Beaver Dam, WI Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Beaver Dam, WI

Is Beaver Dam, WI safe?

Beaver Dam earns an overall crime grade of A-, placing it among the safer small cities in Wisconsin. With a population of approximately 16,322 and a population density of 861 residents per square mile, the city maintains a manageable footprint where law enforcement can respond effectively. The low unemployment rate of 3.4% and a poverty rate of 8.3% — both favorable indicators compared to state and national averages — correlate with the city's strong safety profile. Residents near Beaver Dam Lake and the areas surrounding Swan Park consistently report feeling secure, and community watch programs help sustain that environment. Visitors and prospective residents can take considerable comfort in the A- grade, which reflects meaningfully lower crime risk than the majority of U.S. cities of comparable size.

What is the crime rate in Beaver Dam, WI?

Beaver Dam's overall crime performance earns it an A- grade, indicating that both violent and property crime rates fall well below national benchmarks. To put that in perspective, cities receiving an A- grade typically experience crime rates roughly 20–35% lower than the U.S. average across most categories. Property crimes — including incidents such as theft and vehicle-related offenses — represent the most common crime type reported in the city, which is consistent with national patterns for communities of this size. Violent crimes, such as assault, are comparatively rare. The city's median household income of $55,551 and a stable unemployment rate of 3.4% support the socioeconomic conditions that tend to keep crime rates low. Checking the Beaver Dam Police Department's regularly updated reports alongside this crime map gives the most current picture of local trends.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Beaver Dam, WI?

While Beaver Dam as a whole grades out at an A- for overall safety, some pockets of the city stand out for their especially calm character. Residential areas along the shores of Beaver Dam Lake benefit from high community engagement and lower density of commercial foot traffic, factors that typically correlate with fewer property crimes. Neighborhoods near Swan Park and the city's Southside are frequently cited by long-term residents as family-friendly zones with strong neighbor-to-neighbor awareness. The city's relatively modest population density of 861 people per square mile means that even busier corridors near the downtown core do not experience the concentration of incidents seen in larger urban centers. Across all these areas, property crime — primarily minor theft — remains the dominant concern rather than violent offenses, which helps keep the overall grade firmly in the A range.

Is Beaver Dam, WI a good place to live?

By nearly every measurable indicator, Beaver Dam represents a strong value proposition for residents. The city's A- overall crime grade means safety is a genuine asset rather than a concern. On the economic side, the median household income sits at $55,551, the median home value is approximately $141,252 — well below the national median, making homeownership accessible — and the median rent of $841 per month is affordable relative to most Wisconsin metros. The unemployment rate of 3.4% is tight by historical standards, and the poverty rate of 8.3% is notably lower than the U.S. average of roughly 12–13%. Combined with a close-knit community culture, recreational access to Beaver Dam Lake, and city amenities that punch above the weight of a 16,000-person city, Beaver Dam consistently ranks as a practical and pleasant place to raise a family, retire, or put down roots for the first time.

How does Beaver Dam's crime grade compare to other Wisconsin cities?

Beaver Dam's A- overall crime grade places it in the upper tier of Wisconsin communities when ranked by safety. Many mid-size Wisconsin cities with populations between 15,000 and 50,000 score in the B or C range due to higher property crime concentrations in commercial districts. Beaver Dam's combination of low population density (861 per sq mi), low unemployment (3.4%), and a poverty rate (8.3%) that undercuts the state average contributes to its above-average standing. While no city is entirely free of crime, an A- grade means that residents face statistically lower odds of being affected by both property and violent crime compared to the majority of comparable Wisconsin municipalities. Reviewing the interactive crime map on this page alongside the Beaver Dam Police Department's published statistics offers the most granular, up-to-date comparison available.