Is Milwaukee Safe?

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a bustling city with a diverse population and many admirable features. From a stunning array of racially diverse neighborhoods and cultural landmarks, to numerous outdoor activities, there is something for everyone who steps foot in this magnificent metropolitan region. 

If you are considering visiting or relocating here, you may then ask yourself, “Is Milwaukee safe?” This is a natural concern when thinking of moving to an urban area, and it is important to carefully consider the security measures being taken in a place to provide protection to its citizens.

In this article, we will thoroughly investigate the various safeguarding measures utilized in Milwaukee, provide directives for safety, and balance the pros and cons of living in this city.

If you want to know if Harlem is a safe place to live, click here.

Milwaukee’s Crime Statistics

Recent released FBI criminal information points to Milwaukee’s 2020 total crime rate of 2,599 per 100,000 residents. Also noteworthy is their violent crime occurrence rate of 697 per 100,000 people versus the nationwide average of 366. Likewise, their property crime incident rate of 1,902 against every 100,000 individuals surpasses the national median worth of 1,200 citizens. 

Although this data may lead to fears, it is imperative to note that criminal charges differ from area to area and depend on several external variables. In addition, Milwaukee has taken multiple steps to secure public safety and lessen the general criminal environment.

Initiatives to Improve Safety in Milwaukee

In order to protect and sustain its residents, the city of Milwaukee is taking several actions that are aimed at cutting down on unlawful activities, inspiring social participation, and offering aid to people who need it. Examples of these initiatives include:

• Community-Oriented Policing

The Milwaukee Police Department aims to build trust with the community, encouraging cooperation and communication for better safety.

• ShotSpotter

A gunshot detection system, through sensors, helps police quickly and accurately respond to gun-related crimes.

• Ceasefire

A locality-initiated activity to stop gun aggression by aiding those most in danger, involving citizens, law enforcement personnel, and welfare services.

• SafeZone

A program that creates a network of safe locations for crime reporting and assistance involving police, businesses, and community groups.

• Community Prosecution

Prosecutors collaborate with community groups to address crime and safety issues by focusing on underlying problems.

• Operation Impact

A police program targets high-crime areas with increased officers and resources, working alongside community groups to provide support.

Unsafe Neighborhoods in Milwaukee

With knowledge of the secure areas in Milwaukee, it’s time to turn attention toward areas with higher crime rates. Knowing these locations will aid you in making informed decisions about where to reside, pursue employment, and engage in leisure activities within the city. Is Milwaukee safe? Not in the following neighborhoods.

• Sherman Park

Located on the northern side of the city, Sherman Park has a notoriety for being an area with a high incidence of crime, particularly related to gang involvement and drug offenses.

• North Teutonia Avenue

The North Teutonia Avenue area is recognized for its elevated violent crime rate, including shootings and robberies.

• South 27th Street and West Greenfield Avenue

This city neighborhood is known for its high frequency of property crimes, such as theft and burglaries.

Safety in Milwaukee: Essential Tips

Whether you’re visiting or intending to relocate to Milwaukee, here are some essential tips to ensure your safety in the city:

• Familiarize Yourself with Neighborhoods

Milwaukee comprises various neighborhoods, each possessing its distinct traits and safety issues. To guarantee a secure and satisfying experience, one must study a community in-depth before visiting or relocating and be familiar with the local safety concerns and amenities.

• Stay Informed about Local Celebrations and Gatherings

Milwaukee is known for hosting different events and festivals, which can invite tourists and present safety risks because of the large crowd. Ensure safety while navigating through the city by acquiring information about upcoming events and implementing necessary precautions. Familiarize yourself with event locales, observe security protocols, and identify emergency exits beforehand.

• Be vigilant when using Public Transportation

Taking advantage of Milwaukee’s convenient public transportation makes exploring the city a breeze. But keep in mind that you should be conscious and knowledgeable of your environment. Monitor for any potential thieves and hold onto all of your belongings firmly.

• Prepare for Extreme Weather

In Milwaukee, it is frequent to have extreme weather conditions such as storms and snowstorms. Thus, it is vital to be prepared with the proper clothing and supplies to handle these situations.

• Avoid Leaving Valuables in your Car

Vehicle burglary and theft are always a possibility in populated areas. It is then advisable not to leave anything of worth in the vehicle, including mobiles, wallets, and handbags. Finding a brightly lit parking spot at night and paying attention as you move towards your car helps save your safety.

• Get Involved with a Community Group

Joining a community group or organization presents an opportunity to establish ties within your neighborhood and remain informed about current matters pertinent to local safety measures.

• Practice Responsible Drinking

Milwaukee’s fame lies in its breweries and nightlife scene, but excessive drinking may compromise your ability to make sound decisions and increase safety risks. It is critical to consume alcohol responsibly while maintaining constant awareness of your surroundings.

Advantages of Living in Milwaukee: 

Public safety is one of the main concerns of many natives and visitors; however, Milwaukee has many great things to offer. Below are the advantages of living in Milwaukee:

• Affordable Cost of Living

In contrast to more significant metropolitan locations in the US, Milwaukee’s cost of living is quite reasonable. Houses, groceries, and other essentials often come at a much cheaper rate than in cities like New York or Los Angeles.

• Arts and Culture

Milwaukee’s thriving art scene stems from the multitude of museums, concert halls, and venues showcasing performances that grace the city.

• Outdoor Activities

Milwaukee is located on the picturesque banks of Lake Michigan and provides abundant possibilities for outdoor activities encompassing fishing, boating, as well as hiking. The metropolis further prides itself on having a vast array of parks together with green landscapes, such as the Milwaukee County Parks Network.

• Festivals and Events

Milwaukee boasts of numerous festivals and events, ranging from the globally recognized Summerfest to the captivating Milwaukee Film Festival. Additionally, many district fiestas occur during the summer season.

• Education

Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee are two of Milwaukee’s best schools and universities.

Disadvantages of living in Milwaukee:

Milwaukee faces various difficulties and disadvantages, as all cities do. Listed here are the notable challenges that residents encounter when dwelling in Milwaukee:

• Weather

Milwaukee can have harsh winter weather characterized by significant snowfall and sub-zero temperatures. The spring and summer months bring the added risk of thunderstorms and tornadoes to the area.

• High Crime Rates

As mentioned earlier, Milwaukee has a higher crime rate than the national average. While efforts are being made to improve safety, this is still a concern for many residents.

• Racial Segregation

Milwaukee is one of the most racially segregated cities in the United States. This can lead to disparities in education, employment, and health outcomes.

• Public Transportation

Milwaukee’s public transportation system is less robust than other cities, and many residents rely on cars.

• Job Opportunities

While many job opportunities exist in Milwaukee, the city’s economy has struggled recently. This has led to a relatively high unemployment rate compared to other cities.

Conclusion

So, is Milwaukee Safe? Despite the common concerns regarding safety in the city, Milwaukee has proactively implemented a number of measures to ensure the security of its citizens and visitors alike. To remain safe while living or visiting the city, there are certain precautions one must take into consideration. Though some issues are admittedly associated with living in Milwaukee, many choose to inhabit it due to its reasonable cost of living and vibrant culture.

Milwaukee isn’t as safe as the majority of places to live in the USA, but you can increase your chances of staying safe by living in a safer neighborhood.