7 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In Minneapolis In 2025

Minneapolis is one of those cities that greets you with its own vibe the moment you arrive. You feel the lakes, the parks, the murals, the music, all of it blending into a rhythm that’s hard not to love. But like any big city with character, it has areas that feel calm, others that buzz with energy and a few that ask for a bit more awareness. That’s why getting a real sense of the dangerous neighborhoods in Minneapolis actually matters while selecting student housing for international students.
If you’re visiting, relocating, studying, or just wandering with curiosity, understanding the Minneapolis crime rate helps you move around with confidence instead of guesswork. Some areas are perfectly fine during the day but shift at night and some simply require a little extra attention. The goal here isn’t to label or judge anyone’s community. It’s to give you a clear picture of what to expect so you can make smart, comfortable choices.
This kind of breakdown makes it easier to spot the most dangerous neighborhoods in Minneapolis, understand why certain patterns show up and know which areas to avoid in Minneapolis if you’d rather stick to safer spots. When you see the full context, the city actually becomes easier to navigate and a lot less intimidating. It’s all about staying aware without losing the chance to enjoy everything Minneapolis does really well.

Overview of Crime in Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a city with contrasts. Some areas feel calm and peaceful, while others experience higher rates of violent and property crime. The Minneapolis crime rate for violent incidents is around 926 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is above the national average. Property crime has also stayed high, rising near 4,100 incidents per 100,000 residents. Crime in Minneapolis isn’t evenly spread and tends to cluster in certain spots. There are several areas where violent crime, theft, and burglary happen more frequently and those are what people refer to as the dangerous neighborhoods in Minneapolis. The rest of the city remains safe, lively, and easy to enjoy with everyday awareness. Knowing which places trend toward the most dangerous area in Minneapolis helps you understand how crime clusters across the city.

The Most Dangerous Minneapolis neighborhoods to avoid

While most neighborhoods feel calm and livable a handful consistently report higher levels of violent and property crime. Some of these spots are often labeled the worst neighborhoods in Minneapolis because of their consistently higher crime patterns. These are the areas people refer to when talking about the dangerous neighborhoods in Minneapolis, and they’re the spots where awareness makes the biggest difference. Here’s a clear breakdown of the neighborhoods that demand extra caution:

1. North Minneapolis

Located on the north side of the city, Near North consistently ranks among the dangerous parts of Minneapolis. Violent crime rates in the area reach around 2,200 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is more than double the city average. Assaults, robberies, and gun-related incidents make awareness essential, especially after dark. The area has an estimated population of roughly 30,000 residents, and risk tends to rise during late evening hours. Some blocks are slowly improving thanks to community groups and local outreach, though progress still varies a lot from street to street.

2. Hawthorne

Just north of downtown, Hawthorne faces long-standing challenges tied to violent crime and property incidents. Violent crime metrics in this neighborhood sit near 1,900 incidents per 100,000 residents, placing it firmly among the most dangerous areas in Minneapolis. Caution is strongly advised on quieter residential blocks and in poorly lit areas. Hawthorne has a population of about 5000 residents, with the highest risk usually appearing after sunset.

3. Jordan

Part of the greater North Minneapolis region, Jordan experiences high levels of robbery, burglary and gun violence. The neighborhood’s violent crime indicators average around 1,850 incidents per 100,000 residents, significantly above the citywide rate. Residents and visitors should stay alert when navigating less active streets. Jordan has around 8000 residents and crime spikes most often in the late evening.

4. Phillips

South of downtown, Phillips is a large neighborhood with high housing density and increased street activity. Violent crime rates are near 1,600 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it one of the dangerous neighborhoods in Minneapolis. Specific corridors report increased theft, drug-related incidents, and occasional violent crime. With more than 20,000 residents, Phillips tends to see increased risk during busy evening and early night hours. Certain parts of Phillips have started to see small safety improvements because of community involvement and targeted programs, but the changes aren’t uniform yet.

5. Ventura Village

Located within the Phillips community area, Ventura Village sees concentrated crime near transit lines and busy commercial blocks. Violent incidents approach 1,500 per 100,000 residents, primarily involving robbery and aggravated assault. The neighborhood has close to 6000 residents and late night transit areas show the highest activity.. A few corridors are showing early signs of improvement due to neighborhood initiatives, though many areas still need consistent support.

6. Powderhorn

South Minneapolis’s Powderhorn neighborhood mixes dense housing with nightlife corridors, leading to increased crime at certain hours. Violent crime estimates sit near 1,400 incidents per 100,000 residents, with theft and vehicle break-ins also being common. Stick to well-lit routes and avoid quieter streets late at night. Powderhorn’s population sits around 30,000 residents, and crime tends to peak during nighttime foot traffic.

7. Downtown East

Close to the stadium and major venues, Downtown East sees heavy foot traffic and spikes in property crime. While violent crime varies block by block, estimates near 1,300 incidents per 100,000 residents put it among the dangerous neighborhoods in Minneapolis during late hours. Be extra cautious during events and in parking garages. At Downtown East, the risk heightens during late night event crowds and post-game periods.

Additional Areas of Concern

Beyond the main list above, locals often flag certain areas of Elliot Park, Whittier, and Stevens Square-Loring Heights for increasedtheft, nighttime disturbances, and unpredictable street activity. These areas may not consistently appear at the top of crime rankings, but they tend to fluctuate enough that residents recommend caution, especially after dark or during weekends.

