Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin, with a population of about 590,000 people.
It is known for its cultural diversity, historical landmarks, and brewing industry.
But how safe is Milwaukee for its residents and visitors?
According to the latest data released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Milwaukee witnessed a significant number of crimes in 2020.
The city reported a total of 9,362 instances of violent crimes and 21,340 incidents of property crimes during that year.
These statistics indicate a violent crime rate of 15.9 per 1,000 individuals and a property crime rate of 36.2 per 1,000 individuals.
In comparison, the national averages for the same period stood at 9.4 for violent crimes and 21.5 for property crimes.
These figures clearly indicate that Milwaukee’s violent crime rate and property crime rate exceed the national averages.
Moreover, when compared to similarly-sized metropolitan areas like Cleveland, OH; Camden, NJ; and South Bend, IN, Milwaukee still exhibit higher rates of violent crimes and property crimes.
In 2020, Milwaukee experienced a notable incidence of violent crimes, with aggravated assault (6,074 cases), robbery (2,067 cases), rape (1,015 cases), and murder (206 cases) being the most prevalent.
Regarding property crimes, larceny theft (12,875 cases), burglary (5,025 cases), and motor vehicle theft (3,440 cases) were the primary types reported.
However, recent data reveals an unfortunate upturn in certain criminal activities within Milwaukee in 2022.
Notably, there has been an increase in homicides, arson, human trafficking, and carjacking.
As reported by HomeSnacks.com, Milwaukee recorded 232 homicides by December 2022, indicating a 13% surge compared to the figures from 2020.
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Furthermore, arson cases escalated by 25%, human trafficking cases rose by 50%, and incidents of carjacking surged by a staggering 75%.
However, there is some positive news regarding crime in the city in 2022.
Certain criminal activities, including robberies, burglaries, thefts, and shootings, have witnessed a decline.
Based on the information provided by the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD), there was a 17% reduction in robberies, an 18% decrease in burglaries, a 14% drop in thefts, and an 8% decrease in shootings.
Several factors are likely contributing to the observed crime trends in Milwaukee.
These may encompass the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest, economic hardships, police reform initiatives, community engagement efforts, and the implementation of prevention programs.
Nonetheless, it is essential to recognize that further efforts are required to continue reducing crime rates and enhancing public safety.
If you’re considering living in or visiting Milwaukee, it’s important to be informed about the crime rates in different areas.
According to data from NeighborhoodScout.com, there are neighborhoods in Milwaukee that exhibit both higher and lower crime rates compared to the city average.
For those seeking safety, some of the safest neighborhoods in Milwaukee include Mequon, Thiensville; Cedarburg, Grafton; Richfield, Hubertus; Sussex, Lannon; and Germantown, Colgate.
On the other hand, there are neighborhoods in the city that are known for higher crime rates.
These include N Teutonia Ave, W Capitol Dr; N Sherman Blvd, W Capitol Dr; N Holton St, E North Ave; N Martin Luther King Dr, W Center St; and N 27th St, W North Ave.
It’s essential to be aware of these areas and exercise caution when venturing into them.
To ensure personal safety and safeguard your belongings from potential criminal activities, it is important to implement basic security measures.
These include securely locking all doors and windows, properly securing valuable items, avoiding poorly lit or secluded areas, promptly reporting any suspicious activities, and maintaining a vigilant and attentive mindset regarding your surroundings.
