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Wisconsin Crime Rates

Key Findings

  • On average, there is approximately 1 violent crime occurring for every 270 people in Wisconsin.

  • Wisconsin's violent crime rate is lower than the national average. It stands at 3.7 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

  • Wisconsin's property crime rate is a bit higher than the national average. It is recorded at 20.93 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

    Last updated on September 24th, 2023 at 07:38 pm

    by | Sep 7, 2023

    Understanding the safety of a state is crucial, whether you are planning to move, live temporarily or permanently, work, or simply visit. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the crime data of Wisconsin, shedding light on the state’s overall crime rate and offering valuable insights to aid you in making well-informed decisions.

     

    Within the diverse landscape of Wisconsin, various types of criminal activities occur. To offer you a clear picture, we will categorize these offenses into three primary groups: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.

    Total number of crimes in Wisconsin. The information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.

    Is Wisconsin Safe? Crimes Breakdown

    Violent Property Other
    Total Number 20,064 113,519 58,749
    Rate per 1000 3.7 20.93 10.83

     

    Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 19 different types of crimes recorded in Wisconsin. These crimes vary in severity, with some considered less serious, such as simple assaults, forgery, and ATM fraud, while others are treated with utmost seriousness, including murder and rape. In our analysis, we have focused on the most significant crimes, particularly those that have a direct impact on people’s safety and lives.

     

    Wisconsin’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Wisconsin has a lower violent crime rate compared to the national average. In Wisconsin, the rate of violent crimes is 3.7 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: Wisconsin vs. National Average

    Examining the violent crime rate in Wisconsin compared to the national average enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the percentage variance for each specific crime. By conducting this analysis, we can effectively gauge the relative levels of safety and security in Wisconsin in relation to the broader national landscape.

     

    Wisconsin’s Violent Crimes Statistics

    Murder Rape Assault Robbery Kidnapping
    Total Number 332 2,475 13,579 2,648 971
    Rate per 1000 0.06 0.46 2.5 0.5 0.18
    Population 5,423,821

    United States Violent Crimes Statistics

    Murder Rape Assault Robbery Kidnapping
    Total Number 23,195 145,750 939,092 207,616 36,890
    Rate per 1000 0.07 0.44 2.83 0.63 0.11
    Population 331,889,360

     

    Insights into Violent Crimes in Wisconsin

    • Wisconsin’s murder crime rate is 0.06, which is lower than the national average of 0.07 by 14%.
    • On the other hand, The state’s rape crime rate is 0.46, which is higher than the national average of 0.44 by 5%.
    • The assault crime rate of the state stands at 2.5, which is lower than the national average of 2.83 by 12%.
    • Robbery is not a concern in Wisconsin, with a crime rate of 0.5, which is lower than the national average of 0.63 by 21%.
    • The state’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.18, which is higher than the national average of 0.11 by 64%.

    Wisconsin’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Wisconsin has a higher property crime rate compared to the national average. In Wisconsin, the rate of property crimes is 20.93 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average for property crimes is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Property Crime Rates: Wisconsin vs. National Average

    Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in Wisconsin compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.

     

    Wisconsin’s Property Crime Rate Statistics

    Burglary Arson Vandalism Blackmail Theft Vehicle Theft Identity Theft
    Total Number 9,298 474 25,830 275 57,234 15,950 4,458
    Rate per 1000 1.71 0.09 4.76 0.05 10.55 2.94 0.82
    Population 5,423,821

     

    United States Property Crimes Statistics

    Burglary Arson Vandalism Blackmail Theft Vehicle Theft Identity Theft
    Total Number 898,487 27,917 1,307,229 12,270 4,630,773 888,618 187,853
    Rate per 1000 2.72 0.08 3.94 0.04 13.95 2.68 0.87
    Population 331,889,360

     

    Insights into Property Crimes in Wisconsin

    • Wisconsin experiences a burglary crime rate of 1.71, which is lower than the national average of 2.72 by 37%.
    • The arson crime rate is 0.09, which is higher than the national average of 0.08 by 13%.
    • Vandalism is a concern in Wisconsin, with a crime rate of 4.76, which is higher than the national average of 3.94 by 21%.
    • The blackmail crime rate is 0.05, which is higher than the national average of 0.04 by 25%.
    • Theft is not an area of focus, with a crime rate of 10.55 in Wisconsin, which is lower than the national average of 13.95 by 24%.
    • On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the state has a rate of 2.94, which is higher than the national average of 2.68 by 10%.
    • Wisconsin faces a lower rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 0.82, which is 6% lower than the national average of 0.87.

     

    Wisconsin’s Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs Offenses Weapon Law Violations Prostitution Animal Cruelty
    Total Number 45,779 12,337 324 309
    Rate per 1000 8.44 2.27 0.06 0.06
    Population 5,423,821

     

     

    United States Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs Offenses Weapon Law Violations Prostitution Animal Cruelty
    Total Number 1,290,858 267,955 11,565 16,497
    Rate per 1000 3.89 0.81 0.04 0.05
    Population 331,889,360

    Wisconsin’s Other Crimes Data Insights

    • Drug offenses are a significant concern in Wisconsin, with a rate of 8.44, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.89 by 117%.
    • Weapon law violations are a significant area of concern in the state. The state’s weapon law violations rate is 2.27, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.81 by 180%.

     

    Conclusion

    Wisconsin’s murder, rape, and assault crime rates are below the national averages, indicating lower violent crime levels. Robbery is also less prevalent in the state. However, Wisconsin faces challenges with a higher kidnapping rate. The state has lower rates of burglary, vandalism, blackmail, and theft compared to the national averages, but it has a higher rate of motor vehicle theft. Identity theft is slightly higher in Wisconsin. Drug offenses and weapon law violations are areas of concern, with rates exceeding the national averages.

    ¹For this analysis, we will focus on the more significant ones that directly affect people’s safety and well-being, rather than delving into less critical offenses like simple assaults, ATM frauds, and forgery.

    ²The FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) aims to enhance the quality of crime data collected by law enforcement agencies. It accomplishes this by capturing comprehensive details for each crime incident, including information about victims, known offenders, relationships between victims and offenders, arrestees, and the property involved in the crimes.