Wisconsin is home to some of the most vibrant cities in America. However, the state also has some of the most dangerous cities in the country. Crime statistics in Wisconsin have revealed a few places that have more crime than others. Here, we take a closer look at the most dangerous cities in Wisconsin according to crime data.
Beloit
Located on the border between Wisconsin and Illinois, Beloit has a population of approximately 37,000 residents. The city recorded a crime rate of 82.5 per 1,000 residents, which includes violent and property crimes. The violent crime rate was at 10.1, which was higher than the national average of 3.7 per 1,000 people. There were 45 reported rapes in 2020, which increased from 24 in the previous year. In addition, there were 222 reported cases of aggravated assault, which is higher than the national average of 232.
Wisconsin Rapids
Located in Wood County, Wisconsin Rapids is a small city with a population of around 18,000 residents. The city had a total crime rate of 91.3 per 1,000 residents, with a violent crime rate of 6.3, which is higher than the national average. In 2020, there were 7 reported rapes and 36 aggravated assaults.
Tomah
Tomah, a city in Monroe County, has a population of approximately 9,000 residents. The city has a total crime rate of 95.2 per 1,000 residents, which includes a violent crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents. There were 11 reported rapes in 2020, which increased from 3 in the previous year. There were also 44 aggravated assaults reported, which is higher than the national average.
Rice Lake
Rice Lake is a city in Barron County, Wisconsin, with a population of around 8,000 residents. The city has a total crime rate of 97.4 per 1,000 residents, with a violent crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents. In 2020, there were 5 reported rapes and 31 aggravated assaults.
Superior
Superior, located in Douglas County, Wisconsin, is a city with a population of around 26,000 residents. The city has a total crime rate of 108.9 per 1,000 residents, with a violent crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents. There were 22 reported rapes and 109 aggravated assaults in 2020.
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin and has long been known for its high crime rate. According to the 2020 Crime in the United States report, Milwaukee has a crime rate of 7,532 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it the most dangerous city in Wisconsin.
The most common types of crimes committed in Milwaukee include theft, assault, and robbery. The city also has a high number of homicides, with 196 reported in 2020. Gang violence is a major contributor to this high rate of crime, with many areas in Milwaukee experiencing ongoing gang-related incidents.
Racine
Racine is another city in Wisconsin that is known for its high crime rate. In 2020, the city reported a crime rate of 4,614 incidents per 100,000 residents. The city’s high crime rate is often attributed to its proximity to Milwaukee, with many gang members from Milwaukee moving to Racine to escape the increased law enforcement in their own city.
Racine is also known for its high drug use, with the city having one of the highest drug overdose rates in Wisconsin. Property crime is another significant issue in Racine, with many residents reporting incidents of theft, burglary, and vandalism.
Green Bay
Despite being the home of the Green Bay Packers, one of the most successful teams in NFL history, the city of Green Bay is not immune to high crime rates. According to 2020 crime statistics, Green Bay had a crime rate of 3,578 incidents per 100,000 residents.
Property crime is the most common type of crime in Green Bay, with many residents reporting incidents of theft and burglary. Violent crime is also a concern, with many residents reporting incidents of assault and robbery.
Appleton
Appleton is a smaller city in Wisconsin but still has a high crime rate compared to other cities in the state. According to the 2020 Crime in the United States report, Appleton had a crime rate of 2,897 incidents per 100,000 residents.
Like Green Bay, property crime is the most common type of crime in Appleton, with many residents reporting incidents of theft and burglary. Drug use is also a concern in Appleton, with many residents reporting incidents of drug-related crime.
Conclusion
Wisconsin is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States, but unfortunately, some cities in Wisconsin are not as peaceful and serene as they appear. It has some of the safest and friendliest communities in the country. However, like every state, there are cities with higher crime rates that need attention from law enforcement and local government.