| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Cottage Grove/100k people | Wisconsin/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 54 | n/a (estimate) | 567 | 1,433 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 21.0 | 34.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 9 | n/a | 94.6 | 200.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 11 | n/a (estimate) | 116 | 279 | 359 |
| Burglary | 3 | n/a | 31.5 | 117.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 39 | n/a | 409.8 | 875.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 10.5 | 161.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 43 | n/a (estimate) | 452 | 1,154 | 1,760 |

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.
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.
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%.
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.

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| Item | Cottage Grove | Wisconsin | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 13 | 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 |
| Lake Ripley, WI | 1,978 | 39 | 162 | 201 |
| Dane, WI | 1,036 | 59 | 244 | 303 |
| Waunakee, WI | 14,346 | 105 | 210 | 315 |
| Oregon, WI | 10,780 | 42 | 279 | 321 |
| Cambridge, WI | 1,307 | 65 | 269 | 334 |
| Deerfield, WI | 2,648 | 82 | 342 | 425 |
| Windsor, WI | 7,603 | 90 | 375 | 466 |
| Cottage Grove, WI | 7,270 | 116 | 452 | 567 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Trumann, AR | 7,269 | 1,181 | 2,538 | 3,719 |
| St. Augustine Beach, FL | 7,271 | 87 | 462 | 549 |
| Elkins, WV | 7,267 | 478 | 403 | 881 |
| Archbald, PA | 7,275 | 133 | 466 | 599 |
| Nibley, UT | 7,263 | 171 | 1,050 | 1,221 |
| Cottage Grove, WI | 7,270 | 116 | 452 | 567 |