The Top 21 Most Dangerous Places in Wisconsin

When someone tells you they’re from Wisconsin, your mind may conjure up images of dairy farms, small-town football games, and charming little stores. However, there are some places in this state that are far from idyllic. Read on to discover the top 21 most dangerous places in Wisconsin.

The Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities and Towns in Wisconsin

10. Beloit

Beloit is a city with a population of 35,000. Its violent crime rate is ranked fourth in Wisconsin. USA Today even designated Beloit as the worst place to live in Wisconsin. The significantly lower property crime rate balances out the total crime rate, giving it the overall ranking of the tenth most dangerous city in the state.

9. LaCrosse

Previously listed as number seven, LaCrosse’s crime rate has improved slightly. However, this city of 51,000 people still has a very high violent crime rate. Consequently, the city has created initiatives both law enforcement-wise and politically to improve the statistics.

8. Kenosha

As the fourth-largest city in Wisconsin, Kenosha is a picturesque lakefront community with all sorts of great amenities. Unfortunately, the crime rate detracts from the perks of museums, theaters, and local art. According to 2020 data, Kenosha has higher-than-average rates of arson and robberies, but its rate of murders, rapes, assaults, and auto thefts have declined enough to make them commensurate with national averages.

7. Janesville

Crime Grade has given Janesville an overall crime grade of D. Within the city itself, there are some areas safer than others, but the overall atmosphere is far from safe. According to statistics, theft is the most prevalent crime, while rape and murder are closer to the national average. Substance abuse is also a significant problem in Janesville.

6. Racine

This city’s location alone — 25 miles south of Milwaukee and about 60 miles north of Chicago — gives it an ominous vibe. While it is certainly not a 100% safe city, Racine’s zoo, museums, Frank Loyd Wright architecture, and lakefront panoramas create a lovely facade. Nevertheless, the city has a crime rate that’s 86% higher than other Wisconsin cities and towns.

5. Madison

The second-largest city in Wisconsin, Madison is the state’s capital. It’s home to the University of Wisconsin, historical architecture, and a vibrant nightlife. At the same time, it is a city with a high rate of poverty. Consequently, theft and burglaries are high in this city. On the positive side, violent crimes are lower than the national average.

4. West Allis

Compared to all communities of all sizes in America, West Allis has one of the highest crime rates in the country. A suburb of Milwaukee, it is the site of the Wisconsin State Fair, various great dining venues, and plenty of local attractions and activities. However, when it comes to crime, this city is at high risk for robbery and larceny theft and at moderate risk for aggravated assault, property crimes, burglary, and vehicle theft.

3. Green Bay

Compared to other US cities, the crime rate in Green Bay is about 80% higher than the national average. Moreover, the rate of violent crimes is what puts Green Bay at number three among the most dangerous cities in Wisconsin. The rate of rapes in the city is much higher than the US average, and the assault rates are also higher. GreenBay has steadily held high rates of rape and assaults since 2007.

2. Appleton

Many residents of Appleton report that living there has a dense suburban feel. With the Fox River Mall, Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, and Lawrence University, Appleton seems to have something for everyone. Yet, there are some negative aspects to this charming city as well. For instance, the larceny rate in the city is high, and the total crime rate is 84% higher than in other Wisconsin towns and cities.

1. Milwaukee

This large city has one of the highest crime rates of all communities in the U.S. With high property and violent crime rates, it is the most dangerous city in Wisconsin. In fact, Milwaukee ranks third for violent crimes in the U.S. To put it into perspective, the city’s crime rate is more than twice those of Pittsburgh, PA, and Portland, OR, and it’s almost twice as high as Sacramento, CA.

The Top 4 Most Dangerous Roads in Wisconsin

4. Janesville I-90

The fourth most dangerous section of highway runs along I-90 in Janesville. In the past 20 years, there have been 16 fatal crashes with 19 subsequent deaths along this stretch. Large stores, such as Walmart, Home Depot, and Target are just off the exit of this deadly section of road.

3. Madison US-51

The 5-mile stretch of road in Madison that runs along US-51 between exit SR-30 and the Anderson Road exit comprises the third most dangerous road in Wisconsin. During the 20-year period between 2000 and 2019, there were 17 fatal crashes and 17 resulting deaths.

2. Milwaukee SR-59

Milwaukee was listed as the most dangerous place to live in Wisconsin. Well, not only does this city have a high crime rate, but it also has the second-most deadly stretch of highway in the state. In a 20-year period, this road section had 17 fatal crashes and 18 deaths.

1. SR-190 in Milwaukee

The stretch of highway between the State Route 100 exits and W. Hopkins Street along SR-190 is considered one of the most dangerous stretches of road in Wisconsin. In the 20 years between 2000 and 2019, this part of the highway was the site of 19 fatal crashes with 23 deaths resulting from them.