Why These Areas Are Considered Dangerous

These neighborhoods don’t end up on the list by accident. Crime clusters in Minneapolis for specific reasons, and some areas face overlapping challenges that make incidents more likely. Understanding these factors helps explain why the places appear among the dangerous places in Minneapolis. Here’s what’s driving the patterns behind the city’s riskier areas.

1. Socioeconomic Factors

Many of the dangerous neighborhoods in Minneapolis face long-term economic stress, limited opportunities, and higher housing instability. These pressures increase the likelihood of crime concentrating in specific blocks. As public resources stretch thin, violent incidents and theft rise.

2. Property Crime Concentration

Minneapolis sees high levels of car break-ins, package theft, and burglary, but not evenly across the city. High-traffic neighborhoods and areas near nightlife corridors attract opportunistic crime. This clustering is a major reason certain places are labeled the most dangerous neighborhoods in Minneapolis.

3. Drug Activity and Public Space Challenges

In neighborhoods with visible substance use and limited support systems, public spaces become unpredictable. This increases the frequency of theft, disturbances, and emergency calls. Areas like Phillips and Ventura Village feel these pressures daily.

4. Gang Influence and Violent Incidents

Some North Minneapolis neighborhoods still experience occasional gang-related activity, which elevates violent crime rates. Even sporadic incidents push the numbers up and impact overall neighborhood safety. These patterns contribute heavily to the dangerous neighborhoods in Minneapolis.

5. Transitional Pressure and Shifting Crowds

Neighborhoods with rapid development, nightlife activity, or major transit routes often experience unpredictable shifts in foot traffic. This can lead to more theft, conflicts, and street activity. Such transitions make blocks change personality quickly, especially in Downtown East and Powderhorn.

The Safer Side of Minneapolis

Minneapolis isn’t just defined by its high-crime areas; the city also has areas that are calm, well-kept, and genuinely great to live in. These neighborhoods consistently rank among the safest and best neighborhoods in Minneapolis, offering steady foot traffic, reliable lighting, and a strong sense of community. These are the Minneapolis neighborhoods that stand out for stability, comfort, and low crime, and they’re exactly where most people look first when safety truly matters.

1. Armatage

Armatage is a quiet, residential neighborhood with low crime levels and a strong community vibe. Families, joggers, and dog walkers fill the sidewalks, giving the area a calm, predictable rhythm. Streets are well-maintained and well-lit, and neighbors tend to look out for each other. Because it feels stable and peaceful, Armatage consistently ranks among the safest neighborhoods in Minneapolis.

2. Cedar-Isles-Dean

With lakes, parks, and upscale homes, Cedar-Isles-Dean offers one of the most relaxed environments in the city. Crime rates are well below the Minneapolis average, and the neighborhood feels active but not chaotic. Outdoor recreation, clean streets, and steady foot traffic create natural visibility. This is the kind of place people choose when they want a safe, beautiful environment to call home.

3. Linden Hills

Linden Hills has a strong community presence and a lively cultural scene while still maintaining relatively low crime in residential areas. Students and families share the area, creating a diverse but stable atmosphere. Well-used public spaces and active neighbors make it feel welcoming. 

4. East Harriet

Known for its calm, tree-lined streets and friendly neighbors, East Harriet is one of the most peaceful areas in the city. The neighborhood’s strong residential base keeps crime low and energy steady. With parks, quiet blocks, and a close-knit feel, East Harriet is ideal for people who want suburban-level calm inside the city. Its stability makes it a top pick among the safest neighborhoods in Minneapolis.

5. Fulton

While parts of Fulton are busier, its residential sections remain safe and community-oriented. Neighbors stay active, and regular foot traffic helps maintain visibility. Parks, churches, and small businesses give Fulton a grounded feel. It continues to be one of the safest neighborhoods in Minneapolis for anyone seeking a quieter, established community.

Minneapolis Safety Tips

Moving around Minneapolis feels pretty chill once you get a sense of the city’s rhythm, but staying aware keeps everything smoother. A few smart habits can help you avoid sketchy situations, especially when you’re exploring new areas or out late. Use these tips to stay confident and in control while you get around.
1. Stick to bright, busy streets at night because quiet blocks can shift in energy fast.
2. Hide your valuables and keep your car empty so you don’t attract break-ins.
3. Walk with friends when you’re out late or passing through higher-risk areas.
4. Stay alert around transit stops, parking lots, and low-traffic streets where people often get
caught off guard.
5. Trust your instincts and switch routes immediately if something feels off.

Conclusion

Minneapolis has clear patterns in how safety shifts from one neighborhood to another, and understanding those patterns gives you a real advantage. The city’s higher-risk areas tend to share pressures like housing instability, high foot traffic, or late night activity, while the safest neighborhoods stand out for their community involvement, lighting, and steady residential feel. When you know how these factors shape crime, it becomes easier to choose where to live, what routes to take, and how to navigate the city without stress. Minneapolis has a lot to offer, and with the right context, you can enjoy it while staying aware and making choices that fit your comfort level. This breakdown makes it easier to understand the dangerous neighborhoods in Minneapolis. It also highlights the safest neighborhoods in Minneapolis so readers can make clearer decisions. And for students, it gives helpful context when comparing student apartments in Minneapolis.

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