Is Beloit Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Beloit is known as the Gateway to Wisconsin since it’s located at the state line with Illinois.

The first thing you might wonder is, “How do you pronounce Beloit?”

The answer is simple – just like it looks, and it rhymes with Detroit – “buh- LOYT.”

The Ho-Chunk Indigenous People lived here until 1832.

French fur traders had already set up shop, but it was the wave of New Englanders who came as part of the New England Immigrating Company that started to help the city take shape.

Beloit’s rich history of immigration from across the country, the South, and the world helped bring a diverse and welcoming community.

The Great Migration brought a population of African Americans, and Beloit was also a stop on the Underground Railroad.

As a city that grew its roots in cigars, machinery, and innovation, Beloit is now home to 37,000 people.

The town of Beloit surrounds the city, adding another 7,700 people to the community.

The student population at Beloit College brings another 1,000 people and youthful energy to the historic streets.

The Rock River cuts through the city, creating many recreational opportunities mixed in with the classic charm of downtown.

Plus, visitors are equidistant from Milwaukee or Chicago, offering a small-town getaway with easy big-city access.

Warnings & Dangers in Beloit

OVERALL RISK: LOW

While you're going to read a lot that Beloit is one of the most dangerous cities in Wisconsin, it's important to understand that Wisconsin has a crime rate that is 22% lower than the national average. There are some medium-risk areas in Beloit, but we've designed this guide to help you enjoy a low-risk.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Feel free to review the Beloit Transit interactive map to see if the routes suit your needs, but it's likely safer and more convenient to use rideshares or get a rental car for your Beloit visit. There are just some bus stops you wouldn't want to stand alone at, especially after dark.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

With one pickpocket and six purse snatchings in 2023, the risk is technically low, but those numbers, coupled with the high theft rates overall, mean it's a medium risk. Pay attention to what you carry, leave valuables at home, and don't leave a purse or wallet unattended.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

I doubt anyone in Beloit would think the risk is medium, but if you aren't used to the weather here, you'll need to stay aware. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes peak in spring, with a summer-long potential. Winter can bring blizzards, snow storms, or ice storms, sometimes mixed with dangerously low wind chills. Plus, being this close to rivers and streams means a risk of flooding.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The robbery rate is 37% higher than the national average here, and 44% of all robberies are highway robberies - that's the same category as muggings. This is another medium risk, but using vigilant personal safety tactics will help reduce the risk. Don't walk around at night alone or visit unknown parts of town unless you know someone who lives there.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is a low risk, as the community is small enough without any major hard targets. The bigger risk is the history of violent crime. Either way, reporting suspicious activity to local police helps keep the community safe for everyone.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local police department and sheriff’s office social media sites for the latest scams. That will help keep the risk low. Most scams here target residents, but there are enough scams out there that anyone could be a victim. The Federal Trade Commission also keeps a comprehensive list of modern scams, plus it offers a way to report scam attempts.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Statistically, women are more likely to be the victim of a violent crime, but considering that nearly 80% of all violent crimes are domestic, the risk for a visiting female is low.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. No violations were reported in 2023, but at least 19 water main breaks happened. This can lead to boil orders or other water inconveniences. The risk is low, but be sure you're updated on the latest city news when you visit.

Safest Places to Visit in Beloit

The city’s website has a menu with links to help visitors, including a link to the Visit Beloit website.

Once you’re on the tourism website, look for the Visitor’s Guide in English and Spanish, as well as a wedding guide if you’re planning a special event here.

Downtown Beloit has a website with the same name, with a list of businesses, restaurants, and events.

It will also be helpful to bookmark the Friends of the Riverfront, where you can find activities around Riverfront Park.

Explore the region’s history at Beckman Mill, a restored gristmill built in the 1860s.

The surrounding park also includes a blacksmith shop and a mill pond.

Another must-visit is the Logan Museum of Anthropology, located on the Beloit College campus.

The museum embraces the cultural heritage with an extensive collection of Native American artifacts and other items from around the world.

For a look into Beloit’s industrial past, you can check out the Beloit Historical Society’s Lincoln Center.

It has exhibits dedicated to the city’s history, including its industrial roots with companies like Fairbanks Morse.

Four times a year, the exhibits change at the Wright Museum of Art.

As a teaching college, the displays are curated and created by students at Beloit College.

Between Beloit and Rockland, there are numerous parks and preserves to explore.

Choose from options that have beaches on the river or paddling opportunities, or look for wooded walks that immerse your group in nature and wildlife.

One of the unique places for visitors to go outdoors is the Colored Sands Forest Preserve in nearby Rockton.

It’s a haven for birds, but some plants can only be found in this specific area.

Those into agritourism will love the options from orchards to horse farms to tree farms, with plenty of interactive and “u-pick-em” events throughout the year.

Places to Avoid in Beloit

The Beloit Police Department offers a Community Crime Map, which is the best way to find the crime hot spots before your visit.

While I wouldn’t consider any neighborhoods here “too dangerous to drive through,” it’s wise to stick to an itinerary that keeps you on main roads between attractions.

Also, most of the things to do and attractions, including downtown, are on the east side of the river.

It makes sense to stay on that side.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Beloit

So... How Safe Is Beloit Really?

Beloit is repeatedly ranked as one of Wisconsin’s “worst cities to live in” and “most dangerous city,” but is that reputation accurate?

The violent crime rate is 26% higher than the national average and 62% higher than the state average.

While those percentages aren’t very reassuring, it will help to know that just 12% of violent crimes happened against strangers in 2023.

Most crimes are domestic.

Theft rates are 21% higher than the national average, with 41% of thefts attributed to shoplifting.

In mid-2024, the Beloit police chief attributed some of the criminal activity to a group of 14 to 18-year-olds.

This type of rise in juvenile crime has been quite common nationwide over the past few years.

Beloit is also trying to shake a historically negative stigma of being one of the most dangerous cities in an otherwise relatively safe part of the country.

You can find plenty of safe places and attractions in this city, but you’ll need to use big-city precautions and avoid the parts of town that are crime hot spots.

How Does Beloit Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You can also download the CBP One mobile app for help on the go. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.

Weather

Beloit gets a traditional mix of all four seasons, with winters lasting longer than other Midwestern states further south. Expect about 40 inches of snow in the winter, with temperatures that can really get below freezing. Summers warm up to the 80s (F), with warm, humid conditions. Plan for various layers of clothing since the weather can often fluctuate in any season.

Airports

The closest commercial airports to Beloit are Chicago Rockford International Airport (about 30 minutes away), which offers regional flights, and General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, about an hour’s drive away. For more international and extensive domestic travel, Chicago O'Hare International Airport is approximately 90 minutes from Beloit.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.

Beloit Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Wisconsin - Safety by City