| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waukesha/100k people | Wisconsin/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 694 | n/a (estimate) | 989 | 1,433 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 1.4 | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 20 | n/a | 28.5 | 34.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 7.1 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 54 | n/a | 76.9 | 200.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 80 | n/a (estimate) | 114 | 279 | 359 |
| Burglary | 36 | n/a | 51.3 | 117.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 539 | n/a | 767.8 | 875.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 39 | n/a | 55.6 | 161.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 614 | n/a (estimate) | 875 | 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 Waukesha crime rate is lower than the national average by 53.4%. Specifically, there were 80 violent crimes in Waukesha, equivalent to 114 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 68.3%. Furthermore, Waukesha recorded 614 property crimes, amounting to 875 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 50.3%.
Waukesha stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 114 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Waukesha secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
AreaVibes surveyed 28 local residents in Waukesha to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 75% of people answered that there was very little crime in Waukesha and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 25% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Is Waukesha 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, Waukesha has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 53%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.9 daily incidents, encompassing 0.22 violent crimes and 1.68 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Waukesha as a potential place to call home.
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 Waukesha 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 Waukesha has decreased by 1.6% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 8.1% and property crime has decreased by 2.7%.
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. Waukesha, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
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 Waukesha, 89.8% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
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 Waukesha, there are 2.08 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 | Waukesha | Wisconsin | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 148 | 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 |
| Nashotah, WI | 1,316 | 39 | 162 | 201 |
| Wales, WI | 2,663 | 44 | 181 | 225 |
| North Prairie, WI | 2,635 | 47 | 195 | 242 |
| Big Bend, WI | 1,316 | 50 | 207 | 257 |
| Merton, WI | 3,864 | 53 | 220 | 273 |
| Dousman, WI | 2,191 | 60 | 251 | 311 |
| Ashippun, WI | 1,066 | 62 | 256 | 318 |
| Waukesha, WI | 73,902 | 114 | 875 | 989 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Kissimmee, FL | 73,957 | 492 | 1,895 | 2,386 |
| Mansfield, TX | 73,975 | 93 | 1,381 | 1,475 |
| Lauderhill, FL | 73,782 | 331 | 1,758 | 2,088 |
| Gulfport, MS | 73,689 | 198 | 1,286 | 1,484 |
| Decatur, IL | 74,163 | 602 | 2,867 | 3,470 |
| Waukesha, WI | 73,902 | 114 | 875 | 989 |