| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Appleton/100k people | Wisconsin/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,315 | n/a (estimate) | 1,767 | 1,682 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 1.3 | 5.3 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 31 | n/a | 41.7 | 38.6 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 8 | n/a | 10.8 | 39.4 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 160 | n/a | 215.0 | 213.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 200 | n/a (estimate) | 269 | 297 | 370 |
| Burglary | 115 | n/a | 154.5 | 153.7 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 949 | n/a | 1,275.3 | 981.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 51 | n/a | 68.5 | 250.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 1,115 | n/a (estimate) | 1,498 | 1,385 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Appleton crime rate is lower than the national average by 24%. Specifically, there were 200 violent crimes in Appleton, equivalent to 269 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 27.3%. Furthermore, Appleton recorded 1115 property crimes, amounting to 1498 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 23.3%.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Appleton. Based on the results of the surveys (27 responses), 63% of people felt that there was very little crime in Appleton and felt safe walking alone at night. While 37% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Appleton a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Appleton crime rate is 24% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 3.6 crimes per day - 0.55 violent crimes and 3.05 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Appleton. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Appleton has increased by 10%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 13%, while property crime has increased by 15.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Appleton.
Appleton has a poverty rate that stands at 10.3, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Appleton crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Appleton, the cost of living is 11.59% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In Appleton, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.81 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Appleton | Wisconsin | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 133 | 9,355 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Wisconsin /100K | National /100K |
| Wisconsin | 24,983 | 456 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hobart, WI | 9,499 | 6 | 136 | 142 |
| Sherwood, WI | 2,993 | 81 | 376 | 457 |
| Hortonville, WI | 2,830 | 64 | 514 | 579 |
| Hilbert, WI | 1,049 | 130 | 604 | 734 |
| Black Creek, WI | 1,377 | 131 | 612 | 743 |
| Wrightstown, WI | 3,494 | 143 | 665 | 808 |
| Combined Locks, WI | 3,588 | 144 | 672 | 816 |
| Appleton, WI | 73,891 | 269 | 1,498 | 1,767 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Evanston, IL | 73,979 | 177 | 2,451 | 2,628 |
| Camden, NJ | 73,742 | 1,571 | 2,751 | 4,322 |
| South Jordan, UT | 73,695 | 66 | 1,358 | 1,424 |
| Centreville, VA | 74,230 | 153 | 1,111 | 1,264 |
| Pasco, WA | 74,266 | 318 | 2,822 | 3,140 |
| Appleton, WI | 73,891 | 269 | 1,498 | 1,767 |
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