A+
73%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
68%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
74%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleCottage Grove/100k peopleWisconsin/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime54n/a (estimate)5671,4332,119
Murder0n/a0.04.25.0
Rape2n/a21.034.837.5
Robbery0n/a0.039.460.6
Assault9n/a94.6200.1256.1
Violent crime11n/a (estimate)116279359
Burglary3n/a31.5117.2229.2
Theft39n/a409.8875.61,272.1
Vehicle theft1n/a10.5161.3258.8
Property crime43n/a (estimate)4521,1541,760

Cottage Grove crime map

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The Cottage Grove crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Cottage Grove 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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An Overview of Crime Rates in Cottage Grove, WI

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Cottage Grove is 73.2% 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 Cottage Grove, there were 11 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 116 per 100,000 individuals, 67.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 43 property crimes, amounting to 452 per 100,000 residents, 74.3% lower than the U.S. average.

Cottage Grove enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 567, a significant contrast to the national average of 2119. This distinction firmly establishes Cottage Grove as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.

Cottage Grove stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 116 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Cottage Grove secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.

During the most recently reported crime year, Cottage Grove 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.

The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Cottage Grove records a property crime rate of 452 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1760. This underscores Cottage Grove as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.

Is Cottage Grove a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove crime rate is 73% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.15 crimes per day - 0.03 violent crimes and 0.12 property crimes.

Has Crime in Cottage Grove Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Cottage Grove crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Cottage Grove has increased by 22.7% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 1000% and property crime has increased by 0%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Cottage Grove

In Cottage Grove, the cost of living is 16.26% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Cottage Grove has a median home price of $526,340, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

In Cottage Grove, the average rental rates are $1,807 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Compare Cottage Grove, WI Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Cottage Grove crime rates are 73% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Cottage Grove are 68% lower than the national average
      • In Cottage Grove you have a 1 in 177 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Cottage Grove is safer than 72% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Cottage Grove has increased by 209%

      Cottage Grove, WI Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Cottage Grove (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Cottage Grove on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of Wisconsin and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Cottage Grove (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to Wisconsin, are 2.53 times less than the state average and 3.74 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Cottage Grove on a daily basis are 2.41 times less than than Wisconsin average and 3.11 times less than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Cottage Grove are 2.55 times less than the daily state average and 3.90 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Cottage Grove (higher is better)

        How safe is Cottage Grove, Wisconsin compared to other cities in Wisconsin and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that Cottage Grove is safer than 61% of the cities in Wisconsin and 72% 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 Cottage Grove. Overall, Cottage Grove is ranked above average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Cottage Grove

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Cottage Grove is 1 in 866
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Cottage Grove is 1 in 222
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Cottage Grove is 1 in 177
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Cottage Grove? In Cottage Grove, you have a 1 in 866 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 222. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Cottage Grove, WI is 1 in 177.

        Year Over Year Crime In Cottage Grove (per 100,000 people)

        Determining whether Cottage Grove is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Cottage Grove violent crime rates have increased by 183%. At the same time, property crime has increased by 216% year over year. Total crimes for Cottage Grove has increased by 208% in the same time frame.

        Cottage Grove police department

        Item Cottage Grove Wisconsin National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)139,355558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.12.43.3
        There are a total of 13 Cottage Grove police officers. This results in 2.1 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 13.8% less than the Wisconsin average and 36.6% 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
        Lake Ripley, WI1,97839162201
        Dane, WI1,03659244303
        Waunakee, WI14,346105210315
        Oregon, WI10,78042279321
        Cambridge, WI1,30765269334
        Deerfield, WI2,64882342425
        Windsor, WI7,60390375466
        Cottage Grove, WI7,270116452567

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Trumann, AR7,2691,1812,5383,719
        St. Augustine Beach, FL7,27187462549
        Elkins, WV7,267478403881
        Archbald, PA7,275133466599
        Nibley, UT7,2631711,0501,221
        Cottage Grove, WI7,270116452567
        Source: The Cottage Grove, WI crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. 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.