Baraboo, WI Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Baraboo, WI

What overall crime grade does Baraboo receive?

Baraboo earns an A- overall crime grade, placing it among the safer small cities in Wisconsin. With a population of approximately 12,133 residents spread across a relatively compact area of about 637 people per square mile, Baraboo's crime environment is considerably more favorable than the national average for cities of comparable size. That A- grade reflects consistently low violent crime numbers and manageable property crime levels, both of which trend well below what you'd expect in larger Wisconsin metros like Madison or Milwaukee.

Is Baraboo, WI a safe place to live?

By most measurable standards, yes. Baraboo's A- safety grade signals that the overwhelming majority of residents go about daily life without incident. The city's median household income of $52,925 and a median home value of $153,349 suggest a stable, working-class community — economic stability that research consistently links to lower crime rates. The unemployment rate sits at 5.1% and the poverty rate is 12.6%, both of which are worth monitoring, but neither has pushed crime metrics out of the A-range. Families, retirees, and young professionals consistently rate Baraboo as a comfortable, low-stress place to put down roots.

What types of crime are most common in Baraboo?

Like most small Wisconsin cities earning an A- crime grade, Baraboo sees property crime as its most prevalent category — incidents such as theft, shoplifting, and occasional vehicle break-ins account for the largest share of reported offenses. Violent crime (assault, robbery) represents a notably smaller slice of total incidents and occurs at rates well below state and national benchmarks. Vandalism and disorderly conduct round out the most frequently logged call types. The relatively low population density of 637 residents per square mile means crime is not heavily concentrated in any single corridor, though the downtown commercial district and higher-traffic areas near Highway 12 tend to generate more property-crime reports than quieter residential streets.

Which neighborhoods in Baraboo have the best safety profiles?

Baraboo's overall A- grade reflects well across most of the city, but certain areas stand out for their particularly quiet character. Residential streets on the north side of Baraboo, neighborhoods near Devil's Lake State Park on the city's southern edge, and the established single-family districts along the Baraboo River corridor consistently report fewer incidents. The downtown area near Courthouse Square sees more foot traffic and therefore a higher concentration of minor property incidents, but it remains well-patrolled. Areas closer to the commercial corridors on Highway 12 warrant the standard precautions you'd apply in any retail-heavy zone — lock your car, don't leave valuables visible.

How does Baraboo's crime rate compare to other Wisconsin cities?

Baraboo's A- crime grade puts it ahead of many Wisconsin cities of similar and larger size. For context, cities with grades in the B or C range typically see property crime rates 30%–60% higher and violent crime rates that are meaningfully elevated by comparison. Baraboo's combination of a modest population (12,133), relatively affordable housing (median rent $799/month), and community-scale policing contributes to its above-average safety standing. It compares favorably to regional centers and punches well above its weight when stacked against Wisconsin cities with similar poverty rates near the 12%–13% range.

What do the economic indicators say about long-term safety in Baraboo?

Economic data provides useful context for understanding crime trends. Baraboo's median household income of $52,925 and median home value of $153,349 indicate a community where homeownership is attainable — a factor strongly correlated with neighborhood stability and lower crime. The 12.6% poverty rate is the metric most worth watching; pockets of concentrated poverty, if they develop, can exert upward pressure on property crime over time. However, the current A- grade suggests that community resources, active policing, and neighborhood engagement are effectively offsetting those pressures. The 5.1% unemployment rate is near the typical threshold researchers associate with stable crime environments, adding further confidence to Baraboo's safety outlook heading into 2026.

How can I use the Baraboo crime map effectively?

The crime map is most useful when you look beyond single data points and examine patterns over time. Filter by crime type to separate property incidents from violent ones — you'll likely notice that Baraboo's violent crime pins are sparse across the entire map, while property crime clusters modestly near retail zones and parking areas. Use the temporal filter to compare recent 90-day windows against prior periods; an A- city like Baraboo should show relatively flat or declining trend lines in most categories. If you're evaluating a specific street or block — say, near Courthouse Square or along 8th Street — zoom in and cross-reference with the heat map layer to get a granular read before making a housing or business decision.