Is Racine Safe for Travel RIGHT NOW? (2024 Safety Rating)

Safety Index:

* Based on Research & Crime Data

Racine, Wisconsin, is a Lake Michigan waterfront city just south of Milwaukee and less than 90 minutes north of Chicago.

Now, if that sounds familiar, it’s probably because Kenosha, Wisconsin, sounds a lot like the same.

While there are overlapping traits between the two, each one offers distinct experiences.

I smile at the nostalgia of Racine since it was part of my favorite movie, A League of Their Own.

However, the history here goes much deeper than the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

Indigenous tribes lived here from time immemorial before fur traders and then settlers moved in.

Racine city and county grew to be a place of agriculture, industry, and innovation.

In fact, if you’ve ever used a garbage disposal, you can thank a Racine architect.

As the home base for SC Johnson, more inventions are waiting to be revealed during your visit.

Racine also offers water access to the lake or the Root River, with stunning sunrises complemented by Midwest charm from the locals.

Warnings & Dangers in Racine

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Racine, but closer to average than anything. Plus, you have plenty of safe and fun places to visit.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Racine’s public transit system, RYDE Racine, provides bus services throughout the city and connects to neighboring areas. It’s affordable and covers most key spots, including downtown, schools, and shopping centers. While not the fastest option, it’s a reliable way to get around for those without a car. Taxis, rideshares, and rental cars are also available.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Just two purse snatchings were reported in 2023, bringing a low risk. However, you shouldn't let your guard down because of that low rating. The police department offers safety tips on its website about how to protect your belongings while walking around.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Racine’s natural disaster risks fall into a medium risk due to the potential for something disruptive or dangerous to happen throughout the year. Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flooding, especially near Lake Michigan, make up the warm weather risk. Winters can bring heavy snowfall and icy conditions.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The robbery rate is nearly 40% lower than the national average with most involving businesses, not muggings. The risk is low.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

While vigilance is always recommended, there isn't anything about Racine that should make you concerned about terror attacks or other forms of terrorism. Follow the guidance of "See Something, Say Something."

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. You can also review the FTC website for nationwide scam trends.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Nothing in the crime data suggests women are at a higher risk than men. Using personal safety standard steps will help keep the risk low.

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 from Racine shows full compliance and no violations. However, I do want to draw your attention to the concerns about lead in the water that comes from the pipes, not the water utility. I'll go into that in more detail a little later on.

Safest Places to Visit in Racine

You can easily find information about places to visit on the Visit Racine County tourism site.

The city’s website includes a section for visitors with more hyperlocal options.

To learn more about downtown, visit racinedowntown.com.

Be sure to check upcoming events because more than 100 are held annually.

The Racine Art Museum (RAM) is a must-visit, known for its standout collection of contemporary crafts like ceramics, fiber art, and jewelry.

RAM’s Wustum Museum is also a local favorite, offering art classes and rotating exhibitions.

If you’re into history, the Racine Heritage Museum takes you through the city’s industrial roots and diverse community stories, with exhibits on local manufacturing and key historical figures.

For architecture enthusiasts, the SC Johnson Gallery:

At Home with Frank Lloyd Wright is a gem.

Located at the SC Johnson headquarters, it highlights Wright’s iconic designs and his impact on modern architecture.

Explore the exotic animals of the Racine Zoo.

If you need proof that Wisconsinites don’t let the harsh winters stop the fun, the zoo is open year-round.

Racine is home to two great beaches on the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Zoo Beach, located near the Racine Zoo, is a smaller and quieter spot, ideal for a more relaxed beach day.

It’s also a popular location for volleyball and has some great views of the lake.

The most popular is North Beach, a sandy stretch that’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or picnicking.

One of the highlights here is walking to the end of North Pier and seeing stunning shots of the harbor.

South Pier is accessed on Christopher Columbus Parkway, with a scenic overlook at the tip.

Be sure to frame a photo with the Racine Breakwater Lighthouse in the background.

Wind Point Lighthouse is just 10 minutes north of Racine.

Summer visitors should check the schedule for open lighthouse days when climbing the tower is allowed.

Feel free to book a private tour as well.

Places to Avoid in Racine

One of the hardest parts about finding information about potentially dangerous neighborhoods in eastern Wisconsin is that it’s close to Chicago, a place known for high crime in certain areas.

I’ve talked to several people who live in Racine, and there’s a common theme of “Don’t go looking for trouble and mind your own business, and you’ll be fine.”

Since the police have enacted several new policies and high-tech gadgets for safety, the crime hot spots today could change by the time you get there.

That’s why we always recommend calling the police ahead of time and asking for the places to avoid.

