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

Safety Index:

* Based on Research & Crime Data

Sun Prairie is a fast-growing suburb of the Wisconsin state capital, Madison.

Since 2010, the population has increased by 30%, with 38,000 residents in 2023.

That’s a big gain compared to the empty prairie that greeted settlers with the bright rays of the sun in 1846.

While just 20 minutes from downtown Madison and an hour from Milwaukee, Sun Prairie holds its own for things to do and suburban amenities.

In fact, visiting Sun Prairie might feel like visiting two towns since there’s the newer west side and the more established east side, with a downtown between the two.

Art fans might be impressed to know this is the birthplace of the “Mother of American Modernism,” Georgia O’Keefe.

Another famous local is Jimmy the Groundhog, giving Punxsutawney Phil of Pennsylvania fierce competition on Groundhog Day.

In fact, the competitive history between the two cities and subsequent groundhogs has made it into the Congressional records since the mid-1900s.

All of these benefits come with Sun Prairie being one of the safest cities in Wisconsin.

Warnings & Dangers in Sun Prairie

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Sun Prairie, with lower-than-average crime rates and plenty of activities and attractions.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Metro Transit has two routes to and through Sun Prairie, one of which offers service to Madison. As eco-conscious as the Madison area is, it should be no surprise that there's a commuter program called RoundTrip, where you can pair up with other drivers or cyclists to travel together. Taxis, rideshares, and rental cars are other options. All come with a low risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

One crime statistic that stood out was the eight purse snatchings (and one pickpocket) in 2023. While that's not a large number, it definitely surpasses many cities twice the size. Plus, shoplifting is a problem in this shopping destination. Just be sure to take extra steps to protect your purse, and don't carry around valuables or large amounts of cash.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

While this region gets severe thunderstorms with potential tornadoes in spring and summer, flooding causes the biggest concerns. One of the worst floods in Wisconsin history happened here in 2008. Winter can bring snow storms, ice storms, and blizzards, too. Treat this as a medium risk and pay special attention if there has been excessive rainfall.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Since 2021, just one highway robbery has been reported. On top of that, the robbery rate is just a fraction of the national average. This is another low risk.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Sun Prairie has seen some terroristic threats, mostly centered around schools, but that's not the same thing as a potential terrorism risk. While there can be an independent streak regarding political causes, the risk of a terror attack in Sun Prairie is low.

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 biggest scams here target residents, but you should never let your guard down, especially involving charities or gift cards.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

The risk of a woman being the victim of a random act of violence is low, as this is a family-friendly community and welcoming to visitors of all ages. Even solo travelers should feel comfortable staying here.

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. As of this publication, the Sun Prairie Utilities website wasn't working, so we couldn't read the water quality report. I suggest you try to check it before your visit, but there shouldn't be any concern about the tap water here.

Safest Places to Visit in Sun Prairie

The city’s website has a section for visitors, as well as a list of parks and events. You can also use the Visit Sun Prairie website for more information about attractions.

To learn about the region, check out the Destination Madison tourism website.

Downtown Sun Prairie has a Facebook page @DowntownSunPrairie where you can find the upcoming events and newest attractions.

Plenty of shops and restaurants can be found in Cannery Square, as well as the Sun Prairie Historical Museum.

Another historic home is found on Maine Street at the Crosse House, which also doubles as the headquarters for the local historical society.

While there isn’t an individual attraction honoring Georgia O’Keefe, there’s an exhibit at the Crosse House, honors bestowed at Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church, and a dedicated room in her honor at the Sun Prairie Historical Library and Museum.

The Prairie Lakes Shopping District is home to big box stores like Bass Pro Shops, Costco, and Home Goods, with a mix of restaurants in an open-air mall.

Let kids explore their imaginations at the Sun Prairie Explore Children’s Museum, with exhibits geared toward kids up to the age of nine, with a special section for kids four and under.

Head to the north side of town to explore Patrick Marsh Nature Preserve, covering 300 acres along Brazee Lake.

The preserve has nearly three miles of trails and plenty of viewpoints to look for wildlife.

I would also suggest looking at the Dane County Parks website, as there are many great options, some of which allow foraging.

One closest to Sun Prairie is Token Creek Natural Resource Area.

Most city and county parks will double as cross-country skiing trails in the winter, offering four seasons of activities.

Places to Avoid in Sun Prairie

Sun Prairie doesn’t have bad parts of town or dangerous neighborhoods.

While it will be hard to fill an entire vacation just in Sun Prairie, it’s worth looking at neighboring cities and looking up local events to find the most entertaining things to do.

