You’re likelier to associate Wisconsin with the Green Bay Packers and cheese than crime.
Generally speaking, Wisconsin is a very safe state to such a point where some don’t lock their homes or cars.
However, that doesn’t mean the entire state is immune from violent and property crimes.
So if you’re considering visiting or relocating to the state, it’s important to understand its most crime-prone cities and towns.
Keep reading to learn more!
Contents
10 Most Dangerous Cities in Wisconsin
Ten: Beloit
Kicking off the list of Wisconsin’s ten most dangerous cities in Beloit.
Home to only 35,000, Beloit has a high violent crime rate that ranks fourth in the state.
However, the state’s property crime rate is significantly lower at 21st, thus better balancing the total crime rate.
USA Today ranks Beloit as the worst place to live in Wisconsin, much of which is due to the high violent crime rate.
Nine: La Crosse
With a population of over 51,000, La Crosse has the state’s 22nd-highest violent crime rate.
The good news is La Crosse has moved two spots from number seven, which indicates the crime rate is slowly improving.
Local law enforcement initiatives and other political moves have helped La Crosse improve the negative statistics.
The city aims to become one of the best places to live in Wisconsin through community investment.
Eight: Kenosha
Like many others on this list, Kenosha is Wisconsin’s fourth largest city, situated on Lake Michigan.
As a bedroom community, Chicago is 66 miles away, and Milwaukee is 39 miles, both reasonable drives.
However, the proximity to these two major cities has contributed to the crime rate.
Recently, Kenosha was in the national spotlight due to the average annual homicide rate reached in March.
Before this statistic, Kenosha was experiencing rapid drops in property crime and robberies.
Unfortunately, both have increased over the past year.
Seven: Janesville
Located 76 miles southwest of Milwaukee, Janesville is the home of Parker Pen and several historic buildings that showcase the past in this midwestern town.
For a town of only 65,600, several major companies, including Woodman’s Food Market, are headquartered in the area.
Education and healthcare are also main employers, and the town has significantly invested in green space.
Another positive note is violent crime has decreased each year for the past five years to under the state level.
On the other hand, property crime rates have drastically increased above the state average.
In 2019, there were 1,577 reported incidences, with theft and arson being the most common.
Six: Racine
Another town on the shores of Lake Michigan is Racine, a bedroom community for Milwaukee commuters and Wisconsin’s fifth-largest city.
This midwestern manufacturing city of 78,000 residents produces various products, from malted milk balls to motorcycles.
Architecture has a major role in the city, with several downtown buildings on the National Register of Historic Places and Frank Lloyd Wright constructions.
Racine has historically been one of the safest places in the state.
However, recent statistics show that assaults, burglaries, and robberies exceed the state’s average.
Last year there were 990 property crime offenses, with arson being a major problem.
Five: Madison
Right at the middle of the list is Madison, the state capital and second largest city.
Madison has a long architectural history, featuring several buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright.
The city is also the main campus of the University of Wisconsin and the Badgers college football team.
As a result, the city boasts many cultural attractions, excellent dining options and nightlife, and strong population diversity.
Interestingly, Madison has numerous neighborhoods with different crime patterns.
Burglaries and theft are the biggest issues in this college town, and the poverty rate is also high.
However, statistics show that the total crimes are decreasing instead of decreasing.
Four: West Allis
Situated only seven miles west of downtown Milwaukee, West Allis is a manufacturing town, like many others on this list.
Quad Graphics and Siemens Power Corporation are two of the largest employers in the area.
This city of 60,300 has two claims to fame: the Pettit National Ice Center, one of just 30 indoor speed skating rinks globally, and the state’s fairgrounds.
While there are many positive aspects, this city has experienced a spike in property crime over the past few years, causing it to increase above the state average.
West Allis has also seen an increase in assaults, with 110, despite a poverty rate on par with the state average.
Three: Green Bay
Located 119 miles north of Milwaukee, Green Bay is best known for being the home of the NFL team, the Green Bay Packers, at iconic Lambeau Field and having several colleges and universities.
Green Bay’s poverty rate of 16.8% is well above the state average of 11.3%, which could contribute to the high property crime.
Recently, violent crime has increased with spikes in rapes and assaults.
Overall, total crime has remained steady without any indication of decreasing.
