Is Whitewater Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Whitewater, Wisconsin, packs a lot of personality into a small town of 15,000 people, with activities ranging from the Ice Age to the occult.

Originally inhabited by the Potawatomi tribe, the area saw an influx of European settlers in the 1830s.

The town’s name comes from the white sands along its creek bed, not the typical rough rapids we associate with “whitewater” today.

Whitewater quickly grew as a hub for agriculture and education, becoming home to what is now the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, which has shaped the community for more than 150 years.

One of Whitewater’s intriguing historical claims is its reputation for paranormal activity.

Known as the “Second Salem,” the city is famous for the spooky folklore surrounding the Morris Pratt Institute, which once taught spiritualism and the occult.

The (alleged) haunted stories draw curious visitors, especially during ghost tours.

However, you can 100% enjoy a trip to Whitewater without stressing out about spirits.

Kettle Moraine State Forest surrounds Whitewater, with several nearby lakes to explore on warm summer days or during the peak of the ice fishing season.

Despite its small size, Whitewater has a welcoming, creative atmosphere.

The annual events like the local farmers market and holiday parades offer a taste of small-town charm, while the university brings in cultural events and sports.

Warnings & Dangers in Whitewater

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Whitewater and plenty of things to do. However, it's ideal if you like doing things outdoors, as that is what most attractions are geared toward. Yes, even in the cold winter!

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Whitewater offers limited public transportation, with the Whitewater City Cab providing local rides in a shared taxi system. The Janesville Transit System connects Whitewater to nearby cities like Janesville. Scooters and bikes are other popular ways to get around town. If you have a rental car, Highways 59 and 12 offer easy road access to Milwaukee and Madison.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

In the past three years, just one pickpocket has been reported, giving this a low risk. However, don't let your guard down. There are enough crowded places and events here that warrant extra steps to protect your belongings.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Whitewater faces medium risks every season. Severe weather can happen year-round but is more likely in spring and summer. These storms can bring tornadoes, large hail, dangerous lightning, and occasional flooding, especially in spring and summer. Winter can bring heavy snow and ice storms, which may disrupt travel and utilities. The city's emergency management website section has a great list of information and resources for staying safe and informed during periods of disruptive weather.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

You can count the annual robberies in Whitewater on one hand, with just one mugging between 2021 and 2023. This is another low-risk, but be sure to use standard safety steps to keep it that way.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The risk is low in this small town, but Whitewater has gotten more political since the arrival of hundreds of refugees starting in 2022. There might be community tensions, but the refugees aren't considered a threat to the community.

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. Most of the scams I saw were pretty run-of-the-mill and focused on people who live there or attend college. You can also help by reporting any potential scam attempts to the local police or the Federal Trade Commission.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women have a low risk here, with plenty of things to do for all generations. Even solo travelers will love the vibe here. Kids have plenty of great places to explore with moms or grandmothers. Of course, that comes with the understanding that personal safety steps should always be a priority.

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. Not only did the city of Whitewater meet all requirements in 2023, but they also found no PFAS (forever chemicals) in the water supply.

Safest Places to Visit in Whitewater

DiscoverWhitewater.org is the city’s tourism website.

Another great resource is the Visitor’s section on the city website, where links to all attractions and recreational spots are posted.

Downtown Whitewater has a website of the same name, with a list of shops, restaurants, and City Market details.

Whitewater also loves a good celebration, so check out the events calendar on the downtown website to see what’s happening during your visit.

The city offers four seasons of outdoor fun.

Even in the bitterly cold winter, you have a party during Freeze Fest.

Warm weather brings water activities to Whitewater Lake and Rice Lake.

Activities include boating, fishing, hiking and picnicking.

Kayak rentals are also available at most public access points.

Check the schedule for the Southern Lakes United Water Ski Team on Whitewater Lake.

The daring acts on the water are as entertaining as they are mesmerizing.

In the winter, Whitewater Lake transitions to ice fishing.

Other cold weather options include cross-country skiing, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing at various parks and preserves in the region.

Kettle Morain State Forest also allows snowmobiling.

Keep in mind that any state park visit will require a pass for everyone over the age of 15.

Another popular trail system is the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which crosses Wisconsin.

Check the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website for maps to choose which section of the 1,000+ miles you want to explore.

It’s worth seeking out the Whitewater Flowing Well, first tapped in 1895.

It claims to have the purest quality water possible.

To get a dose of history, the Depot Museum is housed in a former railroad stop with several exhibits about the region.

Check out the Map Out Your Travels section of the tourism website to find historical walking tours or a map of local historical landmarks.

Places to Avoid in Whitewater

There aren’t dangerous parts of town or bad neighborhoods in Whitewater; it’s just too small of a city.

We’ll address the refugee situation a little further down in this article, but it’s definitely worth calling the police before your visit to ask if there are any hot spots for homelessness or crime.

With a surge of people seeking asylum in the U.S., Whitewater has seen an incredible unexpected population growth.

The refugees bring challenges and benefits, but you need to understand the lay of the political and literal landscape before you visit.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Whitewater

So... How Safe Is Whitewater Really?

Cities like Whitewater are one reason Wisconsin’s violent crime rates are below the national average.

In fact, in 2023, the Whitewater violent crime rate was half the national average and 33% below the state average.

Only six percent of all violent crime victims were strangers to their assailants.

In 2023, that meant two people.

At UW-Whitewater, just six violent crimes were reported in 2023.

Thefts were 38% below the national average in the city, with 37% of those being shoplifting.

It’s worth noting that shoplifting is a problem across the state.

At the university, there were 22 thefts in 2023, with about half of those being from buildings or dorm rooms.

Statistics aside, there’s a bigger issue that is being dealt with in Whitewater involving up to 1,000 refugees who came to Whitewater in 2022.

That was a nearly 7% population increase in less than two years.

Most escaped Nicaragua and Venezuela looking for a better life, but the pressure for resources, infrastructure, and law enforcement weighs heavy on city leaders.

In addition, refugees can’t legally drive cars and sometimes live in squalor.

While the situation could be resolved with additional funding and government assistance before your visit, it’s worth looking up the latest news articles.

There should be no hesitation about visiting, but it helps to know the latest information in any city before your visit.

How Does Whitewater 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

Winters are cold, with temperatures often below freezing and occasional snowfall. Spring is mild but can be rainy. Summers are warm, typically in the mid-80s Fahrenheit, and fall brings cool, crisp air with vibrant foliage. Expect humidity in summer, which will fuel the need for bug spray. Layers of clothing will be helpful for spring and fall when temperatures often fluctuate day-to-day.

Airports

The nearest commercial airports are General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) in Milwaukee, about 45 miles east, and Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) in Madison, roughly 50 miles northwest. Both airports offer a range of domestic flights, with Milwaukee also providing some international options.

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.

Whitewater Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Wisconsin - Safety by City