| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Onalaska/100k people | Wisconsin/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 444 | n/a (estimate) | 2,329 | 1,433 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 21.0 | 34.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3 | n/a | 15.7 | 200.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 7 | n/a (estimate) | 37 | 279 | 359 |
| Burglary | 16 | n/a | 83.9 | 117.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 417 | n/a | 2,186.9 | 875.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 21.0 | 161.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 437 | n/a (estimate) | 2,292 | 1,154 | 1,760 |

The Onalaska crime rates are 9.9% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 7 violent crimes in Onalaska (37 per 100,000 people), which is 89.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 437 property crimes (2292 per 100,000 residents) which is 30.2% higher than average.
When evaluating the Onalaska crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Onalaska crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.
Onalaska stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 37 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Onalaska 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, Onalaska 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.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Onalaska 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 Onalaska crime rate is 10% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.22 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 1.2 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime rates in Onalaska has decreased by 29.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Onalaska is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 56.3%, while property crime has decreased by 28.7%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Onalaska.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Onalaska crime rates. The population density in Onalaska is 1908.6 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Onalaska, 92.1% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
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. Onalaska has a median home price of $379,607, 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 | Onalaska | Wisconsin | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 30 | 9,355 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 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 |
| Hokah, MN | 613 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brice Prairie, WI | 2,252 | 94 | 389 | 482 |
| La Crescent, MN | 5,277 | 76 | 436 | 511 |
| Holmen, WI | 10,291 | 50 | 463 | 513 |
| Galesville, WI | 1,677 | 103 | 428 | 532 |
| Trempealeau, WI | 2,114 | 111 | 459 | 569 |
| French Island, WI | 4,418 | 157 | 653 | 811 |
| Onalaska, WI | 19,535 | 37 | 2,292 | 2,329 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Nanuet, NY | 19,538 | 262 | 1,184 | 1,445 |
| Sherrelwood, CO | 19,531 | 510 | 2,775 | 3,285 |
| Valle Vista, CA | 19,530 | 678 | 2,898 | 3,575 |
| Madisonville, KY | 19,522 | 88 | 591 | 679 |
| Bellaire, TX | 19,553 | 236 | 2,376 | 2,612 |
| Onalaska, WI | 19,535 | 37 | 2,292 | 2,329 |