Wisconsin Crime & Safety
Crime rates and safety scores for all 72 counties.
Avg Violent Crime Rate
170.0
per 100K
Avg Property Crime Rate
933.0
per 100K
Avg Safety Score
56/100
State Overview
Crime & Safety in Wisconsin
National Context
Wisconsin Ranks Among the Nation's Safest States
Wisconsin reports an average total crime rate of 1,103.1 per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of incidents positions the Badger State as one of the most secure regions in the country compared to the national median.
Violent vs. Property Crime
Property Concerns Outweigh Violent Incidents
Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local offenses at 933.4 per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the violent crime rate of 169.7. While property theft is the primary concern for residents, the state's violent crime rate remains well below the national benchmark of 369.8.
Safest Counties
Rural Counties Lead the State in Safety
Trempealeau, Pepin, and Vilas counties are the safest in the state, with Trempealeau topping the list at a low 231.4 total crimes per 100,000 residents. Notably, Vilas County reports a violent crime rate of 0.0, representing an exceptionally high standard for public safety.
Crime Hotspots
Identifying Wisconsin's Most Active Jurisdictions
Milwaukee County records the highest total crime rate at 3,958.9 per 100,000 residents, followed by Calumet and Chippewa counties. These higher rates often reflect dense populations and urban activity, but even these figures are put in perspective by the state's comprehensive 100% data coverage.
The Takeaway
A Consistently Secure Environment for Residents
Wisconsin offers a robust safety profile with total crime rates that significantly outperform national averages. Prospective movers can feel confident in the state's security, particularly in the northern and western rural counties where crime remains exceptionally rare.
Safest Counties
All Wisconsin Counties
Crime rates per 100K population. — = data pending.
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Data Sources
Crime data sourced from the FBI Crime Data Explorer (UCR) and County Health Rankings. Safety scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Not legal or security advice. Coverage varies by county and reporting year.