The Top 6 Most Dangerous Pasttimes in Wisconsin

6. Fish Creek Electric Scooter Guided Nature Tour

To many people, riding along on an electric scooter sounds like a thrilling activity. However, consider taking an e-scooter, along with a large group of other scooter riders, on Door County’s backroads and into the Ephraim Wetlands at speeds exceeding 15 miles an hour. All it takes is for one of the scooter drivers to get caught up on a rock or stick and then spill over, taking others with them.

5. Green Bay Electric Scooter Guided Nature Tour

Just like the Fish Creek Electric Scooter Guided Nature Tour, the one in Green Bay is preceded by warnings such as, not being recommended for those with back problems. There are no helmet rules, and falls can happen easily. The difference between this tour and the previous one is that it occurs in Wisconsin’s third most dangerous city.

4. Axe Throwing in Madison

The very title of axe throwing gives this target-striking sport an ominous sound. What heightens the danger is the fact that many establishments serve alcohol to the axe-throwing customers. In a recent incident in Colorado, a woman’s axe bounced off the target at which she was throwing and flew back at her. Though the sport can be done safely if every precaution is taken, there is still room for error.

3. Wakeboarding and Wakesurfing in Fremont

Wakeboarding and wake surfing are essentially the same except for wake surfers letting go of the boat-towed rope to ride out a wake. Both sports hold potentially dangerous side effects. There are a multitude of factors that affect the safety of the sport such as the weather, experience level, the boat operator’s competence, the quality of the equipment, and the fitness level of the participant. Possible injuries from a wakeboarding or wake surfing accident include concussions, ruptured eardrums, head and neck lacerations, shoulder displacements, sprains and fractures, lower back injuries, and injured ribs.

2. Whitewater Rafting on the Menominee River

Thrill seekers enjoy riding the rapids on a whitewater rafting adventure. While whitewater rafting is fun, there were 76 deaths in the US in 2020. Injuries or death can be caused by the raft hitting rocks, causing head injuries, and musculoskeletal injuries, accidental drowning, rapids getting too rough to navigate, or by lack of experience.

The Menominee River flows through 116 miles of Wisconsin, forming the eastern border between WI and MI. Although it’s a beautiful river, the upper portions can be extremely dangerous. The rapids on the Menominee are class III and IV, which makes for abundant potential risks.

1. Visiting Devil’s Lake State Park

People often visit state parks in search of outdoor recreation, picturesque scenery, and fresh air. Even taking into consideration the possibility of encountering wildlife, like bears, we don’t typically equate the visit with innate danger. However, there are several potential risks that visitors take when visiting parks, such as Devil’s Lake State Park.

The biggest risks come from people who do not prepare for their visit. Without proper clothing and equipment, they often get lost or stranded, drown in lakes or rivers, overly exert themselves, become dehydrated, or have serious falls. Devil’s Lake State Park has trails that climb over 500 feet above rugged and uneven ground. There are also cliffs that don’t have railings or fences to keep people from falling.

The Top Most Dangerous Weather and Natural Disaster-Prone Places in Wisconsin

The increasing global climate crisis is putting everyone at risk for severe weather. With global warming comes a change in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and even incidents of wildfires. Although this is a global emergency, some areas will be prone to specific climate and weather risks as the planet heats up. Read on to find out the four most dangerous places to experience climate and weather dangers in Wisconsin.

4. Eau Claire’s Flood Danger

With our changing environment, new weather patterns are created. The city of Eau Claire, located near the Chippewa River, Altoona Lake, and Lake Eau Claire, has a moderate risk of flooding within the next 30 years. This could impact 1,676 homes, 58 miles of road, 305 commercial properties, 8 critical infrastructure facilities, and 75% of all downtown properties.

3. Madison’s Wildfire Danger

Madison has some risk of increased wildfires within the next 30 years. In September of 2023, there was a large brush fire on the southeast side of the city. Since 1977, there have only been ten wildfires in the state of Wisconsin. However, with temperatures around the globe heating up, summertime droughts being intensified, and a reduction in the mountaintop snowpack, we can expect this kind of fire to increase in the next few decades.

2. Milwaukee’s Precipitation Danger

Residents of Milwaukee, WI can expect a high risk of extreme heat, a significant drought risk, and an extreme precipitation risk by 2050. Rain storms may become more dangerous with more rainfall and more frequent storms. Increased frequency and intensity of snowfall and hail are other dangers that those living in Milwaukee may face within the next 30 years.

1. Janesville’s Extreme Heat Danger

When looking at temperature trends, data shows that the likelihood of a 3+ day heat wave 30 years ago was 22%, which then steadily rose to the current 50%. Over the next 30 years, the likelihood will rise to 74%

In Janesville, a hot day is determined by a “feels like” temperature of 102° or higher. In 2023, the city faced seven of those days. Over the next three decades, the city will probably experience more than double the number of hot days. By 2050, it’s estimated that Janesville will undergo at least one day of 125° or more.

Summary Table of the Top 25 Most Dangerous Places in Wisconsin