Is Eau Claire Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Eau Claire, Wisconsin, embraces its fun and funky reputation while honoring its storied past.

Like most cities in the state, Indigenous people lived here for centuries before fur traders moved in during the 1700s.

By the 1850s, Eau Claire was becoming a mill town, fueled by German and Norwegian immigrants.

Its nickname was Sawdust City due to all the lumber work that was being done.

From trees to tires, a new industry took over.

Uniroyal Tire Company was founded as the Gillette Safety Tire Company in 1917.

The factory became one of Eau Claire’s largest employers, providing jobs to thousands of workers and helping shape the city’s industrial identity.

Today, Eau Claire has reinvented itself as a creative and cultural center, drawing visitors with its thriving music and arts scene.

The city is home to the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, a key part of the community that adds a youthful energy and offers cultural events, sports, and educational opportunities.

Eau Claire mixes the best of all worlds with agritourism, urban amenities, outdoor activities on the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers, and a funky art vibe that’s enthralling.

If you’re wondering where the name Eau Claire came from, legend has it that it translates from French to mean “clear water,” a nod to the Eau Clair River that was much clearer than the Chippewa River.

Warnings & Dangers in Eau Claire

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Eau Claire with some specific safety advice when visiting downtown. Overall, you can't beat the unique things to do here.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

You can choose from Eau Clarie Transit, taxis, rideshares and rental cars here. All options are low risk, but having a rental car gives you much more control over safety and schedules.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Ten pickpockets or purse snatchings were reported in 2023, which doesn't sound like a lot, but it is higher than cities of similar size that I've researched. While the risk is low, you should still use extra caution to secure your belongings and avoid leaving purses or backpacks unattended.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Eau Claire faces typical Wisconsin hazards, like severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flooding, especially near rivers. Winter storms and heavy snowfall can also disrupt daily life. The bitterly cold temperatures in winter can catch some people off guard. Treat it as a medium risk so you're aware of the potential hazards and can be prepared accordingly.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

This is a low risk, with eight robberies reported in 2023. The majority of robbery reports involve businesses or homes, not individuals.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Without any potential major targets, the risk is low. However, mass shootings and domestic terrorism can happen anywhere in America. Be aware of your surroundings and bring any suspicious activity to the attention of local police.

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. I also like to check out the FTC website for trending fraud reports to know the most up-to-date information.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

You'll want to use extra caution if you're downtown at night as there's a pretty robust nightlife scene. Stick with a friend or a group, and don't let anyone wander off alone. The risk is low, and common sense will go a long way.

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 shows no violations, but there was one concern about a roof at the reservoir facility, which was quickly built.

Safest Places to Visit in Eau Claire

The city’s website, the university’s website, and the Visit Eau Claire website all offer visitor information, with the latter being the most robust gathering of information.

Check out the DECI (Downtown Eau Claire Inc.) website or @DowntownEauClaire on social media for all the information you need about downtown.

The most important information on that site comes under the events tab since this is where most gatherings and festivals happen.

Eau Claire is especially proud of its sculpture tour, which is the largest nationwide, with new installations annually.

There are at least 120 to track down.

The Chippewa Valley Museum holds all the history of the region, including exhibits about industry, farm life, and logging.

There’s also a special section for kids, but don’t miss the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, either.

Don’t overlook the mixed-use development of Banbury Place, which is the former home of Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Company.

Historic tours are available, and special exhibits about the industrial era are available.

Chippewa Valley Tours offers foodie and history tours that allow you to learn more in less time while enjoying the ride instead of having to plan an adventure.

Agritourism is big in Wisconsin, and several orchards in and around Eau Claire offer seasonal u-pick-em opportunities.

Check out local farms for seasonal events, too.

The Chippewa Valley is also home to several wineries and breweries.

Mt. Simon stands nearly 1,000 feet above the city, and it’s a popular outdoor recreation area known for its hiking trails, scenic views, and access to the Chippewa River.

The park at Mt. Simon is a popular place to start the Chippewa River Water Trail, which goes for more than four miles through the city.

Download the map on the tourism website to find the safest route to take.

In winter, Tower Ridge Recreation Area offers expansive cross-country skiing trails just outside of town.

Big Falls County Park is a great place to go hiking on the river and see some amazing waterfalls.

Spring is the best time to soak it all in.

Places to Avoid in Eau Claire

While there aren’t outright dangerous neighborhoods to avoid, there can be safety issues downtown as it relates to homeless people or drug users.

In fact, at Wilson Park on the outskirts of downtown, the safety issues became so intense that crews removed the benches, dismantled picnic tables, and pulled the flowers.

Park crews reported finding human waste, needles, and other hazardous materials around the park. Meanwhile, homeless people were getting aggressive at times while crews tried to work.

While the benches and tables were eventually returned, there isn’t a solution to the homeless problem.

Even at the most risky, just use caution downtown after dark and don’t talk to or go near homeless camps or people who appear to be in a mental crisis or on drugs.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Eau Claire

So... How Safe Is Eau Claire Really?

The Eau Claire violent crime rate is 63% lower than the national average.

In addition, over the past five years, just less than one in four violent crimes happened against a stranger.

When presenting the 2023 annual report, the police chief talked about how calls for service were up, which doesn’t always mean higher crime rates.

“Overall, our crime rate is down, but we did experience some increases in certain categories,” Eau Claire Police Chief Matt Rokus said.

“Our number of arrests and citations are up specifically related to safety issues in our downtown area.”

While I’ve noticed a lot of Wisconsin cities with a low theft rate, Eau Claire’s is 28% higher than the national average.

About 40% of that number is shoplifting, which does seem to be the most common type of theft in the state.

I did a double take when I saw the drug violations total at 1,165, which is about three a day on average and one for every 59 residents.

You can easily avoid the drug scene, but the crowd can also bring more thefts, violence, and mental health crises to a community.

As noted earlier, that and homeless issues have impacted the sense of safety downtown.

As long as you use extra caution downtown and keep up with standard safety practices, you’ll enjoy the unique vibe of Eau Claire.

How Does Eau Claire 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

Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, and there can be months when they don't reach above freezing. The area receives an average of 57 inches of snow annually. Summers are mild, with average highs in the 70s to 80s, while rainfall averages around 33 inches. Expect humid summers, extended cool temperatures in spring and early cold snaps in fall.

Airports

Eau Claire is home to the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU), located just a few miles north of the city. Other nearby airports include Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), about 90 miles to the west, and La Crosse Regional Airport (LSE), approximately 90 miles to the south.

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.

Eau Claire Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Wisconsin - Safety by City