| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Stoughton/100k people | Wisconsin/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 189 | n/a (estimate) | 1,454 | 1,433 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 38.5 | 34.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 7.7 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 19 | n/a | 146.2 | 200.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 25 | n/a (estimate) | 192 | 279 | 359 |
| Burglary | 33 | n/a | 253.9 | 117.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 126 | n/a | 969.5 | 875.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 38.5 | 161.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 164 | n/a (estimate) | 1,262 | 1,154 | 1,760 |

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Stoughton crime rate is lower than the national average by 31.4%. Specifically, there were 25 violent crimes in Stoughton, equivalent to 192 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 46.4%. Furthermore, Stoughton recorded 164 property crimes, amounting to 1262 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 28.3%.
Stoughton showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Stoughton residents. Out of the respondents (13 in total), 85% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Stoughton were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 15% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Stoughton 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. Stoughton has a total crime rate that is 31% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.52 daily crimes (0.07 violent daily crimes and 0.45 daily property crimes) in Stoughton.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Stoughton crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Stoughton has didn't change by 0% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 47.1% and property crime has didn't change by 4.7%.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Stoughton, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 1.3%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
Stoughton has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 1.95 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
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 Stoughton are $1,429, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Stoughton | Wisconsin | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 25 | 9,355 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 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 |
| Lake Ripley, WI | 1,978 | 39 | 162 | 201 |
| Evansville, WI | 5,489 | 0 | 273 | 273 |
| Oregon, WI | 10,780 | 42 | 279 | 321 |
| Cambridge, WI | 1,307 | 65 | 269 | 334 |
| Deerfield, WI | 2,648 | 82 | 342 | 425 |
| Brooklyn, WI | 1,252 | 87 | 362 | 449 |
| Milton, WI | 5,765 | 35 | 426 | 461 |
| Stoughton, WI | 13,411 | 192 | 1,262 | 1,454 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Azle, TX | 13,412 | 234 | 1,644 | 1,878 |
| North Palm Beach, FL | 13,409 | 84 | 550 | 634 |
| Henderson, TX | 13,408 | 495 | 2,668 | 3,163 |
| Las Vegas, NM | 13,406 | 655 | 1,467 | 2,122 |
| Annapolis Neck, MD | 13,406 | 160 | 781 | 941 |
| Stoughton, WI | 13,411 | 192 | 1,262 | 1,454 |