Fort Atkinson, WI Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Fort Atkinson, WI

What overall crime grade does Fort Atkinson receive?

Fort Atkinson earns an A- overall crime grade, placing it among the safer small cities in Wisconsin. This strong rating reflects the city's low unemployment rate of 1.8% and a poverty rate of just 9.6% — both of which are well below national averages and are widely recognized as key socioeconomic indicators that correlate with lower crime levels. With a population of approximately 12,455 residents and a population density of 849 people per square mile, Fort Atkinson maintains the tight-knit community oversight that helps keep crime rates suppressed compared to larger Wisconsin cities.

What types of crimes are most common in Fort Atkinson?

Like most small Wisconsin cities, Fort Atkinson's incident reports skew heavily toward property crimes rather than violent offenses. Theft and minor vandalism consistently account for the largest share of reported incidents. Disturbances and disorderly conduct make up a secondary tier of activity, while violent crimes — such as assault — represent a notably small percentage of total reports. The city's A- crime grade reflects the fact that serious offenses are relatively rare for a community of this size. Areas near high-traffic corridors tend to see a slightly higher concentration of property incidents, while residential neighborhoods such as those near Rotary Park and the Lakeshore area report fewer disturbances overall.

How does Fort Atkinson's crime rate compare to similar cities?

Fort Atkinson's A- crime grade puts it in a favorable position relative to Wisconsin cities of comparable size and density. Its median household income of $63,535 and median home value of $161,620 indicate a stable, middle-income community — a demographic profile that research consistently links to lower crime rates. The city's unemployment rate of 1.8% is particularly notable, as cities with unemployment below 3% statistically experience fewer economically motivated property crimes. By contrast, cities with poverty rates above 15% or unemployment above 5% tend to score in the C–D range. Fort Atkinson's 9.6% poverty rate keeps it well within the safer tier of similarly sized Midwestern communities.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Fort Atkinson?

Based on crime map data and community reporting patterns, several areas in Fort Atkinson stand out for their safety profiles. The Lakeshore residential area and neighborhoods surrounding Rotary Park tend to generate fewer incident reports, benefiting from active neighborhood involvement and lower foot-traffic crime exposure. The Downtown District, while more active commercially, maintains a manageable incident rate relative to its activity level. Across all neighborhoods, property crime — particularly opportunistic theft — remains the most common concern, so residents are encouraged to review the interactive crime map to identify any localized clusters and adjust their routines accordingly.

Is Fort Atkinson a good place to live based on its safety data?

The data makes a compelling case. Fort Atkinson's A- crime grade, combined with a 1.8% unemployment rate, a median household income of $63,535, and a median home value of $161,620, paints the picture of an affordable, stable, and safe community. The city's 9.6% poverty rate and median rent of just $878 suggest that financial stress — a known driver of property crime — affects a relatively small share of residents. For families, retirees, and first-time homebuyers seeking a low-crime environment without the high cost of larger metro areas, Fort Atkinson's safety statistics and socioeconomic indicators consistently rank it as one of the more attractive options in Jefferson County.

How can I stay updated on crime activity in Fort Atkinson?

Residents have several reliable options for tracking local crime trends. The Fort Atkinson Police Department publishes community safety updates and incident summaries through its official website. Third-party platforms such as SpotCrime and CrimeMapping.com aggregate reported incidents and display them geographically, making it easy to spot emerging patterns by neighborhood. For the most granular view, the interactive crime map on this page filters incidents by type and time period — useful for tracking whether theft activity near the Downtown District or disturbances in other areas are trending up or down over a given month. Given Fort Atkinson's A- grade, dramatic shifts are uncommon, but staying informed is always a best practice.