The city is also known for various speed traps coming in and out of town, where the highway speed limit drops quickly as it approaches more congested areas.

I’ve also seen some complaints that there isn’t an easy way to ride a bicycle between Madison and Sun Prairie.

I recommend you look into Reddit forums or city safety information before you plan to rely on a bike to get around.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Sun Prairie

Sun Prairie has a local police department. You can follow their safety updates on Facebook @sunprairiepd. The main phone number is (608) 837-7336, and safety questions are welcome.
Check the reporting guidelines from the police department, as some criminal activity can be reported online without having to get a responding officer. This includes car break-ins. If you are involved in a car accident, that’s an issue for the Department of Transportation.
Sign up for a free Nixle account to keep tabs on police and public safety activity during your visit. This information is how the local news outlets get stories, so you’ll be getting the details at the same time as they do.
Dane County uses Smart 911 to send out emergency notifications. This includes severe weather, like tornado warnings, or winter weather, like a blizzard warning. Public safety hazards like road closures or chemical spills will also fall into this type of information app.
Winter visitors need to know what a Snow Emergency means, as it impacts where they can park. When a snow emergency is underway, parking on the streets is not allowed. Outside a snow emergency, no vehicle can be left for more than two days on the street.
Local police use the Lexis Nexis interactive crime map to give the most updated information about crime reports. This tool is helpful for visitors as you control the search parameters, such as looking for how many car break-ins have happened within a half mile of your hotel in the past month.
If you plan to go fishing or hunting while you’re here, a license is required. You can read the rules and regulations at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website. Licenses are sold at places like the Bass Pro Shop, too.
DNR could also use your help to keep an eye out for the Gypsy Moth while visiting outdoor areas. This invasive species can harm the local ecosystem. If you see a Gypsy Moth, call 800-642-6684. You might want to learn about the precautions that need to be taken, too, including a warning about carrying firewood or other items that have been in areas where the moth is known to nest.
Before visiting any Wisconsin lake, visit the state or county Department of Health, as there are Beach Quality reports that will inspect lake water and beaches for algae blooms or other dangerous health issues.
Use 511 WI to check real-time traffic, road conditions, weather events, and live cameras before you travel outside of Sun Prairie. You might want to avoid hitting rush hour between Madison and Sun Prairie, too.

So... How Safe Is Sun Prairie Really?

Sun Prairie is a safe place to visit, with a violent crime rate 54% lower than the national average and 38% lower than the state average.

Nearly 80% of all violent crimes are between people who know each other, further lowering the risk of a random act of violence.

In fact, when you look at the raw violent crime numbers, it comes down to just a little more than one violent crime a week, on average.

The theft rate is at the national average, with shoplifting accounting for 55% of all thefts.

You still want to use all the basic personal safety steps, like locking your car every time you park and removing personal items.

Plus, if you’re shopping, don’t risk letting thieves see you loading the trunk with purchases.

One thing I like to do when buying a lot of stuff is to ask stores to hold it until I’m ready to leave and then plot a path that passes each store on my way to the car.

Any way you look at it, Sun Prairie is a safe and family-friendly destination in the Madison area.

How Does Sun Prairie Compare?

City	Safety Index
Sun Prairie	84
St. Louis	58
Los Angeles	56
Oakland	57
New Orleans	57
Baltimore	56
Boston	67
Sofia (Bulgaria)	73
Siem Reap (Cambodia)	63
Phnom Penh (Cambodia)	61
Niagara Falls (Canada)	87
Calgary (Canada)	82
Buenos Aires (Argentina)	60

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 get 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

Sun Prairie experiences cold winters, with temperatures often dipping below freezing, and warm, humid summers. Pack layers in winter, including a heavy coat, gloves, and boots. Summer brings light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat for protection. Spring and fall require versatile options, like sweaters and a jacket.

Airports

The closest commercial airports to Sun Prairie are Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) in Madison, just 10 miles away, and General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) in Milwaukee, approximately 80 miles southeast. Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is about 140 miles away. It is the largest option.

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

Sun Prairie Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan -7° C

Feb -6° C

Mar 2° C

Apr 8° C

May 15° C

Jun 20° C

Jul 22° C

Aug 21° C

Sep 17° C

Oct 10° C

Nov 3° C

Dec -4° C

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °C	-3	-1	7	14	21	26	28	27	23	16	7	1
Low °C	-11	-10	-4	2	8	13	16	15	10	4	-2	-8
High °F	27	30	45	57	70	79	82	81	73	61	45	34
Low °F	12	14	25	36	46	55	61	59	50	39	28	18

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 Sun Prairie Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Wisconsin : Safety by City