| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Watertown/100k people | Wisconsin/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 365 | n/a (estimate) | 1,595 | 1,682 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.3 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 13 | n/a | 56.8 | 38.6 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 4.4 | 39.4 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 42 | n/a | 183.5 | 213.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 56 | n/a (estimate) | 245 | 297 | 370 |
| Burglary | 32 | n/a | 139.8 | 153.7 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 269 | n/a | 1,175.4 | 981.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 8 | n/a | 35.0 | 250.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 309 | n/a (estimate) | 1,350 | 1,385 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Watertown is 31.4% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Watertown, there were 56 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 245 per 100,000 individuals, 33.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 309 property crimes, amounting to 1350 per 100,000 residents, 30.9% lower than the U.S. average.
In the most recently reported crime year, Watertown registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
What do the local residents think about crime in Watertown? Well, based on a recent survey of 5 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 60% of Watertown residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 40% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Watertown a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Watertown has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 31%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1 daily incidents, encompassing 0.15 violent crimes and 0.85 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Watertown as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Watertown. 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 Watertown has increased by 56.7%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 7.7%, while property crime has increased by 70.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Watertown.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Watertown currently has an unemployment rate of 3.6%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Watertown crime rates. The population density in Watertown is 1953 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In Watertown, 84.4% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
| Item | Watertown | Wisconsin | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 50 | 9,355 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 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 |
| Juneau, WI | 2,663 | 75 | 75 | 151 |
| Oconomowoc, WI | 16,931 | 0 | 169 | 169 |
| Lake Ripley, WI | 1,927 | 50 | 232 | 281 |
| Okauchee Lake, WI | 4,373 | 77 | 360 | 437 |
| Cambridge, WI | 1,260 | 85 | 398 | 483 |
| Dousman, WI | 2,116 | 93 | 432 | 525 |
| Ixonia, WI | 1,856 | 93 | 434 | 527 |
| Watertown, WI | 23,561 | 245 | 1,350 | 1,595 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Jacksonville Beach, FL | 23,562 | 109 | 658 | 766 |
| Ashland, CA | 23,566 | 670 | 3,140 | 3,810 |
| Fish Hawk, FL | 23,556 | 106 | 639 | 745 |
| West Puente Valley, CA | 23,555 | 678 | 3,177 | 3,855 |
| Belton, MO | 23,568 | 398 | 2,435 | 2,833 |
| Watertown, WI | 23,561 | 245 | 1,350 | 1,595 |
Here are the best places to live in Wisconsin
See the best places to live in & around Watertown
Top 10 cities in Wisconsin with the best education system
Top 10 best public schools in Watertown