Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Wisconsin
Wisconsin distinguishes itself with relatively lower crime rates compared to the national average. With a national crime rate 41% higher than Wisconsin's, 39 out of 50 states have higher crime rates. In 2021, Wisconsin reported a total of 109,587 crimes, including 332 murders, 2,475 rapes, 2,707 robberies, and 13,579 assaults, with the odds of being a crime victim at 1 in 309.
1. Beloit
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Population: 36,921
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Violent Crimes Per 100k: 484
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Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,895
Beloit, positioned an hour south of Madison, ranks in the top ten for both violent and property crimes statewide. The city witnessed 878 larceny cases in 2020, alongside 74 car thefts, 117 burglaries, and the second-highest murder rate in Wisconsin.
2. Brown Deer
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Population: 11,808
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Violent Crimes Per 100k: 398
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Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,760
Brown Deer, situated a short drive north of Milwaukee, stands as one of Milwaukee's less idyllic suburbs. Notably, it reported the fifth-highest property crime rate in the state, with frequent car thefts despite its modest population.
3. Milwaukee
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Population: 589,105
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Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,596
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Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,728
Milwaukee, recognized for its beer culture and motorcycle enthusiasm, contends with being Wisconsin's most violent city. In 2020, residents had a 1 in 62 chance of experiencing a violent crime, including the highest murder rate in the state. Property crime, while not as rampant, still presents challenges, with the second-highest burglary rate in Wisconsin.
4. Rice Lake
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Population: 8,526
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Violent Crimes Per 100k: 480
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Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,463
Rice Lake, a city of 8,526 residents, experienced an alarming rate of rape cases in 2020, ranking third highest in Wisconsin. Property crimes also pose concerns, with residents facing a 1 in 40 chance of being a victim.
5. La Crosse
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Population: 51,211
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Violent Crimes Per 100k: 255
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Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,366
La Crosse, a significant trade hub along the Mississippi River, grapples with crime rates expected of a densely populated city. This includes notable occurrences of larceny and car theft, although it offers various cultural attractions and educational institutions.
6. West Allis
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Population: 59,778
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Violent Crimes Per 100k: 319
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Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,868
West Allis, a suburb of Milwaukee, faces high rates of both violent and property crimes. In 2020, the city reported 237 burglaries and 175 car thefts, underscoring concerns about violent crime.
7. Madison
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Population: 262,736
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Violent Crimes Per 100k: 320
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Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,778
Madison, Wisconsin's capital and second-largest city, grapples with notable crime rates, including the third-highest burglary rate in the state. However, it retains safer neighborhoods, offering residents a higher quality of life.
8. Eau Claire
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Population: 69,086
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Violent Crimes Per 100k: 276
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Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,789
Eau Claire, named after its clear waters, faces a relatively high crime rate, primarily due to a substantial burglary rate.
9. Grand Chute
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Population: 23,579
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Violent Crimes Per 100k: 224
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Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,469
Grand Chute, located north of Appleton, ranks as the ninth most dangerous city in Wisconsin, with a notable property crime rate.
10. Hudson
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Population: 14,255
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Violent Crimes Per 100k: 266
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Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,307
Hudson, an extended suburb of Minneapolis, deals with a rising population and increased property crimes, making it the tenth most dangerous city in Wisconsin.