Is Duluth, MN Safe? (Visiting & Living Here in 2024)
If you’re planning a visit to Minnesota, you may be wondering, is Duluth, MN safe or should I be worried?
One of the top things to consider when you’re planning a trip somewhere or you’re planning to move is your safety.
Visiting somewhere that isn’t safe can really negatively impact your visit, so it’s important to understand these things before you go!
And this beautiful city on the shoreline of Lake Superior is so fascinating that it would be hard to skip it!
I’ve lived in Minnesota for my entire life and have a lot to share with you about the safety of Duluth and the surrounding areas.
In this post, I’ll let you in on everything that you need to know, from total crime rates to safety tips and the safest neighborhoods to be in.
Is Duluth, MN Safe to Visit?
Thanks to its stunning location on the shore of Lake Superior, Duluth has become a popular destination for travelers and locals alike.
While visitors aren’t as concerned about safety in Duluth as they are about safety in Minneapolis, it’s still important to understand.
When compared to other cities around the country and the state, Duluth does have a fairly high crime rate, standing at 42 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Although this is higher than some major cities and many other smaller destinations in Minnesota, it is lower than Minneapolis.
Total crimes included in this number are violent and property crimes, which could be everything from petty theft to armed robbery and murder.
One of the most important things to remember is that crime is typically confined to a few areas, and avoiding those areas can really help you stay out of harm’s way.
Later in this post, I’ll tell you about the places that you should avoid.
Aside from just the total crime in Duluth, you’ll also want to think about the dangerous weather that we have from time to time.
Winter in Minnesota is a brutal time of year, and road conditions and cold temperatures can quickly become dangerous.
There are very large hills in Duluth that you have to drive on and when they become icy, it can be very dangerous. And with the wind off of Lake Superior, frostbite and hypothermia aren’t uncommon during winter months.
I personally haven’t felt unsafe in Duluth when I visit and I spend a lot of time in the city. Take that with a grain of salt though, because everyone is different.
Is Duluth, MN Safe to Live In?
When you’re moving somewhere, there are a lot of things to think about, and safety in Duluth is often a top concern, especially for families with kids or people living alone.
Many people consider Duluth thanks to its close proximity to so many great outdoor activities, as well as because it has the same perks of a big city with a small-town feel.
When planning your move, it’s really important to consider the neighborhood that you’ll be living in, because this often depicts how safe you will be.
There are some neighborhoods that are the most dangerous and then others that are reportedly the safest places to be.
We’ll dive deeper into these neighborhoods below, but a few of the safest places include Chester Park, Lakeside, and Congdon Park.
I’ve lived an hour from Duluth for almost my entire life and spend a lot of time exploring the city. I’ve never felt unsafe in either regard and have lots of friends who live there!
Of all of the people that I know that live there, none have ever complained about feeling unsafe.
Is Duluth Safe at Night?
There are many things to do after dark in Duluth, but the question of safety always arises when you’re thinking about going out at night.
Just like any major city, Duluth gets more dangerous after the sun has set, and you should always plan to make more precautions.
I won’t say that it’s unsafe, but I won’t say that it’s safe either, and I think that it definitely depends which area of the city that you’re in.
A few ways to stay safe after dark include traveling in groups, being aware of your surroundings, and staying in busy areas.
Is Duluth Safe for Solo Travelers?
Just like with travel after dark, being a solo traveler comes with more risks since there isn’t anyone around to defend you.
But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t travel alone, it just means that you need to be more cautious and aware.
I’ve traveled by myself to Duluth many, many times, and I’ve never had any issues.
The best way to ensure that you have the same experience is to avoid traveling alone at night, stay in safe areas, and always let someone you trust know where you’ll be.
Safest Neighborhoods in Duluth, MN
Whether you’re looking to move or are just visiting, thinking about if Duluth is safe is important, so considering different neighborhoods is a must.
Here are the top safest neighborhoods to give you peace of mind during your stay.
Congdon Park
This neighborhood is found near the Glensheen Mansion just up from Lake Superior, and is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Duluth.
One thing to note is that these safe neighborhoods are often the most expensive, and you’ll be able to see that by the large houses that line the lake.
If you can find an affordable place to live or stay, Chester Park offers a lot, from hiking to nature parks to golf courses and more.
