Wisconsin : Safety by CityWaukesha, a city just 20 miles west of Milwaukee, includes the best of all worlds with culture, nightlife, outdoor recreation, and world-class charm.
What sets Waukesha (“wok-uh-shaw”) apart from its neighbor, Milwaukee, is its relaxed pace and proximity to nature.
The city sits along the Fox River. Plus, nearby Pewaukee Lake is the go-to spot for outdoor activities in all seasons.
Waukesha was first known for its natural springs, which drew visitors seeking “healing” properties.
That reputation made Waukesha a health destination in the 19th century.
As an example of too much of a good thing, the spa destination died out when the water supply was used for industrial development.
In fact, the water problem got so bad from tapping into groundwater with radium that a new source of Waukesha water had to be planned.
You might also remember the Slenderman story about two 12-year-olds who stabbed a friend in the woods.
That happened in Waukesha.
The case drew international headlines and rattled this otherwise safe community.
Despite that incident, you’ll find nothing but salt-of-the-earth people in Waukesha.
It’s far more than a suburb of Milwaukee.
Waukesha has a downtown, riverfront parks, attractions indoors and out, plus the arts, culture and nightlife.
This is also the birthplace of Les Paul, the legendary guitarist and inventor who revolutionized music with his innovations in electric guitars and multi-track recording.
His nickname was the Wizard of Waukesha.
Nearby, you can enjoy a day at the lake, walk the Ice Age Trail, or explore the expansive shoreline of Lake Michigan.
Warnings & Dangers in Waukesha
OVERALL RISK: LOW
There's a low risk in Waukesha and plenty of family-friendly fun. What I particularly like is the sheer number of things to do indoors and outdoors. If you can't enjoy a trip to Waukesha, you're far too hard to please.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Public transportation in Waukesha is served primarily by Waukesha Metro Transit, which offers bus routes throughout the city and connections to Milwaukee County Transit. Taxis, rideshares, and rental cars are other options. All of these come with a low risk, but a rental car will make it easier to explore.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Three pickpockets or purse snatchings were reported in 2023. Combined with the overall low theft rate, that's a low risk.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Flooding is the biggest risk, given how many dams are located within the county, many of which are at least 100 years old. Severe thunderstorms and winter storms are the next biggest risks. The overall risk is medium, but that's just due to the year-round potential for disruptive weather.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
With just six robberies in 2023, the risk is low, especially when you consider that the majority of those were business robberies. One ATM robbery was reported, but you can lower that risk by only getting cash inside a bank during daylight hours.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Terrorism risks in Waukesha are low, as it’s a smaller community without major high-profile targets. However, like anywhere, local law enforcement suggests everyone stay aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
The Waukesha Police Department has a scam information section on its website. Knowing the trending scams can keep the risk low.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
The risk is low for women, and that includes solo travelers, moms with kids, and any generation. While standard safety practices are encouraged, there isn't an overwhelming risk in any part of Waukesha.
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. While the risk in Waukesha is low, the city transitioned to a new water source (Lake Michigan) in 2023. That means, as of this publication, there isn't a report for a full year of water quality. You can review the report anytime at Waukesha-water.com.
Safest Places to Visit in Waukesha
You’ll get a two-for-one on the Visit Waukesha tourism website, as it covers the city and nearby Pewaukee.
Download the free visitor’s guide while you’re there, as it can be received without having to give personal information.
The Waukesha city website also has a section just for visitors, with a list of parks, events, and activities.
Be sure to review the new resident guide, as it generally has a lot of information visitors could find useful.
Another website to bookmark is downtownwaukesha.com.
Downtown is fun day and night, with plenty of shopping, dining, and green spaces to explore along the Fox River.
Plus, historic downtown walking tours are offered with guides or as a self-guided opportunity.
For some of the best river views, Frame Park boasts walking trails and gardens with a “Born Learning Trail” that is fun for all ages.
Pewaukee Lake offers a range of activities for visitors in all seasons.
The east end features a sandy public beach, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
It’s a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Anglers will find the lake teeming with bass and walleye, while the Pewaukee Lake Sailing Club organizes regular regattas.
During winter, the lake freezes over for ice fishing and snowmobiling. (Yes, it gets THAT cold here.)
Don’t worry about the cold winter weather if you’re warm-blooded; there are plenty of great indoor things to do.
That includes a waterpark, arcades, laser tag, escape rooms, and ice skating.
The Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum is housed in a former courthouse and showcases exhibits about the area’s rich history, including its famous springs and notable residents like musician-inventor Les Paul.
Nearby, the Ten Chimneys estate tells the story of theater legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, with tours of the historic home and its surrounding gardens.
