| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lancaster/100k people | Wisconsin/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 55 | n/a (estimate) | 1,414 | 1,433 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 77.1 | 34.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 23 | n/a | 591.1 | 200.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 26 | n/a (estimate) | 668 | 279 | 359 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 117.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 28 | n/a | 719.6 | 875.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 25.7 | 161.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 29 | n/a (estimate) | 745 | 1,154 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Lancaster is 33.3% 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 Lancaster, there were 26 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 668 per 100,000 individuals, 86.1% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 29 property crimes, amounting to 745 per 100,000 residents, 57.7% lower than the U.S. average.
During the most recently reported crime year, Lancaster 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.
Determining whether Lancaster 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, Lancaster has an overall crime rate that is 33% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.15 daily occurrences, comprising 0.07 violent crimes and 0.08 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Lancaster as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Lancaster has decreased by 36.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Lancaster, 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 8.3%, while property crime has decreased by 53.2%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Lancaster is a safe place to live.
Lancaster has a population density of 1278.1 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Lancaster crime rates.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Lancaster, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.81, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
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. Lancaster has a median home price of $248,956, 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.
| Item | Lancaster | Wisconsin | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 7 | 9,355 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 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 |
| Fennimore, WI | 2,561 | 181 | 36 | 218 |
| Potosi, WI | 688 | 299 | 1,240 | 1,539 |
| Bloomington, WI | 753 | 318 | 1,321 | 1,639 |
| Platteville, WI | 12,471 | 367 | 1,274 | 1,641 |
| Tennyson, WI | 288 | 324 | 1,343 | 1,667 |
| Montfort, WI | 709 | 341 | 1,414 | 1,754 |
| Livingston, WI | 545 | 351 | 1,456 | 1,807 |
| Lancaster, WI | 3,854 | 668 | 745 | 1,414 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bystrom, CA | 3,854 | 365 | 1,559 | 1,924 |
| Waikapu, HI | 3,854 | 86 | 764 | 850 |
| Leisure Village West, NJ | 3,853 | 116 | 758 | 874 |
| La Cienega, NM | 3,855 | 214 | 822 | 1,036 |
| Albia, IA | 3,852 | 577 | 522 | 1,099 |
| Lancaster, WI | 3,854 | 668 | 745 | 1,414 |