Safest Places to Live in Wisconsin in 2026

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Rankings: 10 Safest Places in Wisconsin

Somerset, WI

How do you rate Somerset?

Somerset ranks among Wisconsin's safest cities to live in. The village reports about 1.2 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, well below the national average. The Somerset Police Department maintains steady patrols across residenti...

87/100

Safety Score

Why is Somerset safe?

Personal Safety : 86

Personal Safety: 86/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

100%

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

66.67%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 94

Property Safety: 94/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

100%

Larceny

20%

Motor Vehicle Theft

100%

Arson

Theft From Building

Community Safety : 53

Community Safety: 53/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

157.14%

Stolen Property Offenses

Vandalism

133.33%

Weapon Law Violations

100%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

40%

Home Prices in Somerset

$432,600

Median Home Rent

$1,050

Homes for Sale in Somerset Link

(View 130 homes)

Barron, WI

How do you rate Barron?

Barron is a quiet city with very low crime rates. The Barron Police Department maintains strong patrol coverage and quick response times. Most residents own homes and know their neighbors, which supports safety. Neighborhoods like...

86/100

Safety Score

Why is Barron safe?

Personal Safety : 88

Personal Safety: 88/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

100%

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

100%

Kidnapping / Abduction

100%

Property Safety : 84

Property Safety: 84/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

50%

Larceny

40.91%

Motor Vehicle Theft

66.67%

Arson

Theft From Building

100%

Community Safety : 55

Community Safety: 55/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

70%

Stolen Property Offenses

100%

Vandalism

8.33%

Weapon Law Violations

133.33%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

57.14%

Home Prices in Barron

$259,000

Median Home Rent

$665

Homes for Sale in Barron Link

(View 433 homes)

Monroe, WI

How do you rate Monroe?

Violent and property crime rates in Monroe have been dropping consistently over the past few years. The Monroe Police Department patrols downtown streets and residential areas with steady coverage. Violent crime remains very rare ...

85/100

Safety Score

Why is Monroe safe?

Personal Safety : 76

Personal Safety: 76/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

100%

Robbery

100%

Aggravated Assault

600%

Kidnapping / Abduction

100%

Property Safety : 84

Property Safety: 84/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

50%

Larceny

103

8.04%

Motor Vehicle Theft

20%

Arson

Theft From Building

100%

Community Safety : 61

Community Safety: 61/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

10.34%

Stolen Property Offenses

Vandalism

20.75%

Weapon Law Violations

150%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

17.39%

Home Prices in Monroe

$244,750

Median Home Rent

$1,300

Homes for Sale in Monroe Link

(View 419 homes)

Walworth, WI

How do you rate Walworth?

Walworth is one of the safest towns in Wisconsin to live in. Violent crime in the city is almost nonexistent, and overall crime has been declining for years. The city is usually quiet, but the summer season brings tourists to the ...

82/100

Safety Score

Why is Walworth safe?

Personal Safety : 74

Personal Safety: 74/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

100%

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

100%

Kidnapping / Abduction

100%

Property Safety : 89

Property Safety: 89/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

25%

Larceny

33.33%

Motor Vehicle Theft

100%

Arson

Theft From Building

100%

Community Safety : 53

Community Safety: 53/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

33.33%

Stolen Property Offenses

50%

Vandalism

55.56%

Weapon Law Violations

Drug / Narcotic Violations

46.15%

Home Prices in Walworth

$337,000

Median Home Rent

$1,600

Homes for Sale in Walworth Link

(View 772 homes)

River Falls, WI

How do you rate River Falls?

Home to Wisconsin–River Falls (UWRF), River Falls is considered one of the safest places to live in Wisconsin for young professionals. The River Falls Police Department runs 24/7 patrols and safety programs such as National Night ...

81/100

Safety Score

Why is River Falls safe?

