Recognized as the dairy capital of the United States, Wisconsin produces more milk than any other state. It’s also famous for its tremendous waterway systems: It has more than 14,000 lakes and nearly 7,500 streams and rivers. Add in its 47 state parks and 13 state forest and wildlife sanctuaries and you have the ingredients for an outdoors enthusiast’s dream. On top of that, housing costs are about 9 percent lower compared to other states, making Wisconsin great for retirees. If you’re interested in making Wisconsin your next address, let’s see which communities are the safest there.
The Top 10 Safest Cities in Wisconsin
1. Oconomowoc
- Population: 8,692
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 41.5
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 789.3
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
68% Below National Crime Rate
Oconomowoc means “waterfall,” and serenity is what you’ll find in this idyllic community. The most popular pastime is visiting Fowler Lake Park. As for families, it’s no secret that schools play an instrumental role when deciding where to relocate. Fortunately, the town is known for its top-rated schools.
2. Lake Geneva
- Population: 5,032
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 0
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 457
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
37% Below National Crime Rate
Geneva Town had zero violent crimes to report. It doesn’t get much safer than that. The town also offers great entertainment, as its Lake Geneva location is bursting with water activities. Residents can also enjoy shopping at boutiques or playing a few rounds at world class golf resorts. Claim your new home for just over $200,000.
3. Mukwonago
- Population: 8,146
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 74.7
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,419.0
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
42% Below National Crime Rate
The third safest community in Wisconsin is Mukwonago Town, southwest of Milwaukee. You’ll find plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities here with nearby Lulu Lake State Natural Area. The schools rank top notch here, a strong reason why home prices average around $350,000.
4. Cedarburg
- Population: 11,469
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 26.2
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 470.8
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
81% Below National Crime Rate
Located north of Milwaukee and not far from Lake Michigan, Cedarburg is home to trendy pubs and unique boutiques. Locals also enjoy the museums and lively festivals. If you’re looking for a thriving community to engage in, welcome home.
5. Muskego
- Population: 25,118
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 35.8
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 569.3
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
76% Below National Crime Rate
This Milwaukee suburb is surrounded by three lakes and is just miles from Lake Michigan, so loving the water might be a prerequisite. The town not too small and knows how to impress. Locals boast of great schools and career opportunities, and there are plenty of boutiques and local restaurants. The median price for homes in Muskego is $311,700, and homes here have appreciated nicely in the last 10 years (up 17.2 percent).
6. Delavan
- Population: 5,322
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 18
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 695
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
66% Below National Crime Rate
Delavan Town is full of unique history, breathtaking lakes and spacious parks, and if you desire the big city, Milwaukee isn’t too far away. Overall, this community has high marks in everything from housing to schools to diversity.
7. Hartland
- Population: 9,302
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 32.3
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 655.8
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
73% Below National Crime Rate
Hartland, a suburb of Milwaukee, is considered one of the best places to live in Wisconsin. Not only does the village rank 73 percent below the national crime rate, but the majority of residents have attained some level of higher education. The teacher to student ratio is 1:15, which is above the national average. The result of Hartland’s popularity is a median home tag home price tag of $436,257.
8. Grand Rapids
- Population: 7,385
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 27
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 663
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
60% Below National Crime Rate
For a small town, Grand Rapids takes the cake. Or maybe it’s the icing on the cake. Residents give it kudos for shopping, restaurants, amenities and much more. Homes here are priced around $150,000, making it super affordable as well.
9. Hobart-Lawrence
- Population: 14,667
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 47
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 470
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
72% Below National Crime Rate
Home to wide open spaces and tranquility, Hobart-Lawrence is a community in the rolling hills southwest of Green Bay. You will find a number of family farms in the area. The village of Hobart is located entirely within the boundaries of the Oneida Nation while the adjacent town of Lawrence borders the Fox River.
10. Appleton
- Population: 22,006
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 72
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 372
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
82% Below National Crime Rate
In the northeastern portion of Wisconsin, several cities, towns and villages along the Fox River are collectively known as the Fox Cities, including the cities of Appleton, Kaukauna and Menasha. This urban/suburban area is just a hop, skip and a jump from Green Bay. The Fox Cities also includes the Fox Valley Metro area that encompasses the villages of Kimberly and Little Chute. Crime statistics for the Fox Valley Metro area have been on a downward trend for years, making it an increasingly popular place to live.
Other Wisconsin Resources
Heather Allen is a freelance writer who began her career 20 years ago at a small Texas NBC affiliate, while attending SFASU. She’s written blogs on a diverse range of topics.
Top 10 Safest Cities in Tennessee