Fact-check analysisVerified as of July 15, 2025Curated by FactVerify
Mostly True

has the crime rate in minnesota improved in the past 20 years?

Overall crime rates in Minnesota have improved over the past 20 years, with significant declines in many major crime categories, although there have been some fluctuations and recent short-term increases in certain types of crime.

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At a glance

Key Evidence

Verified July 15, 2025
The reporting

What the Evidence Shows

The claim that the crime rate in Minnesota has improved over the past 20 years can be broken down into examining long-term trends in violent and property crimes. Historical data from 1960 to 2019 shows a general decline in crime rates over the decades, consistent with national trends. Recent data from 2023 indicates that crime fell across every major category compared to the previous year, including homicide (-5%), car theft (-8%), carjackings (-38%), larceny (-15%), and rape (-20%).minnesotareformer.comminnesotareformer.comCrime fell in every major category in 2023, according to early data • Minnesota...

This supports the notion of improvement in recent years. However, there have been some short-term increases, such as a sharp rise in violent crime from 2020 to 2021, likely influenced by pandemic-related disruptions. Despite these fluctuations, the overall trajectory over two decades is downward.

Minnesota's crime rates remain generally below the national average,mncompass.orgmncompass.orgCrime rate and recent official data show promising declines in both violent and property crimes.disastercenter.comdisastercenter.comMinnesota Crime Rates 1960 to 2019 Some local areas have seen improvements more recently as well.mncompass.orgmncompass.orgOfficial crime rates and feelings of safety: Do they line up? While some sources note concerns about firearm-related homicides linked to policy changes, these do not negate the broader trend of declining crime rates over the long term.

The Reddit source claiming a 60-year low in 2023 aligns with official data but should be treated cautiously due to its informal nature. In summary, while there are nuances and short-term variations, the evidence strongly supports that Minnesota's overall crime rate has improved over the past 20 years.

Primary trail

Verified Sources5

Crime fell in every major category in 2023, according to early data • Minnesota...

minnesotareformer.com
Open source

Official crime rates and feelings of safety: Do they line up?

mncompass.org
Open source
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