Is Wausau Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Wausau, Wisconsin, is a riverside city in the north-central part of the state, offering a mix of urban amenities and plentiful outdoor adventure opportunities.

Like most cities in the state, Wausau was first home to Indigenous people.

Then, fur traders arrived near the falls on the Wisconsin River.

Once the Erie Canal opened up travel to the western US in the early 1800s, places like Wausau became mill towns for lumber and agricultural supplies.

To this day, Wausau is a cultural town, specifically known for its Hmong refugees who fought in Vietnam.

Wausau’s downtown offers charming local shops, restaurants, and breweries, combining small-town warmth with a lively arts scene.

I especially love that you won’t be inundated with chain stores.

There’s a wealth of small local businesses.

Wisconsin thrives in any season, no matter how cold it gets, especially in places like Wausau, that have so many indoor and outdoor options.

Wausau is known for its expansive whitewater rafting options in the summer and the adventurous trails at Rib Mountain State Park.

The city flips to a winter sports destination in November, with cross-country skiing, ski resorts, and ice skating taking over the outdoor rosters.

Wausau embraces everything that a trip “Up North” should entail.

Warnings & Dangers in Wausau

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Wausau, but it's more like an average risk. However, there's nothing in this charming city that should make you think twice about visiting. Even with average violent crime rates, the safest parts of town are worth visiting.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Wausau’s public transportation is primarily served by Metro Ride, offering fixed bus routes throughout the city and neighboring communities. Taxis and rideshares are easy to find, while having a rental car gives the most flexibility.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

The chances of being pickpocketed in Wausau are very slim to none. There are only a few reports each year, that some ended in being the person lost something that was later returned to the police by a Good Samaritan.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Wausau has a medium risk of natural disasters, but nothing that is too out of the ordinary. Severe thunderstorms, heavy snowfall, flooding, and occasional tornadoes are the biggest concerns, depending on the season. Winter visitors should understand how dangerously cold it can get here.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The robbery rate is a third of the national average, with just seven robberies reported in 2023. Over the past five years, just six highway robberies have happened, which makes this a low risk.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is a low risk, with no hard targets or imminent concerns about terrorist activities. While that's a relief, it's worth noting that mass shootings and domestic terrorism can happen anywhere and rarely have a specific reason for why that location was chosen. By being vigilant, you can help report anything suspicious to the local police.

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. A cryptocurrency scam was making rounds in the summer of 2024.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women have the same risk as anyone else, but just be sure you're using smart safety steps throughout your trip here. Activities are available for women of all ages, including solo travelers, single moms, and senior citizens.

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. Wausau uses well water, and the 2023 report shows full compliance and no violations. In fact, the report begins by stating, "The quality of our water surpasses every state and federal regulation without exception."

Safest Places to Visit in Wausau

The Visit Wausau website covers Wausau, Rib Mountain, Schofield, and Weston. Each city is listed as a “Basecamp” for specific adventures.

The Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce also runs the GreaterWausau.org website.

Downtown is known as the River District, and the website WausauRiverDistrict.org will help you find hyper-local events and activities.

The downtown core is filled with locally-owned businesses and shops set among a charming architectural backdrop.

To learn more about the history of the region, check out the Marathon County Historical Society, which has two museums open for tours– the Yawkey House Museum and the Woodson History Center.

You can ask about driving or walking tours while you’re at the historical society, too.

Art lovers have several options in Wausau, including the Woodson Art Museum or the Wasau Museum of Contemporary Art.

Check out the annual events for more art-centric events.

The Hmong American Center is a cultural hub that tells the story of Hmong immigrants who arrived after the Vietnam War.

Visitors can learn about Hmong history, traditions, and contributions to the local community through exhibits and events.

A quick stop at the 45 x 90 Geographical Marker site makes for a great Instagram memory, as it marks the halfway point between the equator and the North Pole.

Head outdoors any time of year for a mix of activities, including right along the river near downtown.

Wausau’s Riverlife Park along the Wisconsin River is a great starting point with paved walking and biking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas with scenic river views.

In warmer months, you can rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the river.

Walk from downtown to Barker-Stewart Island Park, with a unique Wisconsin take on island life.

Be sure to walk through Big Bull Falls Park to get a dose of lumber history.

For something a little more adventurous, consider taking a float trip down the Wisconsin River to Wausau Whitewater Park.

Several local outfitters offer rentals and shuttle services.

Rib Mountain State Park is a must-visit, offering miles of hiking trails with stunning views from the top of Rib Mountain, one of Wisconsin’s oldest geological formations.

During summer, it’s perfect for hiking and picnicking, while winter brings opportunities for skiing at Granite Peak Ski Area, located within the park.

If you’re looking for more hiking or biking, the nearby Nine Mile Forest Recreation Area provides extensive trails that wind through scenic woods.

In winter, the area becomes popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Lake Wausau offers excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking.

The lake is dotted with boat landings, and in the summer, anglers can expect to catch walleye, bass, and northern pike.

There’s also a public beach.

Places to Avoid in Wausau

You’ll be hard-pressed to find any neighborhood in Wausau or Wisconsin, for that matter, that is too dangerous to visit.

Most of the hotels here are near the major highways or downtown, and you shouldn’t have concerns about staying in any of these locations.

One thing I did want to note is that Wausau has a vocal community.

That means, for example, when people are speeding or running stop signs, the police will crack down hard.

This recently happened near Brown and 13th Streets in Wausau.

You don’t need to avoid the area but understand that if you’re not following traffic laws, the police ARE watching.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Wausau

So... How Safe Is Wausau Really?

The violent crime in 2023 was 9% higher than the national average and 30% higher than the state average.

Since 2019, just 13% of violent crimes have happened against strangers.

Another 64% occurred in private homes, further lowering the risk of a visitor.

Theft is 28% lower than the national average.

Shoplifting is the biggest theft problem in Wausau, accounting for 45% of all thefts.

Car break-ins make up about 11% of all thefts, much lower than the average 30% nationwide based on my research experience.

I’ve searched through several years’ worth of news articles, and there’s nothing that pinpoints the reason for violent crime being above average.

It’s also worth noting that aggravated assault made up 85% of violent crimes in 2023.

At the same time, drug crimes accounted for 30% of all criminal activity in Wausau, and crime increases are generally connected to drugs, gangs, or guns.

As a general summary of this information, you might find trouble in Wausau but likely won’t even notice if you’re using smart personal safety steps.

How Does Wausau 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

Like all of Wisconsin, Wausau experiences cold, snowy winters and mild summers. The average annual snowfall is around 60 inches, with January highs in the low 20s°F and lows near 5°F. Summers are mild, with July highs in the upper 70s°F and lows around 55°F. Spring and fall are typically cool. Pack layers of clothing year-round, and don't forget bug spray when the temperatures are above freezing.

Airports

The closest commercial airport is a regional option at Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA), located about 20 minutes away in Mosinee. It offers flights to major hubs like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit. Green Bay's Austin Straubel Airport (GRB) and Appleton International Airport (ATW) are also within a two-hour drive.

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.

Wausau Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Wisconsin - Safety by City