Milwaukee, WI Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Milwaukee, WI

The Milwaukee crime rates are 115.8% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 8474 violent crimes in Milwaukee (1509 per 100,000 people), which is 307.9% higher than the national average and there were a total of 19702 property crimes (3507 per 100,000 residents) which is 79.5% higher than average.

With a total of 5016 crimes per 100,000 people, the Milwaukee crime rates stand at 115.81 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Milwaukee, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

Milwaukee ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 1509 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Milwaukee stand at 1 in every 67 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Milwaukee stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Milwaukee, there were a total of 214 murders, translating to 38 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

Milwaukee reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 3507 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 29 chance of falling victim to property crime in Milwaukee, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Milwaukee is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Milwaukee reported a total of 9443 vehicle thefts, resulting in 1681 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 60, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Milwaukee?

What do the local residents think about crime in Milwaukee? Well, based on a recent survey of 302 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 20% of Milwaukee residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 80% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Milwaukee a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee crime rate is 116% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 77.19 crimes per day - 23.22 violent crimes and 53.98 property crimes.

Has Crime in Milwaukee Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Milwaukee. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Milwaukee has decreased by 17.8%. Violent crimes have decreased by 10%, while property crimes have decreased by 20.7%. 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.

Milwaukee Neighborhood Crime Rates

Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Milwaukee, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 180 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Milwaukee are areas such as North Granville, Mill Valley and Clayton Crest, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Metcalfe Park, North Division and Franklin Heights are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.

Potential Causes for Crime in Milwaukee

Milwaukee has a poverty rate that stands at 24.6, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Milwaukee crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

Milwaukee reports an unemployment rate of 4.1%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Milwaukee crime rates.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Milwaukee stands at $128,300, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Milwaukee crime map