Is Cedarburg Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

About 20 miles north of Milwaukee is the hamlet of Cedarburg, an artistic community with an authentic and welcoming feel.

The town’s name likely comes from the abundance of cedar trees along Cedar Creek, a central waterway that has played a vital role in the town’s development.

By the mid-1800s, German immigrants had established Cedarburg as a mill town, building the historic limestone structures that still stand today.

The only remaining covered bridge in Wisconsin from that era is in Cedarburg.

When the mill industry went under, Cedarburg still thrived as a suburban oasis away from the busy city of Milwaukee.

Even with the growth, Cedarburg managed to retain a small-town charm and vitality.

The 12,000 or so residents enjoy welcoming visitors to museums, art galleries, and antique shops.

Annual festivals are worth planning a trip around, with Winterfest celebrating the novelties of the season.

June brings the Strawberry Festival, and the warm summer air kicks off the Summer Sounds event with music in the park.

As you’d expect in the agricultural state, September’s harvest is a big deal, with the Wine and Harvest Festival drawing in thousands.

Tipping a hat to the German immigrants, Oktoberfest is another big event to celebrate in Cedarburg.

Then comes the holiday season, with special events and performances around town.

It also helps that one of the most pristine sections of Lake Michigan’s shoreline is a short drive east.

Warnings & Dangers in Cedarburg

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Cedarburg. In fact, it's one of the safest cities in the state and possibly the country. Plus, you get close access to one of the most undisturbed sections of the Lake Michigan shoreline.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Cedarburg has limited public transit options, primarily served by Ozaukee County Transit, which offers a shared-ride taxi service connecting Cedarburg to nearby towns. Milwaukee's public transit system, MCTS, does not connect to Cedarburg. Rideshares and rental cars are available.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Just three pickpockets or purse snatchings have been reported in the past three years, which gives Cedarburg another low risk.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Cedarburg faces medium natural disaster risks, mainly from severe thunderstorms, occasional tornadoes, and winter storms. Flooding can occur near Cedar Creek during heavy rain or snowmelt. Winter weather often brings icy roads and power outages.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

With just one robbery since 2021, and that was a convenience store, the risk here is low. However, a low risk never makes it okay to let your guard down. Plus, the risk changes in Milwaukee.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is a low risk. A large city like Milwaukee would face more potential dangers, but the larger population comes with a lot of security. Just be vigilant and report suspicious activity if you see something concerning.

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. The most recent scam in Cedarburg involves fake demands for payment involving gift cards from bogus law enforcement officers. These types of scams are more likely to target residents.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

The risk is low for women of all ages, even those traveling alone or with small children. Of course, basic safety steps should prevail, but there's not an overwhelming risk for anyone in Cedarburg.

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. The 2023 report for Cedarburg shows full compliance across the board. Plans are being made to replace the aging water system.

Safest Places to Visit in Cedarburg

The city’s website has a section for visitors.

You can also review the Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce for a list of shops, restaurants, and lodging options.

First, there’s downtown, which spans half a mile on Washington Avenue between Spring Street and Sheboygan Road.

Between the mix of galleries, shops, and restaurants, you’ll also find several museums.

The Cedarburg Art Museum is one of the gems, set in a gorgeous Victorian mansion.

This museum brings in a steady stream of exhibits that highlight Wisconsin artists.

The Cedarburg History Museum doubles as the visitor’s center.

The museum is free, and guided tours are available by appointment.

Each year, a premier exhibit takes over the history museum.

The Kuhefuss House Museum offers a snapshot of early Cedarburg life.

Built during the 1800s, this historic home gives a peek into the domestic life of the past, with tours and occasional special exhibits.

Check the schedule of events at the Cedarburg Cultural Center.

Whether there’s a seasonal performance, holiday event, or walking tour offered, you can always find something unique and interesting here.

Another venue worth checking out is the Cedarburg Performing Arts Center, where shows run year-round, including some performances by the local Cedarburg Children’s Theater.

Get crafts at the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts, where a barn full of beautifully woven creations holds history, stories, and culture.

Various classes are held throughout the year if you want to get started on the art of quilting.

You can also explore the pathways that lead to riverfront parks, like Adlai Horn Park and Cedar Creek Park.

Just north of downtown, Covered Bridge Park holds the last 18th-century bridge in the state.

You can also paddle the water here, go fishing, or watch for migrating birds.

The closest water access point is Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve.

Enjoy more than 75 acres of untouched nature, with expansive views of Lake Michigan from the bluffs or along the shore.

No, there aren’t any lions here, but the name comes from one that escaped from Milwaukee’s zoo and hid in this area. 

It’s also worth the 10-mile drive to Port Washington (visitportwashington.com) for some small-town fun on the lake.

Another site worth visiting is Ozaukee Tourism, which covers the county where Cedarburg is located.

Places worth considering are “America’s New Luxembourg” in Belgium, Newburg with its waterfront views, Saukville complete with an old-fashioned downtown, and Meqoun’s expansive park and trail system.

Places to Avoid in Cedarburg

Cedarburg is a safe city, and you should have no qualms about visiting any part of town.

There aren’t dangerous neighborhoods here.

I would suggest you stick to the speed limit for safety and also because I looked up the pull-over numbers from Cedarburg Police.

On average, about five people a day get pulled over for speeding.

Luckily, most will get away with a warning, but about seven people a month get a ticket.

Without a lot of crime, you can bet every aspect of safety will be handled seriously here.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Cedarburg

So... How Safe Is Cedarburg Really?

Normally, when a city is as small as Cedarburg (12,100 population), I’m explaining why the crime rates aren’t really as high as they appear to be.

I don’t have to do that here.

In fact, Cedarburg’s violent crime rate is 76% lower than the state average and 83% lower than the national average.

Those percentages come from just eight felony arrests in 2023, a 68% drop from 2022, when there were 25 violent crimes.

Even thefts dropped 42% between 2022 and 2023.

That leaves the theft rate in 2023 a full 68% lower than the national average.

About a third of all thefts in Cedarburg are shoplifting.

It’s no wonder that Cedarburg regularly makes the list of safest cities in Wisconsin.

“We are deeply grateful for the continued support of the department and its officers,” Police Chief Mike McNerney wrote to city leaders.

“It is a privilege to serve such a wonderful community, and we remain committed to ensuring Cedarburg remains a safe and vibrant place to live and visit.”

How Does Cedarburg 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

Cedarburg experiences distinct seasons with warm, humid summers reaching around 80°F and cold, snowy winters averaging in the 20s. Spring and fall bring mild, crisp weather, perfect for outdoor activities. January and February are the snowiest months. Bring bug spray in the summer and layers of warm clothing in winter.

Airports

The nearest commercial airports to Cedarburg, Wisconsin, are Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE), about 30 miles south, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), approximately 110 miles away.

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.

Cedarburg Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Wisconsin - Safety by City