Is Janesville Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Janesville, Wisconsin, often referred to as “Wisconsin’s Park Place,” is a city with a rich industrial past and a welcoming small-town vibe.

Established in the 1830s, it quickly grew into a hub of agriculture and manufacturing.

The Rock River runs through the city, shaping both its early economy and its picturesque scenery.

One of the most notable aspects of Janesville’s history is its deep connection to the automotive industry, particularly through the General Motors assembly plant, which operated for over 85 years before closing in 2008.

With a population of about 65,000, Janesville is one of the largest cities in southern Wisconsin, but it still retains a neighborly vibe.

One of the most charming aspects of Janesville is its extensive park system, covering more than 2,500 acres.

The revitalized downtown area offers a mix of dining, shopping, and art galleries, and the city’s dedication to preserving its heritage and natural beauty shines in its versatile activities.

Janesville is also conveniently located between Rockland, Illinois and Madison, Wisconsin, with Lake Koshkonong just to the north.

Warnings & Dangers in Janesville

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Janesville mixed with plenty of things to do in safe spaces for people of all ages.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

The tourism website for Janesville has a list of all transportation options, including the Janesville Transit System, taxis, rideshares, shuttles, and car rentals. All options are low risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

No pickpocket or purse snatchings were reported in 2023, giving this a low risk. Just be sure you don't let that give you a false sense of safety. Use common sense when it comes to protecting your belongings.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

The medium risk is due to the potential for severe or disruptive weather throughout the year. Severe thunderstorms and "tornado season" happen in spring, with the potential for storms through summer. Flooding is always a risk in a city split by a river. Winter can bring bone-chilling temperatures, ice storms, and winter storms mixed with dangerous wind chills.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The mugging risk is low, with only a handful of the 16 robberies in 2023 falling into the category that includes muggings. Using smart safety steps and situational awareness helps keep the risk low.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is a low risk, but you should always be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious activity in an American city. The Homeland Security Department posts a regular Terrorism Advisory Bulletin that helps to learn about the overall risk.

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 scams target residents, with fraud attempts like fake contractors after a storm and phone scam calls.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Nothing in the crime data or recent headlines suggests that women are at a higher risk. There's also a lot for every generation to do, from young women looking to have fun to moms traveling with kids to those in their golden years looking to relax.

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 Janesville shows all passing grades. The only caution I'll give you is to ask if your hotel has lead pipes. If they do, check out the water quality report for advice on how to flush potential lead particles from the tap water.

Safest Places to Visit in Janesville

JanesvilleCVB.com is the website for the convention and visitor’s bureau.

A free visitor’s guide is available to download.

Downtown Janesville also has a website of the same name.

You can find a list of stores, restaurants, and hotels on the site.

Plus, the most robust list of local events is posted.

One thing I do want to note is that downtown Janesville spans both sides of the Rock River.

With more than 30 miles of trails, Janesville mixes urban appeal with outdoor adventures.

The Wisconsin Ice Age Trail parallels the river near downtown.

One of my favorite trails in Janesville is Devil’s Staircase, north of downtown in Riverside Park.

It’s especially beautiful during fall foliage.

For an easier stroll on the Ice Age Trail, visit the Arboretum, which includes eight miles of trails along 160 acres.

Outdoor activities happen year-round, with cross-country skiing in winter.

An international collection of gardens is found at the Rotary Botanical Gardens, covering 30 acres.

Among the beautiful displays are 4,000 species of plants and flowers.

The Rock County Historical Society Museum is located inside an Italianate mansion built in 1857.

You can guide yourself through the exhibits or take one of the docent-led tours.

Art lovers have many options in Janesville and throughout Rock County.

The Janesville Art League has a gallery with rotating exhibits, and you can visit Raven’s Wish Gallery for various types of art, from painting to jewelry.

Rock Aqua Jays Water Ski Show holds shows on the water during the summer, with jumps, flips, and pyramids of people showcasing their unique skills.

Immerse yourself in the farm life at Daluge Farm; just be sure to make reservations at least 48 hours in advance.

You’ll get to see a working dairy farm and help with chores.

Lake Koshkonong’s shoreline features several parks that offer access to its natural beauty.

One notable park is Koshkonong Mounds Park, which not only provides scenic views of the lake but also contains ancient Native American effigy mounds.

North Shore Park is another, offering a boat launch and picnic areas.

Camping, fishing, and boating are popular on the lake.

I also wanted to bring up the possibility of visiting the Buckhorn Supper Club on Lake Koshkonong.

For those who don’t know, a Midwest supper club is more than a restaurant; it’s a robust and laid-back dining experience with entertainment in addition to several courses of food.

Places to Avoid in Janesville

While there aren’t neighborhoods that are too dangerous to visit, the Fourth Ward on the southwest side of town is generally known as the least desirable neighborhood.

At the same time, the Fourth Ward also doesn’t have any attractions, and you won’t accidentally end up there unless you are going to visit someone who lives in the neighborhood.

The only other advice I’d offer is to listen to weather watches and warnings, especially in winter.

Wisconsin isn’t a place where they will make a big deal out of a regular round of snow.

If there’s a No Travel Advisory, make other plans.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Janesville

So... How Safe Is Janesville Really?

The violent crime rate in Janesville for 2023 was 52% lower than the national average.

Over the past five years, just 16% of violent crimes involved strangers, meaning the risk of a visitor being a target of a random act of violence is even lower.

Police were also able to take nearly $1 million of drugs and weapons off the street in 2023.

The theft rate in 2023 was 16% higher than the national average, with 48% of all thefts falling into the shoplifting category.

Another 44% of thefts were in the “Other” category, which can mean anything from stolen construction equipment to items taken from a yard or campsite.

Visiting Janesville shouldn’t come with any concerns, and using common sense and standard personal safety steps goes a long way.

How Does Janesville 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

Janesville gets about 50 inches of snow each winter, with the bitterly cold temperatures warranting additional layers when packing for a trip. It might not get above freezing during a winter visit. Summers are warm, around 80°F, with a decent amount of humidity and plenty of bugs, so pack bug spray. Spring and fall will require various layers as temperatures shift, so bring plenty of options.

Airports

The closest commercial airports to Janesville are Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, about 45 minutes away, and General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, around an hour and a half drive away. Chicago’s O'Hare International Airport, a major hub, is also within a two-hour drive, offering extensive flight options.

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.

Janesville Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Wisconsin - Safety by City