B+
9%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
58%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
1%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peoplePortage/100k peopleWisconsin/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime218n/a (estimate)2,1271,6822,324
Murder0n/a0.05.36.3
Rape4n/a39.038.640.0
Robbery0n/a0.039.466.1
Assault12n/a117.1213.7268.2
Violent crime16n/a (estimate)156297370
Burglary15n/a146.3153.7269.8
Theft176n/a1,716.9981.01,401.9
Vehicle theft11n/a107.3250.3282.7
Property crime202n/a (estimate)1,9711,3851,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Portage, WI

The Portage crime rates are 8.5% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 16 violent crimes in Portage (156 per 100,000 people), which is 57.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 202 property crimes (1971 per 100,000 residents) which is 0.8% higher than average.

When evaluating the Portage crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Portage crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.

Portage showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

In the most recent release, Portage reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Portage, there were 1971 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Portage?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Portage residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 7 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 57% of Portage residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 43% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Portage a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Portage, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Portage presents a total crime rate that is 9% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Portage experiences an average of 0.6 daily crimes, comprising 0.04 violent incidents and 0.55 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Portage Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Portage. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Portage has decreased by 11.4%. Violent crimes have decreased by 48.4%, while property crimes have decreased by 6.1%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Portage

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Portage crime rates. In Portage, the poverty rate stands at 12.8%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Portage, the cost of living is 7.17% lower than the national average.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Portage stands at $143,400, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Portage crime map



The Portage crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Portage as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Portage crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Portage crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Portage, WI Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Portage crime rates are 9% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Portage are 58% lower than the national average
      • In Portage you have a 1 in 48 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Portage is safer than 50% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Portage has decreased by 10%

      Portage, WI Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Portage

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        Daily Crime In Portage (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Portage, WI per 100,000 people. In Portage, the total number of daily crimes is 1.26 times more than the Wisconsin average and 1.09 times less than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Portage is 1.90 times less than the Wisconsin average and 2.37 times less than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Portage has a daily crime rate that is 1.42 times more than the Wisconsin average and 1.01 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Portage (higher is better)

        How safe is Portage, Wisconsin compared to other cities in Wisconsin and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that Portage is safer than 26% of the cities in Wisconsin and 50% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in Wisconsin and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than Portage. Overall, Portage is ranked above average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Portage

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Portage is 1 in 641
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Portage is 1 in 51
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Portage is 1 in 48
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Portage, Wisconsin you have a 1 in 641 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 51 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 48 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Portage.

        Year Over Year Crime In Portage (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Portage is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Portage has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have decreased by 48% in Portage, while property crimes in Portage have decreased by 5%. Total crime has decreased by 10% year over year.

        Portage police department

        Item Portage Wisconsin National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)269,355558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.52.43.3
        There are a total of 26 Portage police officers. This results in 2.5 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 5% greater than the Wisconsin average and 22.8% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Wisconsin

        State Total offenders Wisconsin /100K National /100K
        Wisconsin24,983456266
        There are a total of 24,983 sex offenders in Wisconsin. This yields a total of 456 sex offenders in Wisconsin per 100,000 residents which is 71% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Poynette, WI2,507116233349
        Lake Wisconsin, WI4,57377360437
        Rio, WI1,049119555674
        Pardeeville, WI2,046127591718
        Merrimac, WI6722811,3121,594
        Arlington, WI7922931,3651,657
        Baraboo, WI12,1332521,5681,819
        Portage, WI10,4121561,9712,127

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Cape Canaveral, FL10,4111941,1711,365
        Monmouth, OR10,4111801,4741,654
        Frederick, CO10,4144602,9443,404
        Oak Hills, CA10,4155492,5723,121
        Waterloo, IL10,4172711,5901,861
        Portage, WI10,4121561,9712,127
        Source: The Portage, WI crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.