| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | South Milwaukee/100k people | Wisconsin/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 294 | n/a (estimate) | 1,457 | 1,433 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 5.0 | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 19.8 | 34.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 19.8 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 23 | n/a | 114.0 | 200.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 32 | n/a (estimate) | 159 | 279 | 359 |
| Burglary | 9 | n/a | 44.6 | 117.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 240 | n/a | 1,189.4 | 875.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 13 | n/a | 64.4 | 161.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 262 | n/a (estimate) | 1,298 | 1,154 | 1,760 |
The South Milwaukee crime rates are 31.3% lower 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 32 violent crimes in South Milwaukee (159 per 100,000 people), which is 55.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 262 property crimes (1298 per 100,000 residents) which is 26.2% lower than average.
What do the local residents think about crime in South Milwaukee? Well, based on a recent survey of 13 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 85% of South Milwaukee residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 15% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is South Milwaukee a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, South Milwaukee has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 31%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.81 daily incidents, encompassing 0.09 violent crimes and 0.72 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of South Milwaukee as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in South Milwaukee. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in South Milwaukee has increased by 8.9%. Violent crimes have decreased by 15.8%, while property crimes have increased by 12.9%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
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 South Milwaukee crime rate. The poverty level in South Milwaukee is 15%, while the national average is 15.1%.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In South Milwaukee, the cost of living is 3.91% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In South Milwaukee, there are 1.78 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
| Item | South Milwaukee | Wisconsin | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 38 | 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 |
| Wind Point, WI | 1,904 | 39 | 162 | 201 |
| Eagle Lake, WI | 1,043 | 73 | 305 | 378 |
| Wind Lake, WI | 5,617 | 90 | 375 | 466 |
| Elm Grove, WI | 6,322 | 0 | 496 | 496 |
| Caledonia, WI | 26,019 | 63 | 470 | 533 |
| Sturtevant, WI | 6,749 | 90 | 464 | 554 |
| North Bay, WI | 228 | 112 | 466 | 579 |
| South Milwaukee, WI | 21,661 | 159 | 1,298 | 1,457 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| DeBary, FL | 21,665 | 187 | 994 | 1,181 |
| Battle Ground, WA | 21,669 | 79 | 1,036 | 1,115 |
| Sweetwater, FL | 21,673 | 101 | 2,069 | 2,170 |
| Lakeside, CA | 21,636 | 474 | 2,026 | 2,500 |
| Easley, SC | 21,688 | 239 | 1,796 | 2,035 |
| South Milwaukee, WI | 21,661 | 159 | 1,298 | 1,457 |
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