| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Wausau/100k people | Wisconsin/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 521 | n/a (estimate) | 1,304 | 1,433 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 2.5 | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 42 | n/a | 105.1 | 34.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 15.0 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 69 | n/a | 172.7 | 200.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 118 | n/a (estimate) | 295 | 279 | 359 |
| Burglary | 43 | n/a | 107.6 | 117.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 334 | n/a | 836.1 | 875.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 26 | n/a | 65.1 | 161.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 403 | n/a (estimate) | 1,009 | 1,154 | 1,760 |
The Wausau crime rates are 38.5% 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 118 violent crimes in Wausau (295 per 100,000 people), which is 17.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 403 property crimes (1009 per 100,000 residents) which is 42.7% lower than average.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Wausau residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 18 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 33% of Wausau 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, 67% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Wausau 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, Wausau has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 38%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.43 daily incidents, encompassing 0.32 violent crimes and 1.1 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Wausau as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Wausau has decreased by 33.6%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Wausau, 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 25.3%, while property crime has decreased by 35.6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Wausau is a safe place to live.
Wausau has a poverty rate of 15.8, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
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 Wausau, there are 1.96 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.
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. Wausau has a median home price of $222,804, 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 | Wausau | Wisconsin | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 77 | 9,355 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 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 |
| Kronenwetter, WI | 8,148 | 47 | 268 | 314 |
| Maine, WI | 2,654 | 69 | 286 | 355 |
| Mosinee, WI | 4,166 | 66 | 373 | 439 |
| Marathon City, WI | 1,360 | 129 | 322 | 450 |
| Schofield, WI | 2,344 | 110 | 455 | 564 |
| Rib Mountain, WI | 6,162 | 145 | 601 | 746 |
| Rothschild, WI | 5,463 | 221 | 919 | 1,140 |
| Wausau, WI | 39,898 | 295 | 1,009 | 1,304 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Issaquah, WA | 39,876 | 141 | 1,065 | 1,206 |
| Sun City, AZ | 39,873 | 400 | 1,697 | 2,097 |
| Evans, GA | 39,854 | 141 | 724 | 864 |
| Wheeling, IL | 39,851 | 62 | 907 | 969 |
| Martinez, CA | 39,841 | 277 | 1,229 | 1,506 |
| Wausau, WI | 39,898 | 295 | 1,009 | 1,304 |
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