Personal Safety : 82

Personal Safety: 82/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

100%

Rape

Robbery

100%

Aggravated Assault

12.5%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 87

Property Safety: 87/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

77.78%

Larceny

39.37%

Motor Vehicle Theft

40%

Arson

Theft From Building

50%

Community Safety : 59

Community Safety: 59/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

15.91%

Stolen Property Offenses

16.67%

Vandalism

7.69%

Weapon Law Violations

100%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

25%

Home Prices in River Falls

$361,500

Median Home Rent

$1,691

Homes for Sale in River Falls Link

(View 283 homes)

New Richmond, WI

How do you rate New Richmond?

Known for low crime and strong community safety, New Richmond, Wisconsin, stands out as one of the safest places to live in the state. The city reports about 1.0 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, far below the U.S. average of 4....

73/100

Safety Score

Why is New Richmond safe?

Personal Safety : 71

Personal Safety: 71/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

100%

Rape

50%

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

62.5%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 72

Property Safety: 72/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

66.67%

Larceny

31.46%

Motor Vehicle Theft

50%

Arson

Theft From Building

22.22%

Community Safety : 45

Community Safety: 45/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

8.57%

Stolen Property Offenses

300%

Vandalism

40%

Weapon Law Violations

28.57%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

1.09%

Home Prices in New Richmond

$369,900

Median Home Rent

$1,650

Homes for Sale in New Richmond Link

(View 270 homes)

Waukesha, WI

How do you rate Waukesha?

Waukesha ranks among the safest cities in Wisconsin. The violent crime rate stays below the state average and has dropped each year. The Waukesha Police Department keeps strong patrol coverage and quick response times. Neighborhoo...

68/100

Safety Score

Why is Waukesha safe?

Personal Safety : 72

Personal Safety: 72/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

100%

Rape

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

18.52%

Kidnapping / Abduction

300%

Property Safety : 75

Property Safety: 75/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

16.22%

Larceny

535

1.65%

Motor Vehicle Theft

23.08%

Arson

100%

Theft From Building

24.39%

Community Safety : 45

Community Safety: 45/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

232

11.79%

Stolen Property Offenses

175%

Vandalism

149

13.87%

Weapon Law Violations

20.29%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

502

22.44%

Home Prices in Waukesha

$355,000

Median Home Rent

$1,825

Homes for Sale in Waukesha Link

(View 1,623 homes)

Marinette, WI

How do you rate Marinette?

Marinette sits on the Wisconsin–Michigan border and is generally safe from violent crime, which is well below the national average. The Marinette Police Department patrols key areas like Hall Avenue, Pierce Avenue, and the waterfr...

64/100

Safety Score

Why is Marinette safe?

Personal Safety : 62

Personal Safety: 62/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

100%

Robbery

100%

Aggravated Assault

69.23%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 60

Property Safety: 60/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

25%

Larceny

101

40.94%

Motor Vehicle Theft

66.67%

Arson

100%

Theft From Building

19.57%

Community Safety : 31

Community Safety: 31/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

Stolen Property Offenses

40%

Vandalism

25%

Weapon Law Violations

50%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

238

30.21%

Home Prices in Marinette

$177,500

Median Home Rent

$1,050

Homes for Sale in Marinette Link

(View 403 homes)

Hudson, WI

How do you rate Hudson?

With low crime rates and strong policing, Hudson, Wisconsin stands out as one of the safest places to live in the state. The city reports about 1.2 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, well below the US average. The Hudson Police D...

62/100

Safety Score

Why is Hudson safe?

Personal Safety : 50

Personal Safety: 50/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

100%

Rape

100%

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

23.53%

Kidnapping / Abduction

100%

Property Safety : 70

Property Safety: 70/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

28.57%

Larceny

207

12.66%

Motor Vehicle Theft

11.11%

Arson

100%

Theft From Building

20%

Community Safety : 41

Community Safety: 41/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

3.57%

Stolen Property Offenses

10%

Vandalism

35.96%

Weapon Law Violations

14.29%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

9.68%

Home Prices in Hudson

$465,000

Median Home Rent

$1,700

Homes for Sale in Hudson Link

(View 340 homes)

#10

Washburn, WI

How do you rate Washburn?

Washburn is a small town on the shores of Lake Superior in Wisconsin. With about 2,000 residents, it maintains crime rates below the national average. The Washburn Police Department provides steady patrols across downtown, the har...

