Nelson Neighborhood, Saint Paul
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Saint Paul
Is Nelson Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Nelson in Saint Paul, MN has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 158, which is 58% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Saint Paul average (crime index 65), Nelson is 93% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 165, 65% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 30).
Nelson Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Saint Paul city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
104 | +4% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
156 | +56% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
30 | -70% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
165 | +65% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
82 | -18% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
89 | -11% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
150 | +50% | Moderate | |
How Nelson Compares
Crime index by category: Nelson vs Saint Paul average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Nelson Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Nelson Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Nelson, Saint Paul?
Nelson in Saint Paul, MN has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 158, which is 58% above the national average. Compared to the Saint Paul average, crime in Nelson is 93% higher.
Is Nelson a safe neighborhood in Saint Paul?
Nelson is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Saint Paul, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Rape (index: 165), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 30).
How does Nelson compare to the rest of Saint Paul?
Nelson's overall crime index is 158, compared to the Saint Paul average of 65. This means crime in Nelson is 93% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 114, and for property crime it is 107. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Nelson?
The most prevalent crime type in Nelson is Rape, with a crime index of 165 (65% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Nelson?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Payne-Phalen, Dayton's Bluff, Greater East Side and Gladstone. These areas are close to Nelson and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Nelson?
Nelson has a population of approximately 347. The median household income is $36,738. The median home value is $208,741. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Nelson crime compare to the national average?
Nelson's overall crime rate is 58% above the national average (index 158 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.