Is Platteville Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Platteville, Wisconsin, is a small but vibrant city in Grant County tucked in the southwest part of the state in the Driftless Area.

The city has a rich history rooted in mining, education, and agriculture.

Founded in the early 1800s during the lead-mining boom, Platteville quickly became a significant center in Wisconsin’s lead-mining industry, which spurred its initial growth.

With a population of just over 12,000, Platteville is home to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, a well-respected institution known for its engineering, agriculture, and technology programs.

This university gives the town a youthful vibe and supports a wide range of cultural and sporting events, making Platteville more dynamic than a typical small town.

What is the Driftless Area?

It’s a region that escaped glaciation during the last Ice Age.

As a result, the landscape here is defined by dramatic bluffs, winding rivers, and valleys, creating a terrain that stands out in the otherwise flatter Midwest.

This distinct landscape makes Grant County a popular spot for outdoor recreation, with ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

Platteville also celebrates its agricultural roots, hosting events such as the annual Dairy Days in September, which honors the region’s strong dairy farming heritage.

You might be surprised to see how many events one small town can host in a year.

Additionally, downtown Platteville features charming shops, local restaurants, and art galleries, offering an authentic small-town experience.

Visitors to Platteville can enjoy this mix of history, natural beauty, and community-focused events, all within the unique setting of the Driftless Area, making it a memorable spot in southwestern Wisconsin.

Warnings & Dangers in Platteville

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The risk in Platteville is low, with crime rates below the national average. As this is a remote part of the state, you'll want to expect a lot of outdoor activities and a slower pace of life.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Platteville offers a shuttle service for students and the public, along with shared taxi services. The routes might not be as robust as you'd like, so check the schedule first. Rental cars would offer the most flexibility.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Eleven pickpockets and purse snatchings have been reported over the past five years, with two of those happening in 2023. The risk is still low, but not low enough to let your guard down.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

While nothing about the Platteville weather risk is out of the ordinary for Wisconsin, it's still a medium risk throughout the year. Spring brings the potential for tornadoes accompanying severe thunderstorms. Flooding can happen throughout the year, and winter can bring blizzards, snow storms or ice storms.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

With just one robbery over the past five years, the risk of being mugged in Plattsville is low.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The terrorism risk is also low, as it's a small, rural town surrounded by open spaces. Of course, it always helps to report suspicious activity to the local police, just in case.

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.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

With such a low percentage of visitors being victims of violent crime, the risk is low for women. Given how rural the roads are, be sure to have an emergency kit and roadside assistance coverage, especially if you're traveling alone.

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 2022 report for Platteville shows two reporting violations but no safety risks and full compliance otherwise.

Safest Places to Visit in Platteville

Two tourism websites can help you plan an epic trip to Platteville.

First, there’s the Platteville Regional Chamber, and then there’s the Grant County Tourism website.

Regarding the Grant County option, look for scenic drives and great bicycling paths.

Fall visitors will also get an update on foliage, which usually peaks in mid-to-late October.

Back in Platteville, the Platteville Main Street website will help you learn about the options in the charming downtown.

For a small town, you get a lot of great restaurants and shopping options.

The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums bring local history and geology to life.

Located in a former mining district, the museums offer guided tours of historic mines, hands-on exhibits, and fascinating collections of minerals, fossils, and antique machinery.

Take a trip back to the early days of Platteville at the Mitchell-Rountree Stone Cottage.

Guided tours are available through the Grand County Historical Society.

Visit UW Platteville to see historical sites or take in a show at the performing arts hall.

Just eight miles outside of town, get a sweeping view of the region from Belmont Mound State Park.

Along the way, look for the world’s largest “M” etched into the side of a hill.

The Pioneer Farm has been part of UW-Platteville for more than a century, and while students are busy working, visitors are welcome any time.

Two great spots to explore the Upper Mississippi River are Potosi Point and Cassville Bluffs.

Winter visitors should check out Glen Haven, where Eagle Valley Preserve is home to eagles.

While most active in the winter, you might be able to see them year-round.

If you’re looking for a place to paddle, choose the much calmer Platte River over the Mississippi River.

The Banfield Public Access Point is one of your best options.

Surround yourself with the Driftless Area at Ipswich Prairie Natural Area, one of the last parcels of untouched land in this part of the state.

The rich soil that once covered the land was lost to development or agricultural overuse.

Wisconsin is known for its brews, and you can learn more about that at the National Brewery Museum in nearby Potosi.

Places to Avoid in Platteville

It’s safe to visit any part of Platteville as long as it’s public property.

There aren’t bad parts of town or dangerous neighborhoods.

The only other recommendation I have on this topic is to avoid waiting until the last minute to book a hotel, especially if you’re visiting during a big weekend event or homecoming at the university.

There aren’t a lot of hotels here, and the closest towns still require a bit of a drive.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Platteville

So... How Safe Is Platteville Really?

The violent crime rate in Platteville in 2023 was 4% lower than the state average and 29% lower than the national average.

Looking back at the past decade, the percentage of violent crimes against strangers is less than 8%.

I do think that in a city this small (11,128 people as of July 2023), the raw numbers tell the story a little better.

Since crime rates are determined by a math equation that figures out the rate per 100,000 people, small towns can appear a little skewed.

Platteville had no homicides in 2023, or since at least 2014, for that matter.

The violent crimes in 2023 include:

• 6 Rapes
• 34 Aggravated Assaults
• 0 Robberies

Theft rates were at the national average, but that comes down to 166 thefts.

Nearly one-third of those were related to shoplifting.

At UW-Platteville, no homicides, aggravated assaults, or robberies were reported in 2023.

Twenty thefts were reported, mostly from buildings.

All of that data simply shows that, while not immune to crime, Platteville is not a place where safety is a major issue.

How Does Platteville 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

Platteville experiences four distinct seasons. Winters are cold, often dropping below freezing with snow. Platteville receives an average annual snowfall of about 35 to 45 inches. Snow typically begins in late November, peaking in January and February before tapering off by early March. Summers are warm and humid, averaging highs in the 80s°F. Spring and fall bring moderate temperatures and rainfall. Annual precipitation is around 35 inches. Pack layers of clothing for versatility in spring and fall.

Airports

The closest commercial airports to Platteville are Dubuque Regional Airport (about 30 minutes away) with limited regional flights, and Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, about 1.5 hours away, offering more destinations. Chicago O’Hare and Milwaukee’s Mitchell International, each roughly three hours by car, provide broader domestic and international options. While Minneapolis might look like an option on a map, that drive will take about 4.5 hours.

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.

Platteville Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Wisconsin - Safety by City