40/100

Safety Score

Why is Washburn safe?

Personal Safety : 100

Personal Safety: 100/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 100

Property Safety: 100/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

Larceny

Motor Vehicle Theft

Arson

Theft From Building

Community Safety : 100

Community Safety: 100/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

Stolen Property Offenses

Vandalism

Weapon Law Violations

Drug / Narcotic Violations

Home Prices in Washburn

$278,500

Median Home Rent

$1,150

Homes for Sale in Washburn Link

(View 318 homes)

Find the Safest Places to Live Anywhere in the US

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Top 3 Safest Places to Retire in Wisconsin

Barron - Barron is a small, peaceful city in northwestern Wisconsin and one of the safest communities in the state for retirees. The city reports a violent crime rate well below the national average, with property crime numbers also low compared to most Wisconsin cities. The Barron Police Department runs active community outreach programs, and officers maintain a strong presence in local neighborhoods. Retirees can feel safe and confident in their day-to-day routines. Barron's close-knit community makes it especially well suited for retirement. Most residents own their homes and know their neighbors by name, which gives retirees a true sense of belonging. The city's compact layout makes it easy to walk to shops, parks, and services without dealing with heavy traffic. The quiet pace, low crime, and friendly atmosphere let retirees focus on enjoying life, not worrying about safety. For those who want a secure, welcoming, and affordable place to settle down, Barron is a smart choice.
Walworth - Walworth is a small, welcoming town in southeastern Wisconsin with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the state. The town reports near-zero violent crime, making it one of the most secure communities for retirees in the region. Local law enforcement maintains a visible presence, and the tight-knit neighborhood environment adds a natural layer of safety. Retirees can walk the town's streets and go about their daily routines with complete peace of mind. Sitting just steps from the shores of Geneva Lake, Walworth offers retirees a rare mix of safety and natural beauty. The town is easy to navigate on foot, with shops, parks, and services all within reach. Calm streets, a low-crime environment, and a strong sense of community make everyday life simple and enjoyable. For retirees who want a secure, peaceful, and scenic place to settle down, Walworth delivers on every front.
Washburn - Washburn is a charming small town on the southern shore of Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin. It reports extremely low violent crime rates, making it one of the safest waterfront communities in the state. The Washburn Police Department works closely with residents to maintain order and security. A small, stable population means neighbors know and look out for each other, which keeps crime rare and response times fast. What sets Washburn apart for retirees is its unique blend of safety and waterfront living. The town is compact and easy to get around, with parks, local shops, and Lake Superior access all within a short walk. Clean air, calm streets, and a strong community spirit create the perfect setting for a relaxed retirement. Retirees who want a safe, scenic, and welcoming place to enjoy their next chapter will find everything they need in Washburn.

Top 3 Safest Places to Live in Wisconsin for Families

New Richmond - New Richmond records a violent crime rate of just 0.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it in the top 5% safest cities in Wisconsin. The New Richmond Police Department runs a dedicated community outreach program that links officers directly with neighborhood watch groups. Property crime has dropped for four consecutive years, making the city one of the most consistently safe places in the state. Families benefit from the high-performing New Richmond School District, which posts above-average test scores across all grade levels. The city has four public parks, scenic walking and biking trails, and affordable homes with spacious layouts. Quiet streets and a strong sense of community make this an excellent place for children to grow up safely.
Hudson - Hudson's overall crime rate sits 12% below the Wisconsin state average, earning it the rank of second safest mid-size city in the state. The Hudson Police Department operates over 20 registered Neighborhood Watch zones and maintains a visible presence near schools, parks, and community spaces year-round. Residential streets across the city remain calm and secure for daily family life. Hudson High School ranks in the top 20% of Wisconsin schools for graduation rates and college readiness. Families enjoy Lakefront Park on the St. Croix River, the Hudson Dog Park, and Willow River State Park just minutes from the city center. The combination of strong schools, outdoor access, and a trusted police force makes Hudson a smart choice for families.
Somerset - Somerset reported near zero violent crimes in 2023, placing it among the safest communities in Wisconsin. Property crime rates fall in the lowest 10% of all cities in the state. The Somerset Police Department works closely with the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office to maintain fast emergency response times and active neighborhood patrols throughout the year. Somerset Elementary School holds strong academic ratings and high parent satisfaction scores. The Apple River runs through town and offers families a safe, scenic space for outdoor activities. With low crime, quality schools, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere, Somerset stands out as a top destination for families who want security and a high quality of life.

