Barry PhilipsWisconsin remains one of the most peaceful states in the United States, especially when you move away from major urban centers. Many of its small towns and suburban communities consistently record very low violent crime rates, strong neighborhood cohesion, and stable local governance. These factors make them attractive for families, retirees, and professionals seeking long-term safety and quality living.
Below are the Top 20 Safest Cities in Wisconsin based on general crime trends, community stability, and statewide safety patterns.
Top 20 Safest Cities In Wisconsin
1. Evansville
Evansville is widely regarded as one of the safest small cities in Wisconsin. The community benefits from a close-knit population where residents actively look out for one another. Violent crime is extremely rare, and property crime remains well below state averages. Its rural-suburban balance creates a calm environment ideal for families seeking stability and predictable safety.
2. Bloomfield
Bloomfield stands out as a peaceful rural community with very low crime levels. The city’s sparse population and strong local awareness significantly reduce opportunities for criminal activity. Residents enjoy a quiet lifestyle surrounded by farmland and open spaces, making it one of the most secure rural zones in the state.
3. Oconomowoc
Oconomowoc is a highly desirable lakeside city known for its safety and suburban comfort. It consistently records low violent crime rates and relatively controlled property crime. Strong local policing and community involvement contribute to its reputation as a secure and family-friendly city in southeastern Wisconsin.
4. Geneva Town
Geneva Town offers a relaxed lakeside atmosphere with very low crime rates. The community is small, stable, and heavily residential, which naturally limits criminal activity. Its peaceful environment and strong social ties make it a safe haven for those seeking quiet suburban living.
5. Elm Grove
Elm Grove is one of the safest suburbs in the Milwaukee metropolitan area. It is known for its affluence, well-maintained neighborhoods, and extremely low violent crime rate. The village places a strong emphasis on safety infrastructure, education, and community engagement, all of which contribute to its high security ranking.
6. Hobart-Lawrence
Hobart-Lawrence consistently ranks as one of the safest communities in Wisconsin. It has extremely low violent crime and minimal property crime incidents. The area benefits from strong municipal planning, community cooperation, and a suburban-rural mix that discourages crime.
7. Berlin
Berlin is a small, peaceful city located in Green Lake County. Its safety is largely attributed to its small population and strong community values. Residents enjoy a slow-paced lifestyle with very limited criminal activity, making it a dependable place for long-term living.
8. Oregon
Oregon is a growing suburb near Madison that has maintained strong safety performance over the years. It features family-oriented neighborhoods, good public services, and active community programs that help keep crime levels low compared to urban centers.
9. Kronenwetter
Kronenwetter is a quiet village in Marathon County known for its low crime rates and residential stability. The community is largely composed of families, and its well-organized local governance helps maintain a safe living environment.
10. Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids offers a peaceful, rural atmosphere with low violent crime rates. Its population size and strong community structure help reduce criminal activity, making it a safe and comfortable place for residents who prefer quiet living.
11. Milton
Milton is a growing suburban city that maintains a strong safety record. It is especially popular among families due to its good schools and community policing efforts. Crime rates remain below national averages, contributing to its reputation as a secure residential area.
12. Fox Point
Fox Point is an affluent Milwaukee suburb known for its strong safety profile. The city benefits from well-maintained neighborhoods, active neighborhood watch programs, and a strong emphasis on community standards, all of which support low crime levels.
13. New London
New London is a small city with a stable population and a strong sense of community. It experiences low violent crime and manageable property crime levels. Its small-town environment contributes significantly to its overall safety.
14. Cedarburg
Cedarburg is a historic and picturesque town known for its charming downtown and very safe environment. It attracts families and professionals who value both culture and security. Crime rates remain consistently low due to strong community involvement.
15. Hartland
Hartland is one of the most desirable suburban communities in Waukesha County. It has consistently low crime rates and strong residential security. The city’s well-planned neighborhoods and active local services help maintain its safe reputation.
16. Waunakee
Waunakee is frequently ranked among the safest communities in Wisconsin. It offers a strong school system, family-oriented neighborhoods, and very low crime rates. The village has a strong civic culture that promotes safety and cooperation among residents.
17. Mount Horeb
Mount Horeb is a peaceful town near Madison with a strong community identity. It is known for extremely low violent crime rates and a welcoming environment. Its small-town structure and active community engagement help maintain its safety.
18. Holmen
Holmen is a fast-growing suburban area near La Crosse. Despite growth, it has managed to maintain low crime rates. Its family-oriented neighborhoods and strong local services contribute to its reputation as a safe and desirable place to live.
19. Caledonia
Caledonia has shown steady improvements in safety over recent years. The community benefits from suburban development, increased policing presence, and active neighborhood awareness programs that help reduce crime.
20. Slinger
Slinger is a quiet Washington County community known for its suburban comfort and safety. It offers low crime rates, strong community engagement, and a calm environment that appeals to families and retirees alike.
Comparison Table: Safest Cities in Wisconsin (Top 20)
| Rank | City | Region | Safety Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evansville | Southern WI | Extremely low violent crime |
| 2 | Bloomfield | Southeast WI | Rural safety stability |
| 3 | Oconomowoc | Waukesha County | Low crime suburban lake city |
| 4 | Geneva Town | Walworth County | Quiet lakeside living |
| 5 | Elm Grove | Milwaukee Metro | Very low violent crime |
| 6 | Hobart-Lawrence | Northeast WI | Consistently top-ranked safety |
| 7 | Berlin | Green Lake County | Small-town peace |
| 8 | Oregon | Dane County | Strong suburban safety |
| 9 | Kronenwetter | Marathon County | Family-friendly low crime |
| 10 | Grand Rapids | Wood County | Rural calm environment |
| 11 | Milton | Rock County | Stable suburban safety |
| 12 | Fox Point | Milwaukee County | Affluent low-crime suburb |
| 13 | New London | Outagamie/Waupaca | Small-city safety balance |
| 14 | Cedarburg | Ozaukee County | Historic safe community |
| 15 | Hartland | Waukesha County | Strong residential safety |
| 16 | Waunakee | Dane County | One of the safest villages |
| 17 | Mount Horeb | Dane County | Very low crime rates |
| 18 | Holmen | La Crosse County | Safe growing suburb |
| 19 | Caledonia | Racine County | Improving safety trends |
| 20 | Slinger | Washington County | Quiet suburban safety |
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Conclusion
Wisconsin’s safest cities share a clear pattern: small to mid-sized populations, strong community engagement, and stable suburban or rural environments. While larger cities in the state provide economic and cultural opportunities, these smaller communities consistently deliver lower crime rates and higher perceived safety.
From lakeside towns like Oconomowoc to tightly knit villages like Evansville and Waunakee, Wisconsin offers a wide range of safe living options for families, retirees, and professionals seeking peace of mind now and beyond.