| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ashland/100k people | Wisconsin/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 246 | n/a (estimate) | 3,126 | 1,433 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 101.7 | 34.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 76.2 | 200.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 14 | n/a (estimate) | 178 | 279 | 359 |
| Burglary | 12 | n/a | 152.5 | 117.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 218 | n/a | 2,770.0 | 875.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 25.4 | 161.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 232 | n/a (estimate) | 2,948 | 1,154 | 1,760 |

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 Ashland crime rate is higher than the national average by 47.5%. Specifically, there were 14 violent crimes in Ashland, equivalent to 178 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 50.5%. Furthermore, Ashland recorded 232 property crimes, amounting to 2948 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 67.5%.
During the most recently reported crime year, Ashland experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Ashland. Based on the results of the surveys (21 responses), 76% of people felt that there was very little crime in Ashland and felt safe walking alone at night. While 24% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Ashland is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Ashland has an overall crime rate that is 48% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.67 daily occurrences, comprising 0.04 violent crimes and 0.64 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Ashland as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Ashland. 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 Ashland has decreased by 22.2%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 44%, while property crime has decreased by 20.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Ashland.
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. Ashland currently has an unemployment rate of 3.7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Ashland, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.55 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Ashland, the average rental rates are $986 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.

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| Item | Ashland | Wisconsin | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 21 | 9,355 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 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 |
| Washburn, WI | 1,893 | 107 | 443 | 550 |
| Mason, WI | 114 | 340 | 1,412 | 1,752 |
| Grand View, WI | 106 | 379 | 1,573 | 1,951 |
| Marengo, WI | 141 | 421 | 1,747 | 2,168 |
| New Odanah, WI | 397 | 428 | 1,776 | 2,204 |
| Odanah, WI | 53 | 435 | 1,808 | 2,243 |
| Franks Field, WI | 157 | 449 | 1,865 | 2,314 |
| Ashland, WI | 8,090 | 178 | 2,948 | 3,126 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Kenai, AK | 8,089 | 229 | 866 | 1,095 |
| Joshua, TX | 8,091 | 65 | 703 | 768 |
| Flowery Branch, GA | 8,088 | 73 | 839 | 911 |
| Floresville, TX | 8,092 | 150 | 1,415 | 1,565 |
| St. Johns, MI | 8,087 | 169 | 520 | 688 |
| Ashland, WI | 8,090 | 178 | 2,948 | 3,126 |