| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waupaca/100k people | Wisconsin/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 110 | n/a (estimate) | 1,732 | 1,433 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 47.2 | 34.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 20 | n/a | 314.9 | 200.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 23 | n/a (estimate) | 362 | 279 | 359 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 78.7 | 117.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 77 | n/a | 1,212.2 | 875.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 78.7 | 161.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 87 | n/a (estimate) | 1,370 | 1,154 | 1,760 |

The Waupaca crime rates are 18.3% 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 23 violent crimes in Waupaca (362 per 100,000 people), which is 0.8% higher than the national average and there were a total of 87 property crimes (1370 per 100,000 residents) which is 22.2% lower than average.
When it comes to violent crimes per 100,000 people, Waupaca maintains a rate that is very similar to the national average. With 362 reported violent crimes, it falls in line with the national average of 359. This alignment suggests that Waupaca shares a similar crime profile with other cities, highlighting its comparable level of safety within the broader urban landscape.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Waupaca reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
AreaVibes surveyed 8 local residents in Waupaca to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 38% of people answered that there was very little crime in Waupaca and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 63% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Waupaca 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 Waupaca crime rate is 18% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.3 crimes per day - 0.06 violent crimes and 0.24 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Waupaca has increased by 26.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Waupaca, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 130%, while property crime has increased by 13%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Waupaca is a safe place to live.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Waupaca, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 1.2%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
Waupaca has a population density of 776.5 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Waupaca crime rates.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Waupaca, the average monthly rent stands at $934, while the national average is $1,444 per month.

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| Item | Waupaca | Wisconsin | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 15 | 9,355 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 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 |
| Iola, WI | 1,239 | 110 | 456 | 566 |
| King, WI | 1,831 | 112 | 463 | 575 |
| Chain O' Lakes, WI | 937 | 112 | 466 | 579 |
| Manawa, WI | 1,268 | 113 | 471 | 584 |
| Weyauwega, WI | 1,764 | 123 | 512 | 635 |
| Amherst Junction, WI | 341 | 196 | 812 | 1,007 |
| Fremont, WI | 616 | 214 | 888 | 1,101 |
| Waupaca, WI | 6,101 | 362 | 1,370 | 1,732 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Pevely, MO | 6,102 | 231 | 1,104 | 1,335 |
| Progreso, TX | 6,099 | 488 | 2,559 | 3,047 |
| Erwin, TN | 6,103 | 553 | 1,900 | 2,453 |
| High Springs, FL | 6,104 | 220 | 1,168 | 1,387 |
| Portland, IN | 6,104 | 326 | 1,437 | 1,764 |
| Waupaca, WI | 6,101 | 362 | 1,370 | 1,732 |