| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Manitowoc/100k people | Wisconsin/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 407 | n/a (estimate) | 1,178 | 1,433 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 23.2 | 34.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 14.5 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 59 | n/a | 170.8 | 200.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 72 | n/a (estimate) | 208 | 279 | 359 |
| Burglary | 24 | n/a | 69.5 | 117.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 293 | n/a | 848.1 | 875.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 18 | n/a | 52.1 | 161.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 335 | n/a (estimate) | 970 | 1,154 | 1,760 |

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Manitowoc is 44.4% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 72 violent crimes reported in Manitowoc, equivalent to 208 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 42%. Additionally, Manitowoc recorded 335 property crimes, amounting to 970 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 44.9%.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Manitowoc 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.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Manitowoc residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 26 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 65% of Manitowoc residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 35% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if Manitowoc is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Manitowoc has a total crime rate that is 44% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.12 daily crimes (0.2 violent daily crimes and 0.92 daily property crimes) in Manitowoc.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Manitowoc. 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 Manitowoc has decreased by 34.9%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 4%, while property crime has decreased by 39.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Manitowoc.
Manitowoc has a poverty rate of 13.1, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Manitowoc, 85.3% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Manitowoc are $1,012, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Manitowoc | Wisconsin | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 70 | 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 |
| Mishicot, WI | 1,485 | 0 | 352 | 352 |
| Cleveland, WI | 1,806 | 104 | 433 | 538 |
| Reedsville, WI | 1,132 | 111 | 459 | 570 |
| Two Rivers, WI | 11,440 | 215 | 485 | 700 |
| Francis Creek, WI | 624 | 277 | 1,151 | 1,428 |
| Maribel, WI | 373 | 287 | 1,192 | 1,479 |
| Whitelaw, WI | 787 | 297 | 1,232 | 1,529 |
| Manitowoc, WI | 33,568 | 208 | 970 | 1,178 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| South Riding, VA | 33,596 | 94 | 678 | 772 |
| Elk Grove Village, IL | 33,607 | 120 | 1,695 | 1,815 |
| East Lake, FL | 33,518 | 115 | 613 | 729 |
| Lawndale, CA | 33,508 | 594 | 1,865 | 2,459 |
| Massillon, OH | 33,654 | 316 | 1,818 | 2,134 |
| Manitowoc, WI | 33,568 | 208 | 970 | 1,178 |