Chester Park
Just northwest of Congdon Park is Chester Park, another great neighborhood to either stay in or move to in Duluth.
This neighborhood doesn’t see a whole lot of crime and has a lot of nice housing for if you’re making the move.
It’s home to the University of Minnesota Duluth, so if you’re a college student, this is the best place to live!
It’s also nice for families since there are nice outdoor areas and playgrounds for little ones.
Lakeside/Lester Park
The Lakeside/Lester Park neighborhood is another great one for families, solo people, couples visiting Duluth, and everyone else in between.
It’s a beautiful neighborhood that starts on the shore of Lake Superior and goes up into Lester and Amity Parks.
I would say that the Lakeside/Lester Park neighborhood is definitely more expensive and you’ll find a lot more purchased homes than you will rental units.
And it can be kind of far away from the rest of the city and any shops, but it’s worth the drive to live or stay in a safe neighborhood.
Neighborhoods to Avoid in Duluth
You can often times see a pretty visible difference in the quality and safety of neighborhoods in Duluth, but here are a few places that are best avoided.
Here are some of the bad neighborhoods in Duluth that you might want to steer clear of during your visit.
Lincoln Park
Another neighborhood found right on the lake, Lincoln Park has been run down for many years, although they are attempting to fix it up.
The last time that I visited, I saw that they were adding more businesses and doing construction to fix Lincoln Park up!
So hopefully in the near future, it can be removed from this section of the post!
Central Hillside
This neighborhood is found just north of Canal Park and Downtown Duluth, but it, unfortunately, sees a lot of the city’s crime.
This could be because there are constantly people coming in and out of the area, or it could just have gotten run down and never picked back up.
If you’re able, avoid Central Hillside, although it can be hard sometimes since it’s so close to the Downtown area.
Duluth, MN Crime
As we talked about above, the crime in Duluth, MN is higher than I think most of us would like it to be, which can be concerning.
The overall crime rate in Duluth, according to Neighborhood Scout, is approximately 42 crimes per 1,000 residents.
This is higher than both the state and national average.
Most commonly, the crimes are of property, with about 38 of those 42 crimes being property crimes. And about 4 of them are violent crimes.
Thankfully, the violent crime rate is low in both Duluth and Minnesota, with the chances of being involved in violent Duluth crime being 1 in 272 and 1 in 317 in Minnesota.
Because property crimes are so common here, it’s best to avoid flaunting valuables, lock your house, car, and hotel room doors, and leave valuables at home.
So based strictly on statistics, many may consider Duluth to be an unsafe place to live and visit, but when we look at the whole picture we can see something different.
Most Common Crimes in Duluth, MN
While all sorts of crimes take place in this city, there are a few that are the most common, and I wanted to share those with you so that you’re prepared.
Keep in mind that this is not an all-encompassing list of crime data, so be sure to be aware of this.
Theft
Whether it be petty theft of something small like a backpack or motor vehicle theft, stealing is one of the most common crimes in Duluth, MN.
When we look at the total number of property crimes, theft and motor vehicle theft makeup about 34 of around 40 in 1,000 of the Duluth crimes on properties.
The United States average of property crimes is around 20 per 1,000 residents, so this is much higher.
Assault
When it comes to violent crimes, they are much less common in Duluth than property crimes.
But of all of them, assault is the most common, making up about 2.5 out of 3.5 total violent crimes per 1,000 residents.
This is about equal to the United States’ assault rates in regard to violent crimes.
Robbery
Another of the violent crimes that happens in large cities, including Duluth is robbery, which makes up only about 0.3 out of about 3.5 violent crimes per 1,000 residents.
As for the United States, this number is at about 0.6 out of around 4 violent crimes per 1,000 residents.
Dangerous Weather in Duluth
If you’re wondering is Duluth, MN safe, you’ll need to think about more than just the crime that you’ll find in the city.
Weather is something that many people forget about when it comes to safety in Duluth, but in Minnesota, the weather should be a huge thought.
While we don’t have a lot of natural disasters like earthquakes or hurricanes, we do sometimes have tornadoes and of course, extreme cold.
Temperatures often drop below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be extremely dangerous and makes getting hypothermia and frostbite much easier.
