Polk County Crime & Safety

Polk County, Wisconsin

Safety Score

61/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

901.9

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

170.6

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

731.3

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

61/100

Higher = safer

State avg 56/100

State Safety Rank

#35

of 72 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Polk County, Wisconsin

Polk County Surpasses National Safety Standards

Polk County reports a total crime rate of 901.9 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This impressive performance earns the county a high safety score of 98.6 out of 100.

A Top Performer in Wisconsin Safety

With a total crime rate well below the Wisconsin average of 1,103.1, Polk stands out as one of the safer regions in the state. Its safety score of 98.6 slightly exceeds the statewide average of 98.3.

Safe and Quiet Compared to Neighbors

Polk maintains a crime rate of 901.9, outperforming several neighbors like Sauk County, which sees over 1,600 incidents per 100,000 people. It remains a tranquil alternative to the busier southeastern corridors.

Property Crimes Lead Local Incidents

Property crime accounts for 731.3 incidents per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is 170.6. These figures suggest that while crime is low, local incidents are primarily non-violent in nature.

Maintain Your High Standard of Safety

Even in safe areas like Polk, basic security measures like motion-sensor lighting and smart locks deter opportunistic theft. Staying informed through local reporting helps residents maintain this community's security.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Polk County, WI?

Polk County has a total crime rate of 901.9 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (170.6 per 100K) and property crimes (731.3 per 100K).

Is Polk County, WI safe?

Polk County has a safety score of 61/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #35 out of 72 counties in Wisconsin for safety (1 = safest).

How does Polk County crime compare to the Wisconsin average?

With a total crime rate well below the Wisconsin average of 1,103.1, Polk stands out as one of the safer regions in the state. Its safety score of 98.6 slightly exceeds the statewide average of 98.3.

What types of crime are most common in Polk County?

Property crime accounts for 731.3 incidents per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is 170.6. These figures suggest that while crime is low, local incidents are primarily non-violent in nature.

How is crime data measured and reported for Polk County?

Crime data for Polk County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

Why is Polk County safer than the Wisconsin average?

Polk County has a safety score of 61/100, which is above the Wisconsin average of 56/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.