In less than 30 minutes, you can also visit the Ice Age Trail (iceagetrail.org) or Old World Wisconsin to get another dose of history, as only Wisconsin can provide.
Places to Avoid in Waukesha
Waukesha is a safe place with no real dangerous neighborhoods or parts of town you must avoid.
I will note that there aren’t a lot of hotels in Waukesha, either.
Most are along I-94 in groups, with more hotels along the interstate closer to Milwaukee.
True-crime fans might be looking for the park where the Slenderman stabbing happened.
While the incident was at Davids Park, the wooded area where the worst of the crime occurred is no longer there.
Neighborhoods now surround the small park.
A memorial is in the park, but there’s nothing worth taking a trip to see.
It would be best to avoid talking to locals about it, as it was a horrific crime that shook the entire community.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Waukesha
- Start by following the Waukesha Police Department on Facebook, Instagram, or X @WaukeshaPD. You can get regular updates about crime and safety there. You can also call (262) 524-3831 or email police@waukesha-wi.gov if you have specific safety questions.
- Use the Waukesha Public Crime Dashboard on the department’s website to get a more recent view of crime data. We can only provide the last year of official data, which can sometimes be nearly a year old.
- Waukesha County uses Alert Sense to send emergency notifications. Find out the zip code of your hotel before you sign up. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll get emergency alerts about severe weather, winter weather, or other hazards that are happening within that region.
- Several parking options in Waukesha require you to pay in advance. You can create an account through the Passport website linked to the city’s website or use your phone to scan a QR code at the parking facility.
- Before you head to any beach, look at the Milwaukee city website to check the beach and water quality. It’s important to know if there are water hazards or bacteria growth that pose a safety risk.
- If you plan to visit local parks, sign up for Textcaster notifications. The form can be found on the city’s website under the Text Alerts section. These alerts will let you know about closures, storm concerns, or cancelations.
- Winter visitors should know that snow plows will start working when there is at least one inch of snow on the ground. The bus routes will be plowed first, so if you know those streets, choose to use those when driving around.
- Look for the Waukesha Service Request Portal to report any problems you come across, like broken streetlights or potholes. You will need to give your name and email to report the issue.
- If you plan to use the public transportation system here, download the WisGo powered by Umo! app. If you don’t want to use your smartphone, you can also purchase a card at convenience stores around Waukesha.
- Fishing requires a license, at least for anyone over the age of 16. You can purchase them online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources or at a local outfitter.
So... How Safe Is Waukesha Really?
This is a safe city, with Waukesha having a violent crime rate 61% lower than the national average.
Less than one in five violent crimes happen against a stranger, further lowering the risk.
I continue to be amazed by the low theft rates in some of the Wisconsin cities.
Waukesha’s is 41% lower than the national average.
Even then, 44% of thefts were related to shoplifting.
Waukesha County was also ranked as one of the healthiest communities in the nation.
Low crime rates play a good part in that ranking.
There is a growing concern that crime from Milwaukee is spilling over into the Waukesha community, but that concern.
However, that would be more of a problem if you were considering moving to Waukesha and not just visiting.
Overall, Waukesha is a safe place to visit, but you’ll likely want to spend time near Milwaukee, and this summary doesn’t include crime ratings for that city.
Read our article about Milwaukee for more information.
How Does Waukesha Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Waukesha | 83 |
| 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
Waukesha, Wisconsin, experiences a full range of seasons. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures often dipping below freezing. Spring brings a mix of rain and warming days, while summers are warm and humid, peaking in the 80s. Fall features crisp, cool air and vibrant autumn colors.
Airports
The closest commercial airport to Waukesha is General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) in Milwaukee, about 30 minutes away. It offers numerous flights across the U.S. and some international destinations. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), a larger hub, is about an hour and a half drive from Waukesha.
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.
Waukesha Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | -3 | 0 | 6 | 13 | 21 | 26 | 28 | 27 | 23 | 16 | 8 | 1 |
| Low °C | -12 | -9 | -4 | 2 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 16 | 11 | 4 | -2 | -8 |
| High °F | 27 | 32 | 43 | 55 | 70 | 79 | 82 | 81 | 73 | 61 | 46 | 34 |
| Low °F | 10 | 16 | 25 | 36 | 46 | 55 | 63 | 61 | 52 | 39 | 28 | 18 |
Wisconsin - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Appleton | 83 |
| Baraboo | 82 |
| Eau Claire | 77 |
| Green Bay | 81 |
| Kenosha | 74 |
| Madison | 77 |
| Milwaukee | 34 |
| Racine | 70 |
| Waukesha | 83 |