And it’s good to note that Duluth often gets even colder weather because of the cold wind and extra snow that Lake Superior causes.
Safety Tips for Visiting Duluth, MN
If you’ve decided that Duluth is for you (good choice!) then there are a few ways that you can encourage your safety.
Here are some safety tips to remember!
Travel in Groups
Although this can be hard when you’re solo in Minnesota, it’s best practice to travel in groups, especially if you’re walking around.
Walking by yourself makes you an easier target (I know, it’s sad.), and having other people with you can help prevent this.
This also goes for taking Uber, Lyft, or taxis by yourself, since it puts you in a more vulnerable position.
Avoid Going Out After Dark
Again, this can be tough since there are so many fun things to do after dark, but if you’re going out, stick with a group and remain vigilant.
Stay in well-lit and well-traveled areas, always hold onto and keep an eye on your drink, and keep an eye out for suspicious individuals.
Stay Aware and Vigilant
One of the most important things that you can do is be aware of your surroundings and who and what is around you.
Not knowing what’s going around you can put you in a really vulnerable position and makes you more susceptible to theft or predators.
So stay alert, and if your gut tells you that something is off, it probably is.
Stay in Well-Traveled Areas
Another safety tip is to stay in areas that are well-traveled by other tourists and locals, like Downtown areas, or in Duluth, Canal Park.
Being around lots of other people makes it harder for thieves and predators to take advantage of you!
Have Personal Safety Gear
Whether it be a can of pepper spray, a personal safety alarm, or you have your permit to carry, it’s a good idea to have some self defense items with you.
I personally always carry a Birdie personal safety alarm with me and it makes me feel more safe and confident.
Prepare Yourself for Winter
As I mentioned, the weather is something that you need to be aware of, and you should be prepared for the winter!
In the winter, always dress warm and have extra layers to put on or take off. It can also sometimes be best to just stay inside if it’s really cold.
Plus, it’s important to understand how to drive in the winter, especially if you’ve never done it before.
Safest Places to Stay in Duluth
If you’re making a visit to Duluth, you may be wondering what the safest places to stay are so that you can have a fun vacation.
Canal Park is definitely the most popular and safest neighborhood to stay in for any type of traveler, from families to solo. Here are a few great hotels!
Canal Park Lodge
Located on the shores of Lake Superior, this stunning hotel offers magical views, it’s own beach, and easy access to the best things to do and restaurants in Canal Park.
There’s even a hot tub with a lake view as well as a lakeside patio to enjoy relaxing at while you visit Duluth.
Pier B Resort Hotel
Imagine sitting back in a jacuzzi with a view of Lake Superior and the sounds of waves crashing into shore around you. At Pier B Resort, you can do just that!
Enjoy nightly lakeside bonfires, modernly decorated rooms, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and more are found at the beautiful Pier B Resort Hotel.
Beacon Pointe on Lake Superior
Perfect for extended stays with a full kitchen, living room, balcony, and of course, views of the lake, Beacon Pointe is the place to be!
You can take advantage of amenities like the pool, hot tub, sauna, easy access to the Lakewalk, and so much more at Beacon Pointe on Lake Superior.
FAQs
Yes, the Duluth area in Minnesota is very nice and makes for a great place to live and visit. With plenty to do outdoors and things to do indoors, it’s a great place to check out.
The overall crime rate in Duluth, MN is at around 42 crimes per 1,000 residents, according to Neighborhood Scout.
Although there is some crime, Duluth, MN is a great place to live, especially if you live in safer neighborhoods like Chester Park and Lakeside. It’s great for outdoors lovers and adventurous souls.
Yes, Duluth, MN is safe and a great place to visit, especially for those who love the outdoors! As long as you avoid the more dangerous parts of Duluth, you can be safe.
Because Duluth is a large city, crime tends to be higher. This is common with almost all major cities because the population is so large.
Wrap-Up: Is Duluth, MN Safe?
Whether you’re planning a visit to the beautiful city of Duluth or you’re planning to move there, you may be wondering, is Duluth, MN safe?
This question is so important because it will dictate whether or not you’ll have a safe and enjoyable time there.
So when you’re looking to book your trip to Minnesota, consider these things to ensure that you’re going to return home safely!
