| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Watertown/100k people | Wisconsin/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 280 | n/a (estimate) | 1,238 | 1,433 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 14 | n/a | 61.9 | 34.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 8.8 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 27 | n/a | 119.4 | 200.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 43 | n/a (estimate) | 190 | 279 | 359 |
| Burglary | 9 | n/a | 39.8 | 117.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 214 | n/a | 946.4 | 875.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 14 | n/a | 61.9 | 161.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 237 | n/a (estimate) | 1,048 | 1,154 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Watertown is 41.6% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 43 violent crimes reported in Watertown, equivalent to 190 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 47%. Additionally, Watertown recorded 237 property crimes, amounting to 1048 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 40.5%.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Watertown reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
AreaVibes surveyed 7 local residents in Watertown to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 43% of people answered that there was very little crime in Watertown and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 57% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Watertown a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Watertown crime rate is 42% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.77 crimes per day - 0.12 violent crimes and 0.65 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Watertown. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Watertown has increased by 20.2%. Violent crimes have decreased by 17.3%, while property crimes have increased by 30.9%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Watertown currently has an unemployment rate of 3.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
In Watertown, the cost of living is 2.45% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
The median home price in Watertown is $280,388, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Watertown | Wisconsin | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 50 | 9,355 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Wisconsin /100K | National /100K |
| Wisconsin | 24,983 | 456 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Juneau, WI | 2,755 | 120 | 40 | 160 |
| Lake Ripley, WI | 1,978 | 39 | 162 | 201 |
| Dousman, WI | 2,191 | 60 | 251 | 311 |
| Ashippun, WI | 1,066 | 62 | 256 | 318 |
| Oconomowoc, WI | 17,299 | 16 | 308 | 324 |
| Ixonia, WI | 1,915 | 63 | 263 | 326 |
| Cambridge, WI | 1,307 | 65 | 269 | 334 |
| Watertown, WI | 24,039 | 190 | 1,048 | 1,238 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Fairfax, VA | 24,037 | 92 | 659 | 751 |
| Moses Lake, WA | 24,055 | 394 | 4,237 | 4,631 |
| Venice, FL | 24,063 | 112 | 596 | 709 |
| Clayton, NC | 24,066 | 168 | 1,283 | 1,451 |
| Lisle, IL | 24,010 | 43 | 455 | 498 |
| Watertown, WI | 24,039 | 190 | 1,048 | 1,238 |
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