stack up favorably against many alternatives in the Upper Midwest.