Is Oshkosh Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

You’d have to be of a certain age to remember the Oshkosh B’Gosh brand of children’s clothing, but it’s directly tied to the city of Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

However, Oshkosh made more than popular kid’s overalls, a legacy that still keeps the economy flowing today.

Located on the shores of Lake Winnebago, the city was named after Chief Oshkosh of the Menominee Nation.

When settlers arrived in the mid-1800s, the lumber industry took off thanks to easy access to waterways.

Oshkosh then transitioned into manufacturing, becoming home to iconic clothing brands.

Meanwhile, the Oshkosh Corporation started manufacturing specialty vehicles in 1917 with a focus on defense, fire and emergency, and access equipment.

As much as Oshkosh means business, it’s also a tourist destination thanks to Lake Winnebago, the Fox River, and events like the annual EEA AirVenture Oshkosh, which is the world’s largest airshow.

Oshkosh also sits on I-41 between Green Bay and Milwaukee, making it a great day trip or weekend getaway.

However, in the city, town, and Fox Cities, you can easily fill an entire vacation itinerary.

Warnings & Dangers in Oshkosh

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Oshkosh and plenty of things to do indoors, outdoors, day, or night. It's as fun for couples as it is for families. Throughout this guide, we'll go through some of the safest ways to enjoy the community.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

GO Transit provides bus routes across the city and into surrounding areas. The buses run Monday through Saturday, with reduced service on weekends. Taxis, rideshares, and rental cars are also available. All options are low risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Just two purse snatchings and no pickpockets were reported in 2023, giving this a low risk. However, you shouldn't let your guard down, especially during crowded times.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Oshkosh has a medium risk due to the potential for severe or dangerous weather year-round. Winters can bring snow storms, ice storms, and dangerously cold wind chills. Spring brings a threat of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, and that potential goes through the summer. Since the city has water on three sides, there's also a flooding risk. While everyone living there is used to the changing weather, you can learn more through the emergency management agency.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The robbery rate is less than half the national average and just one in four robberies over the past four years fall into the same category as muggings. It's another low risk.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There are no potential hard targets in Oshkosh, giving it a low risk for terrorism. However, you can read the general overview of terrorism concerns in the U.S. through the Department of Homeland Security's Terrorism Advisory Bulletin, which is updated several times a year.

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. After I reviewed the most recent alerts, I noticed that more scams here target locals or college students.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Statistically, women have half the risk of being a victim of violent crime in Oshkosh. The surrounding communities are safe as well. With so many options for things to do, it's a great trip for everyone from grandparents to single moms.

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. After reviewing the 2023 report, I saw there were no violations, and all standards were met or exceeded.

Safest Places to Visit in Oshkosh

Both the city website and Visit Oshkosh website have information for visitors, including major attractions and a list of events.

To get a lay of the land, Oshkosh is on the western edge of Lake Winnebago, with the Fox River running through the city.

The river also connects with Lake Butte Des Mortes on the west side.

Downtown Oshkosh has a website of the same name, with a look at the more than 200 stores, restaurants, and amenities near the Fox River.

Oshkosh Public Museum is housed in a historic mansion featuring historical exhibits from Indigenous people through the settlement and the following industrial eras through the modern day.

Paine Art Center and Gardens is another attraction in a majestic estate.

The Paine has rotating exhibitions, with everything from classical paintings to contemporary art.

The surrounding gardens cover 20 acres and are beautifully maintained with seasonal flowers and plants.

Located near the regional airport, the EAA Aviation Museum is dedicated to aviation history and innovation.

With more than 200 airplanes on display, interactive exhibits, and a strong focus on experimental aviation, it’s a must-see stop in Oshkosh.

EAA AirVenture is an annual week-long airshow and aviation event that attracts enthusiasts and pilots from around the world with aircraft displays, flying demonstrations, workshops, and educational programs.

The week-long event happens in late July and brings in nearly 700,000 people.

Menominee Park Zoo is open seasonally, covering eight acres on the lake.

The park also has a walking trail where you can soak in the water views.

Lake Winnebago is one of the best walleye fishing spots in the state, but it’s also great for boating, paddling, and shoreline picnics.

You can also explore creative lake options, like renting a floating tiki.

Just north of the city, visit the Asylum Point Lighthouse, which has been there since 1871.

Named after the mental health facility once located there, the lighthouse is close to the museum for the “asylum,” which was later named the Winnebago Mental Health Institute.

To get a unique experience, look for the Only in Oshkosh section of the tourism website.

You can see a list of all the places that can only be found in this lakeside city.

Places to Avoid in Oshkosh

Oshkosh is a safe city without any inherently dangerous parts of town or bad neighborhoods.

The most you’ll find is a “less desirable” part of the city if you were planning to move there.

Most of the hotels are off I-41, with a few options downtown.

Those are all perfectly safe places to stay.

If you’re not a fan of winter, you might want to avoid Oshkosh (and Wisconsin, for that matter) from December through February.

Temperatures stay below freezing on average from late December through early March.

Wind chills can get into the sub-zero range.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Oshkosh

So... How Safe Is Oshkosh Really?

The violent crime rate in 2023 was 24% lower than the national average.

That rate is also tempered by the fact that fewer than 14% of all violent crimes involve a person unknown to their assailant.

Most violent crimes are among people who know each other.

The theft rate in 2023 was just 4% higher than the national average.

Nearly half of that amount can be attributed to shoplifting.

Only 13% of thefts involve car break-ins or car accessory thefts, but even that low risk can be eliminated by locking your car when you park and removing personal items from inside.

About six or seven cars are stolen each month, on average.

As noted earlier, the Oshkosh Police Department posts monthly crime statistics, and that’s the best way to see the most recent crime trends and how the numbers are lining up year over year.

However, there’s nothing that should concern you about visiting Oshkosh.

How Does Oshkosh 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 to 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

Oshkosh experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters and warm summers. Winter temperatures average in the 20s°F, often accompanied by significant snowfall, typically around 40–50 inches annually. Summers are pleasant, with highs in the 80s°F, while spring and fall bring moderate rainfall and cooler temperatures.

Airports

I found several options for booking flights to and from Oshkosh. The closest commercial airport is Appleton International Airport (ATW), about 20 miles north of Oshkosh, offering regional flights. Green Bay’s Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) is approximately 50 miles northeast of Oshkosh. Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is about 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.

Oshkosh Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Wisconsin - Safety by City