South St. Paul, MN Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in South St. Paul, MN

Is South St. Paul safe?

South St. Paul earns an overall crime grade of B, which signals a meaningfully safer environment than many comparable Minnesota cities. With a population of roughly 20,132 and a population density of about 1,381 residents per square mile, the city is compact enough for neighbors to know one another — a factor that consistently correlates with lower crime rates. The city's median household income of $63,204 and a poverty rate of just 10.1% also point to the kind of economic stability that supports safer communities. While no city is crime-free, South St. Paul's B grade reflects a community where the majority of residents go about daily life without incident, and where local law enforcement maintains an active, visible presence.

What is the crime rate in South St. Paul?

South St. Paul's overall crime performance grades out at a B, placing it in a favorable position relative to many urban communities of similar size in the Twin Cities metro area. The city's socioeconomic indicators help contextualize these numbers: an unemployment rate of 4.8% — close to the national average — and a median household income of $63,204 suggest a workforce that is largely employed and financially stable, both of which are strong predictors of lower crime activity. Property crimes such as vehicle theft and burglary tend to be the most commonly reported incident types in communities like South St. Paul, while violent crime rates remain comparatively low. Residents can use the interactive crime map on this page to filter incidents by type and time period, giving a granular view of where and when crimes occur across the city's neighborhoods.

What are the safest neighborhoods in South St. Paul?

South St. Paul is a relatively small city — just over 20,000 residents spread across a modest footprint — so neighborhood-level variation in safety tends to be less dramatic than in larger metros. That said, residential areas near the city's riverfront parks along the Mississippi River and the established single-family home corridors in the central and western parts of the city are consistently regarded as quiet and family-friendly. These areas benefit from higher rates of homeownership (reflected in the city's median home value of $207,339), longer-tenured residents, and strong community engagement. Neighborhoods closer to heavier commercial or industrial corridors may see modestly higher rates of property crime, which is typical for mixed-use zones. The crime map on this page allows you to zoom into specific blocks and toggle between crime categories — such as theft, vandalism, and assault — to identify which pockets of the city best match your safety priorities.

Is South St. Paul a good place to live?

By most measurable indicators, South St. Paul is a solid choice for families, working professionals, and retirees alike. The city's B crime grade means safety is above average, and the cost of living is accessible: the median home value sits at $207,339 — well below the Twin Cities metro median — and median rent of just $898 per month makes the city attractive for renters as well. The median household income of $63,204 comfortably covers these housing costs, and the 4.8% unemployment rate reflects a city where most working-age residents are employed. The poverty rate of 10.1% is modest and consistent with a stable, working-class community. Add in the city's proximity to St. Paul and Minneapolis, its Mississippi River access, and its tight-knit community culture, and South St. Paul offers a compelling combination of affordability, safety, and livability that is difficult to match in the broader metro region.

How does South St. Paul's crime grade compare to nearby cities?

South St. Paul's overall B crime grade compares favorably to several neighboring communities in Dakota and Ramsey counties. A B grade indicates that the city performs better than a significant portion of U.S. cities when all crime categories are weighted together. Cities with similar population sizes and density profiles often land in the C range, making South St. Paul's B a meaningful distinction. The city's relatively low poverty rate of 10.1% and stable unemployment figure of 4.8% are key drivers of this above-average performance. For residents evaluating relocation options within the Twin Cities metro, South St. Paul's crime grade — combined with its affordability metrics — makes it one of the more attractive inner-ring suburbs from a safety-per-dollar perspective.

What types of crime are most common in South St. Paul?

As is typical for a mid-density, mixed residential-industrial city, property crimes represent the most frequently reported incident category in South St. Paul. This includes motor vehicle theft, burglary, and theft from vehicles — all of which tend to spike in areas near commercial corridors and transit routes. Vandalism and disorderly conduct are also periodically reported, particularly in higher-traffic zones. Violent crimes — including assault and domestic disturbances — are reported at lower rates and are not concentrated in any single neighborhood based on available data. Drug-related offenses account for a smaller but consistent share of incidents. South St. Paul's B overall crime grade reflects the fact that while property crime requires ongoing vigilance, the city does not exhibit the elevated violent crime patterns seen in some comparable communities. Using the crime map's category filters, residents can isolate specific incident types and monitor trends over rolling 30-, 60-, or 90-day windows.