Top 3 Safest Places to Live in Wisconsin for Young Adults

Waukesha - Waukesha ranks among Wisconsin's safest mid-sized cities, with a violent crime rate well below the national average. The Waukesha Police Department runs active community safety programs that keep residential areas secure. Southwest neighborhoods such as Meadowbrook and Prairie Ridge are known for low crime and quiet streets. The city also maintains strong partnerships with local businesses to support public safety. Waukesha is a smart career move for young adults. The city sits just 20 miles from Milwaukee, which opens access to a major job market across finance, healthcare, and tech. Local employers like Generac and Waukesha County government offer steady, well-paid roles. Housing costs stay far below Milwaukee levels, so young professionals can build savings while still enjoying city-level career options.
River Falls - River Falls records one of the lowest violent crime rates in western Wisconsin. The city's location along the Kinnickinnic River creates safe, walkable neighborhoods with strong community ties. The University of Wisconsin-River Falls adds an active campus safety presence, including campus police and a 24/7 escort service. Local crime statistics from the River Falls Police Department consistently place the city among the state's safest. River Falls suits young adults who want energy, connection, and stability. The university drives a lively social scene with events, sports, and local businesses built around an active community. The city offers affordable rent, with average one-bedroom apartments priced well under the state average. Young professionals also benefit from easy access to the Twin Cities metro area, less than an hour away, for career growth in a major job market.
Marinette - Marinette holds a low violent crime rate and strong neighborhood safety, especially in its eastern residential areas. The Marinette Police Department maintains a visible street presence and works closely with local community groups. The city's small size, around 10,000 residents, means faster police response times and a tight-knit environment where residents know their neighbors. Marinette's safety record makes it one of the most secure small cities in the state. For young adults, Marinette offers a strong value for daily life. Housing costs rank among the lowest in Wisconsin, which allows young professionals to live well on an entry-level income. The city sits just 50 miles north of Green Bay, which provides access to larger employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. Marinette's own economy supports jobs in energy and industrial sectors through companies like Marinette Marine. Young adults gain financial freedom and career access without the cost or stress of a large city.

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Ranking Methodology

To determine the safest places to live, we applied a structured, data-driven methodology using verified crime and public safety datasets. Our analysis incorporates violent crime rates and property crime rates (FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program), local law enforcement staffing levels, community safety investment scores, and resident-reported safety data. Each factor was normalized against the Wisconsin state average to control for population size and regional differences. The combined metrics were then weighted and aggregated to produce a final Safety Score out of 100, highlighting cities where crime rates are significantly below the state baseline and community safety infrastructure is strongest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best and safest place to live in Wisconsin?

The best and safest place to live in Wisconsin is Waukesha because of its low violent crime rate, steady incomes, and proximity to Milwaukee. Other safe cities include New Richmond and Walworth, which offer low crime and family- or retiree-friendly environments.

What county in Wisconsin has the lowest crime rate?

Barron County is widely recognized as one of the safest counties in Wisconsin. The county has very low violent and property crime rates. Walworth County also report low overall crime rates, making them safe for retirees and families.

Where is the cheapest but nicest place to live in Wisconsin?

Marinette and Somerset are some of the cheapest places to live in Wisconsin. These cities provide low housing costs and a safe, community-oriented environment.

Where is the best place to raise a family in Wisconsin?

New Richmond is considered the best place to raise a family in Wisconsin. This is largely due to its low crime, good schools, and suburban environment.

How to Buy a House in Wisconsin in a Safe Area?

To understand how to buy a house in Wisconsin, compare crime rates and home prices in cities like Waukesha and River Falls. Secure financing, select a safe area, and review property details before closing.

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The market analysis provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Data is sourced from public records, industry reports, and third-party providers, and while Houzeo strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

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