Washington County Has the Safest Communities in Minneapolis-St. Paul
Individuals and families moving to Minneapolis-St. Paul can find safe neighborhoods, good schools, and welcoming communities in Washington County. In 2025, Washington County was ranked second in the state as the Best County for Families – and one of the best in the entire country.
Washington County also ranks 6th in the state for its public schools (out of 83 counties) and is the 4th healthiest county in Minnesota. This is a great place to spend time outside with your family while meeting your neighbors and participating in community activities.
The high safety ratings are reflected in community events and activities. Residents feel comfortable meeting each other and gathering for neighborhood events, picnics, and sports competitions. This isn’t just a safe county, it’s a place to find your people.
Both violent and property crime rates are well below the national average in Washington County. You can explore interactive maps that showcase how crime is not an issue for these neighborhoods. Some of the most popular places to live in the county, like Woodbury, Cottage Grove, and Hugo, have exceptionally low crime rates.