Two: Appleton
With a population of 75,600, Appleton is located north of Milwaukee, close to Green Bay, and is the sixth largest in the state.
The primary employers are Thrivent Financial and the Affinity Health System, so the average annual household income is $60,000.
Given its location, the town has become a busy transportation hub, which is served by bus, rail, and air, and is near several highways.
The overall violent and non-violent crime was lowered recently, but the rates continue to be above average.
Unfortunately, assault and theft are massive issues, with a slight uptick in rapes and assaults.
Appleton experienced 206 violent crimes recently and two murders, both significant for a small city.
One: Milwaukee
The most dangerous city on this list is Milwaukee, which is unsurprising due to its population of 577,000.
Milwaukee has a rich history woven into the neighborhoods and historic buildings.
Manufacturing continues to be the economic driver, with companies like Harley-Davidson and Miller Brewing having headquarters in the city.
The city also boasts excellent museums, cultural activities, and public attractions.
Unfortunately, violent crime continues to be high, despite reform efforts by the city.
On the positive side, property crime has decreased by almost 40% since 2006, but both crime types remain above the state average.
With a 22.4% poverty rate and a median household income of $44,200, it’s unsurprising that the city tops this list.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Wisconsin
One: Keep Friends and Family Updated
Whether you’re visiting a safe or a Wisconsin city with higher-than-average crime rates, keeping your family and friends in the loop is important.
This means providing them with an itinerary for your visit, where you’re staying, and how you’re getting to different places.
Also, you’ll want to check in daily to let them know you’re safe and discuss the various activities, sights, and events you’ve seen during the trip.
The check-in could be a phone call, text message, or simply posting photos on social media.
Two: Pack for the Weather
Wisconsin winters are cold and snowy; summers can become hot depending on the month.
The year-round hiking and outdoor activities are excellent, so it’s important to look at the forecast before your visit and pack for the weather.
If camping in the forest, it’s important to bring some heavy clothes, even in the summer, since temperatures tend to drop quickly overnight.
Three: Don’t Pass Sensitive Information on Public Wi-Fi
Many cities and towns in Wisconsin have public Wi-Fi, either offered through the state or at coffee shops and restaurants.
While using the Wi-Fi for general browsing and other light activities is safe, never use it for important transactions involving transferring sensitive data across unencrypted networks.
Hackers are waiting to steal important information from unsuspecting visitors or residents, so be careful.
Four: Don’t Draw Attention
Don’t flash expensive jewelry, money, electronics, or other valuable items in crowded tourist areas or during festivals and other community events.
Pickpockets and other criminals could follow you to less populated areas then you will be the victim of a crime.
Also, you want to blend with the local population as best as possible, so wear inconspicuous clothing to avoid attention from nefarious characters.
Five: Be Aware of your Environment
Since places like Milwaukee have a high poverty rate, the neighborhoods quickly flip from safe to dangerous.
Therefore, it’s always important to be aware of your current surroundings, and if you end up in an area that looks or feels unsafe, turn around and walk back the way you came.
There are plenty of touristy areas in Milwaukee, so there’s no need to venture into unsafe parts of town or stick to crowded areas.
Wisconsin Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Wisconsin Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest city in Wisconsin?
The town of Oconomowoc is the safest place in Wisconsin, with only a single violent crime reported and just 11 property crimes last year.
This means the community has an exceptional rating of 1.2 property crimes per 1,000 people.
What is the best place to live in Wisconsin?
According to the Niche report, Whitefish Bay is Wisconsin’s best place to live.
Located on Milwaukee’s North Shore, Whitefish Bay received high marks for education, a great place for families, excellent health and fitness, good outdoor activities, commuting, nightlife, jobs, and housing.
What is the most common crime in Wisconsin?
As with most states, larceny-theft is the most prevalent crime in the state, comprising 74% of property crimes.
In comparison, the U.S. percentage of larceny-theft is 71%.
why are they soooooooooooooooo violent??????
Thanks for setting up this list. I will be there for a month and I want to avoid a few dangerous places and cities when I go there. Also, it seems like it is a great place for work.
Wisconsin is generally a safe state, but there are some cities like Beloit and Milwaukee that have higher crime rates, so it’s important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings when visiting or living in these areas.