Wisconsin’s Safest Cities of 2025

John Carlsen
Cathy Habas
Mar 17, 2025
Icon Time To Read3 min read
Icon CheckEdited ByKit Smith
Icon CheckData Analysis ByDaniel Delgado

For over 11 years, SafeWise experts have conducted independent research and testing to write unbiased, human reviews (not robots). Learn more.

11th annual Safest Cities report banner

Here are the 10 Safest Cities in Wisconsin for 2025

See crime rates for the safest cities.

According to our latest State of Safety report, people in Wisconsin feel significantly more concerned about violent and property crime year over year, even though they reported no increase in their crime experiences. In fact, Wisconsinites reported an increase in package theft only. 

Meanwhile, 50% of Wisconsin's safest cities saw year-over-year declines in violent crime, and 75% saw declines in property crime. 

In this report

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NOTE: If your city is missing from our full report, it means that it was below the population threshold or didn’t submit a complete crime report to the FBI in 2023.

Do people feel safe in Wisconsin? Survey insights for 2025

Bar chart comparing how safe Wisconsin residents feel, with 54% feeling safe versus the 48% national average.

Bar chart comparing how safe Wisconsin residents feel, with 54% feeling safe versus the 48% national average. Image: SafeWise

We didn't have enough viable data this year to accurately calculate statewide crime rates, but our annual State of Safety survey sheds some light on crime experiences and concerns throughout The Badger State. 

More than half (54%) of Wisconsin residents feel safe in their state this year, which is an increase from 47% the year before. This confidence level is also higher than the national average of 48%. 

Wisconsinites' attitudes about crime have also shifted in a more optimistic direction. The percentage of people who believe crime is decreasing rose from 3% to 25% year over year. This is the highest percentage nationwide. This positivity may be linked to the decreases in violent crime and gun violence experiences and the low levels of property crime reported in our survey.

Find safety and security resources in Wisconsin.

Property crime in Wisconsin: Fear vs. reality

Wisconsin residents reported no change in their property crime experiences year over year, and they remain among those least likely to experience a property crime nationwide. However, concern about property crime is on the rise. 

Package thefts in Wisconsin saw the opposite trend, increasing year over year but becoming less concerning for residents.

  • 20% said they experienced property crime in the 8 months prior to our survey, which is the same as the year before (US 27%).
  • Only residents in Rhode Island (19%), North Carolina (17%), and Massachusetts (16%) reported fewer property crime experiences than Wisconsinites.
  • Concern about property crime rose from 40% to 52% year over year (US 54%).
  • 39% said they experienced a package theft in the 8 months prior to our survey, up from 28% year over year (US 37%). 
  • Concern about package thefts fell from 49% to 45% year over year (US 52%).
  • 31% said they don't use any form of property protection, which is the sixth highest percentage nationwide (US 22%).
  • 29% said they increased their safety and security measures in the 8 months prior to our survey, down from 31% the year before (37%). 
  • Wisconsin residents prefer to protect their property with security cameras (40%), guard dogs (27%), and firearms (21%). 
"There’s been more thefts in the small town where I live, whether that be car or house." —Wisconsin resident*

What security measures are used most in Wisconsin?

Top security measures used in Wisconsin: guard dogs, security cameras, and firearms, compared to national trends.

Top security measures used in Wisconsin: guard dogs, security cameras, and firearms, compared to national trends. Image: SafeWise

What crimes are Wisconsin residents most concerned about?

Bar chart of top crime concerns in Wisconsin, showing violent crime, property crime, gun violence, and package theft rates.

Bar chart of top crime concerns in Wisconsin, showing violent crime, property crime, gun violence, and package theft rates. Image: SafeWise

Violent crime in Wisconsin: Fear vs. reality

Wisconsin respondents were less likely to have experienced violent crime and gun violence in this year's survey. Violent crime is the most worrisome issue for Wisconsinites, and they reported a significant jump in their level of concern year over year. 

  • 13% said they experienced a violent crime in the 8 months prior to our survey, down from 16% the year before (US 14%). 
  • Concern about violent crime rose from 42% to 56% year over year (US 59%). 
  • 37% said they use some form of personal protection (US 35%).
  • Wisconsin residents prefer to protect themselves with pocket knives (17%), pepper spray (16%), and firearms (13%). 
"My biggest concern is being outside going places. I'm an easy target for someone who wants to cause trouble." —Wisconsin resident*

Attitudes about gun violence in Wisconsin

  • 12% of Wisconsinites said they personally experienced gun violence in the 8 months prior to our survey, down from 20% the year before (US 11%).
  • Concern about gun violence rose from 47% to 53% year over year (US 57%).
  • 8 mass shooting events occurred in Wisconsin in 2024.
"I worry about violence against women and violence where I work in a school, such as a school shooting." —Wisconsin resident*

*Quotes collected from our latest State of Safety survey.

A closer look at the safest cities in Wisconsin

For the purposes of this report, the terms “dangerous” and “safest” refer explicitly to crime rates as calculated from FBI crime data—no other characterization of any community is implied or intended.

  • 111 cities met the criteria for ranking this year.
  • Mount Horeb is the safest city in Wisconsin this year. 
  • No murders were reported in this year's safest cities. 
  • Amazingly, the 20 safest cities reported a collective total of 3 robberies, which occurred in Oregon and Mequon.
  • Mount Horeb and Jackson reported zero burglaries. 
  • Port Washington, Plymouth, and Jackson reported no motor vehicle thefts. 
  • 15 cities saw year-over-year decreases in property crime, while 10 saw decreases in violent crime.
  • Waunakee saw decreases in both property crime and violent crime for 2 years in a row.
  • Mount Horeb, Port Washington, Sheboygan Falls, Kronenwetter, Muskego, Oregon, and McFarland saw year-over-year declines in both property crime and violent crime. 
  • Plymouth reported no violent crimes for the second year in a row. 