However, anywhere on the lakefront and around downtown Racine are safe to visit day and night, provided you’re using smart personal safety steps.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Racine

Racine has a local police department supplemented by the Racine County Sheriff’s Office. You can follow the police on Facebook @Racine-Police-Department-100064439873921. The phone number is (262) 886-2300, and if you prefer email, send that to RPDmedia@cityofracine.org.
The police department has an interactive crime map on its website. I love this tool since you can check for specific crimes in real-time data. For example, you might want to see how many car thefts have happened within a mile of your hotel over the past month.
Racine city and county use CodeRED notifications for emergency alerts. This program is free and is very helpful when severe or disruptive weather is imminent. It will also cover public safety threats.
The Racine city website has a full list of all parking options, with an updated list of costs. Be aware that winter visitors might deal with snow emergencies, which will impact access to metered parking when snow is forecast.
I’m not sure how many first-time visitors realize the power of Lake Michigan, as it behaves a lot like an ocean. That includes waves, riptides, and strong currents. You can learn about water safety on the city’s website and check beach/water quality conditions through the Racine County Health Department.
Use Wisconsin 511’s website or app to check road and weather conditions before you travel. You can also get information about real-time traffic, view live cameras, or set preferred routes to get alerts.
I strongly encourage anyone staying in a home rental or other accommodation where they will be cooking in a personal kitchen to read the Lead in Drinking Water section of the city’s website. Since lead pipes are common in Racine, there are specific steps you should take any time you turn on a faucet. Please be sure to ask the hotel or short-term rental owner if lead pipes are still in place on the property.
Those who are unfamiliar with the brutal winters of Wisconsin should keep up with the Racine County Public Health website’s Cold Safety section. Winters here go far beyond needing a coat and gloves – it can be life or death. Hypothermia and frostbite can set in within minutes in some cases.
Fishing requires a license from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Anyone 16 and older needs to carry a license with them at all times while fishing on the lake or the river. You can also look at the options for a hunting license while you’re on that website.
I’ve seen a lot of questions on social media about LGBTQ attitudes in Wisconsin. You’ll be happy to know there is a liaison at the Racine Police Department to answer any specific safety questions. That direct line is (262)635-7759.

So... How Safe Is Racine Really?

Racine’s violent crime rate in 2023 was at the national average.

However, crime data shows that just 8% of violent crimes happen against strangers, lowering the risk of a random act of violence.

By the summer of 2024, gun crimes had been cut in half from the previous year, a trend police hope continues.

Theft rates are half the national average, which plays into the “Midwest Nice” mentality that you’ll find in many places throughout the heartland.

The only number that really stood out was the four car thefts that happen each week, on average.

Since the FBI transitioned from Uniform Crime Reporting to the National Incident-Based Reporting System, it’s hard to get an apples-to-apples comparison before and after 2020.

However, several steps are being taken to reduce gun crimes, gang activity, and illegal drug crimes.

That includes license plate readers, gunshot-detecting sensors, and designated positions within the city to address crime hot spots.

While nothing in the crime data for Racine should make you think twice about visiting, it’s not one of the safest or most dangerous cities in Wisconsin.

Common sense and situational awareness will go a long way toward helping you enjoy your trip.

How Does Racine Compare?

City	Safety Index
Racine	70
Atlanta	58
St. Louis	58
Los Angeles	56
Oakland	57
New Orleans	57
Baltimore	56
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)	43
Sofia (Bulgaria)	73
Siem Reap (Cambodia)	63
Phnom Penh (Cambodia)	61
Niagara Falls (Canada)	87
Calgary (Canada)	82

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

Racine has a classic Midwest climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Winters can get pretty chilly, with temps often dipping below freezing, while summers offer pleasant beach days in Lake Michigan. Spring and fall bring more mild, comfortable weather with colorful seasonal changes.

Airports

Racine is conveniently located between two major airports. Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is about 30 minutes north, and Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is just over an hour 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.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Racine Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan -6° C

Feb -4° C

Mar 2° C

Apr 7° C

May 13° C

Jun 19° C

Jul 22° C

Aug 22° C

Sep 18° C

Oct 11° C

Nov 5° C

Dec -3° C

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °C	-2	1	6	11	17	23	26	26	22	15	8	1
Low °C	-9	-8	-2	3	8	14	18	18	13	7	1	-6
High °F	28	34	43	52	63	73	79	79	72	59	46	34
Low °F	16	18	28	37	46	57	64	64	55	45	34	21

Wisconsin - Safety by City

City	Safety Index
Apostle Islands	78
Appleton	83
Baraboo	82
Bayfield	78
Beloit	60
Cedarburg	79
Eau Claire	77
Fond du Lac	64
Fort Atkinson	86
Green Bay	81
Janesville	81
Kenosha	74
Lake Geneva	82
Madison	77
Milwaukee	34
Minocqua	84
New Glarus	83
Oshkosh	83
Platteville	85
Prairie du Chien	80
Racine	70
Sheboygan	80
Sturgeon Bay	83
Sun Prairie	84
Superior	82
Tomah	83
Waukesha	83
Wausau	68
Whitewater	85
Wisconsin Dells	85

Is Racine Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Wisconsin : Safety by City