Winona, MN Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Winona, MN

Is Winona, MN safe?

Winona earns an overall crime grade of B+, which places it among the safer small cities in Minnesota. With a population of roughly 26,772 and a population density of just 543 people per square mile, the city avoids the congestion-driven crime pressures seen in larger metro areas. Law enforcement presence is consistent, and community engagement — particularly around the Winona State University campus and the historic downtown district — helps keep serious incidents relatively rare. That said, a poverty rate of 19.1% does create pockets of economic stress that can correlate with property crime in certain neighborhoods, so staying aware of local patterns through the Winona crime map remains a smart habit.

What is the crime rate in Winona, MN?

Winona's overall crime performance grades out at a B+, reflecting a city that outperforms many comparably sized Midwestern towns. Property crimes — including theft and vehicle break-ins — account for the largest share of reported incidents and are the primary driver of any dips below an A grade. Violent crime rates are notably lower and tend to cluster in a small number of higher-density corridors rather than spreading across the city broadly. With an unemployment rate of just 3.5% and a median household income of $48,653, the economic foundation is relatively stable, which research consistently links to lower overall crime rates. Residents can filter incident data by type and date on the Winona crime map to see exactly how these categories break down in their specific area.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Winona?

Neighborhoods closest to the Winona State University campus tend to benefit from high foot traffic, active community watch programs, and regular police patrols, making them among the more secure areas in the city. The Garvin Heights area, perched above the Mississippi River bluffs, is frequently cited by residents as quiet and low-incident, owing to its lower density and strong neighborhood cohesion. The historic downtown district sees a healthy mix of commercial activity and residential use; while petty theft can occur in any commercial zone, the area's active business community and foot traffic deter more serious offenses. For the most current, block-level breakdown, the Winona crime map lets you toggle between property crime and violent crime layers so you can compare neighborhoods side by side using real incident data rather than reputation alone.

Is Winona a good place to live?

By most measurable indicators, yes. Winona's B+ crime grade, combined with a median home value of just $152,143 and a median rent of $648 per month, makes it one of the more affordable and relatively safe small cities in the Upper Midwest. The unemployment rate of 3.5% signals a functioning local labor market, and the presence of Winona State University injects consistent economic and cultural activity into the community. The one notable caveat is a poverty rate of 19.1%, which is above the national median and does contribute to property crime concentrations in specific parts of the city. Families, retirees, and students who research neighborhood-level data on the Winona crime map before choosing where to rent or buy tend to find options that align well with their safety priorities — particularly in the Garvin Heights and university-adjacent corridors.

What types of crime are most common in Winona?

Property crimes — including theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft — represent the most frequently reported category in Winona, consistent with national patterns for small cities with a B+ overall grade. Violent crimes such as assault are reported at a considerably lower rate and are not evenly distributed across the city; they tend to be concentrated in a smaller number of higher-density residential zones rather than in suburban or bluff-top areas like Garvin Heights. Substance-related offenses appear periodically in incident reports, often correlating with areas of higher economic stress given the city's 19.1% poverty rate. Vandalism and disorderly conduct round out the more common incident types. Using the time-filter feature on the Winona crime map, residents can identify whether specific crime types spike during particular seasons or times of day — useful data for adjusting commuting routes or home security measures.

How does Winona's crime rate compare to other Minnesota cities?

Winona's B+ overall crime grade positions it favorably against many Minnesota cities of similar or larger size. Its low population density of 543 people per square mile means that even when incidents occur, they are spread across a relatively wide geography, reducing the intensity felt in any single neighborhood. The city's 3.5% unemployment rate is a meaningful advantage — lower joblessness is one of the strongest predictors of reduced property and violent crime. Compared to larger regional centers, Winona residents benefit from shorter police response times and a tighter community network. The 19.1% poverty rate is the most significant risk factor that keeps the grade from reaching an A range, and it's worth cross-referencing that context when reviewing raw incident counts on the crime map.