The 20 safest cities in Wisconsin

Map of the safest cities in Wisconsin for 2025, listing top 20 ranked cities based on SafeWise crime data.

Map of the safest cities in Wisconsin for 2025, listing top 20 ranked cities based on SafeWise crime data. Image: SafeWise

#1
Mount Horeb
(
+2
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    7,641
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.1, 0.7, N/A
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    1.4, 1.8, N/A
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
#2
Cottage Grove
(
NEW
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    9,803
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.4, N/A, N/A
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    1.6, N/A, N/A
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
#3
Hobart-Lawrence
(
-2
Down
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    17,385
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.3, 0.1, 0.1
  • Circle Property
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    2.9, 1.4, 7.2
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Geographic location of Waunakee, Wisconsin
#4
Waunakee
(
-0-
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    15,033
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.4, 0.5, 0.6
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    2.7, 3.0, 5.6
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
#5
Port Washington
(
+5
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    12,939
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.2, 0.4, N/A
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    3.9, 5.1, N/A
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin
#6
Sheboygan Falls
(
+6
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    8,163
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.6, 0.7, 0.6
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    2.6, 4.8, 5.9
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Cedarburg, Wisconsin
#7
Cedarburg
(
+6
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    12,550
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.4, 0.3, 0.4
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    3.6, 6.5, 5.7
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Geographic location of Kronenwetter, Wisconsin
#8
Kronenwetter
(
-2
Down
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    8,602
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.8, 0.9, 0.5
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    2.3, 2.7, 2.8
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Muskego, Wisconsin
#9
Muskego
(
-0-
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    25,184
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.4, 0.5, 0.3
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    3.9, 4.5, 3.4
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Plymouth, Wisconsin
#10
Plymouth
(
+4
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    8,893
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.0, 0.0, 0.5
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    5.3, 7.7, 5.2
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
#11
Oregon
(
+8
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    11,809
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.4, 0.8, 0.8
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    3.9, 6.4, 6.8
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Jackson, Wisconsin
#12
Jackson
(
NEW
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    8,039
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.6, N/A, N/A
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    3.5, N/A, N/A
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
#13
Oconomowoc
(
-8
Down
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    18,637
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.4, 0.1, 0.6
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    4.8, 5.1, 4.9
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Caledonia, Wisconsin
#14
Caledonia
(
-7
Down
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    25,148
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.5, 0.4, 1.3
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    4.5, 4.7, 5.6
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Holmen, Wisconsin
#15
Holmen
(
-4
Down
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    11,784
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.4, 0.1, 1.0
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    5.2, 6.2, 6.5
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
#16
Hartland
(
-8
Down
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    10,219
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.7, 0.9, 1.0
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    4.4, 2.8, 3.6
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Map of Verona, Wisconsin, one of the safest cities in 2025, showing its location.
#17
Verona
(
+8
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    14,737
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.5, 0.4, 0.9
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    6.2, 8.6, 10.8
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Mequon, Wisconsin
#18
Mequon
(
+8
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    25,407
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.6, 0.6, 0.6
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    6.4, 8.2, 7.4
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
#19
McFarland
(
+16
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    9,548
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.7, 1.0, 1.2
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    6.0, 9.0, 7.0
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Waupun, Wisconsin
#20
Waupun
(
-3
Down
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    10,519
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    1.4, 1.6, 1.1
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    4.0, 2.9, 4.5
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime

How we determined the safest cities

Learn how we identified the safest cities on our methodology page.

How to make a safe home anywhere

Over 6 in 10 Americans surveyed don't have a home security system, despite over 50% of all burglaries being residential. Unfortunately, a majority of people who have a security system added it after they had a break-in. One of the best ways to stop a burglary before it happens—and get immediate help if a break-in is detected—is to add a monitored home security system.

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Get a home security system

Find out which companies we recommend for every budget and lifestyle in our roundup of the best security systems—and learn the basics of how to choose a security system

Compare top security systems

Brand
Installation type
Self-monitoring option
Monthly cost Icon Tooltip  Dark
Contract required
Learn more
SimpliSafe
DIY
Icon Yes  LightYes
No
Vivint
Pro
Icon No  LightNo
No *
Cove
DIY
Icon No  LightNo
No *
ADT Shield
Pro
Icon No  LightNo
Yes

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Full ADT disclaimer

Find the safest cities in each state

Click on the state below to check out the safest cities for each state.

Find all endnotes and sources in our full methodology.

FBI Crime Data Explorer, "Documents & Downloads." Accessed March 17, 2025.

  • 2023 Crime in the United States Annual Reports
    • Offenses Known to Law Enforcement
  • 2023 NIBRS Estimation Tables

Bureau of Justice Statistics, "National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS)." Accessed March 17, 2025.

Gun Violence Archive, "Mass Shootings." Accessed March 17, 2025.

John Carlsen
Written by
John is a technology journalist specializing in smart home devices, security cameras, and home security systems. He has over a decade of experience researching, testing, and reviewing the latest tech—he was the Smart Home Editor for Top Ten Reviews and wrote for ASecureLife before joining SafeWise as a Staff Writer in 2020. John holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism emphasis from Utah Valley University. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, photography, cooking, and starting countless DIY projects he has yet to complete.

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