| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Portage/100k people | Wisconsin/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 209 | n/a (estimate) | 2,095 | 1,433 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 20.0 | 34.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 60.1 | 200.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 8 | n/a (estimate) | 80 | 279 | 359 |
| Burglary | 16 | n/a | 160.4 | 117.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 181 | n/a | 1,814.0 | 875.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 40.1 | 161.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 201 | n/a (estimate) | 2,014 | 1,154 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Portage is 1.2% 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 Portage, there were 8 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 80 per 100,000 individuals, 77.7% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 201 property crimes, amounting to 2014 per 100,000 residents, 14.5% higher than the U.S. average.
In terms of the total Portage crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Portage, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.
Portage has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 80 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Portage ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Portage 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.
Portage exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 2014 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Portage maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Portage residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 7 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 57% of Portage 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, 43% 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 Portage 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. Portage has a total crime rate that is 1% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.57 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.55 daily property crimes) in Portage.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Portage has decreased by 15%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Portage, 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 decreased by 74.2%, while property crime has decreased by 6.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Portage is a safe place to live.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Portage crime rate. The poverty level in Portage is 12.8%, while the national average is 15.1%.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Portage crime rates. For instance, in Portage, the population density stands at 1200.3 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
The median home price in Portage is $262,488, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Portage | Wisconsin | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 26 | 9,355 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 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 |
| Poynette, WI | 2,559 | 236 | 39 | 275 |
| Lake Wisconsin, WI | 4,736 | 72 | 300 | 372 |
| Rio, WI | 1,070 | 96 | 400 | 496 |
| Pardeeville, WI | 2,114 | 114 | 475 | 589 |
| Merrimac, WI | 688 | 210 | 874 | 1,084 |
| Arlington, WI | 816 | 213 | 882 | 1,095 |
| Baraboo, WI | 12,549 | 272 | 1,128 | 1,400 |
| Portage, WI | 10,657 | 80 | 2,014 | 2,095 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Barrington, IL | 10,656 | 106 | 817 | 923 |
| Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO | 10,655 | 945 | 2,748 | 3,693 |
| Gig Harbor, WA | 10,659 | 203 | 2,964 | 3,168 |
| Del Aire, CA | 10,661 | 204 | 873 | 1,077 |
| Miami Shores, FL | 10,653 | 253 | 3,686 | 3,939 |
| Portage, WI | 10,657 | 80 | 2,014 | 2,095 |
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