Janesville, WI Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Janesville, WI

Is Janesville, WI safe?

Yes — Janesville earns an overall crime grade of A-, placing it among the safer mid-sized cities in Wisconsin. With a population of approximately 71,907 and a population density of just 728 residents per square mile, the city avoids the concentrated crime pressure seen in denser urban centers. Property crimes remain the most common category of incident, but rates are well below national averages for cities of comparable size. Residents in neighborhoods along the Rock River corridor and on the North and West sides of the city consistently report lower incident activity. Standard precautions — locking vehicles, using porch lighting, and staying aware of surroundings at night — are sufficient for most residents.

What is the crime rate in Janesville?

Janesville's overall crime performance is graded A-, reflecting a city that outperforms many Midwestern peers. Property crimes — including theft, vehicle break-ins, and burglary — account for the large majority of reported incidents, which is typical for a community with a median household income of $55,914 and a poverty rate of 11.3%. Violent crime incidents represent a much smaller share of total activity and are largely concentrated in a handful of higher-density commercial corridors rather than spread evenly across residential areas. The unemployment rate of 4.6% and relatively affordable median rent of $874 contribute to economic stability that research consistently links to lower crime levels. Compared to Wisconsin as a whole, Janesville's crime profile is notably favorable.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Janesville?

While crime activity in Janesville is limited citywide given its A- overall grade, incident data shows that the lowest concentrations of reported crime tend to cluster in the established residential neighborhoods on the North and West sides of the city, as well as areas near the Rock River parkway system. These neighborhoods benefit from active community engagement, lower population turnover, and proximity to well-maintained parks and schools. Conversely, the highest share of property crime incidents — primarily theft and vehicle-related offenses — tends to appear near commercial retail zones and higher-traffic arterial roads. Using the interactive crime map on this page, you can filter by incident type and date range to pinpoint current hotspot patterns at the block level.

Is Janesville a good place to live?

By nearly every measurable indicator, Janesville ranks as a strong choice for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. The city's A- crime grade is the headline safety metric, but the supporting economic data reinforces the picture: a median home value of $150,975 makes homeownership attainable, median rent of $874 per month keeps housing affordable for renters, and an unemployment rate of 4.6% signals a functioning local labor market. The poverty rate of 11.3%, while something the community continues to address, is not unusually high for a city of this size and does not translate into elevated violent crime. With 71,907 residents spread across a manageable footprint, Janesville offers the amenities of a mid-sized city — including Rotary Botanical Gardens, Rock County historical sites, and strong school options — without the crime burden that larger Wisconsin metros carry. Proximity to Madison (roughly 30 miles north) and Milwaukee (roughly 70 miles east) adds further appeal for commuters.

How does Janesville's crime compare to other Wisconsin cities?

Janesville's A- overall crime grade positions it favorably within Wisconsin. Cities of similar or larger population often carry grades in the B or C range, driven by higher rates of both property and violent crime. Janesville's combination of moderate population density (728 per sq mi), a sub-5% unemployment rate, and a median household income of $55,914 creates conditions that suppress crime relative to peers. Property crime — the dominant category in Janesville — is the area where the city falls just short of a perfect A, which is consistent with any community that includes active retail corridors and light industrial zones. Violent crime rates, by contrast, remain low enough that they do not meaningfully drag down the overall grade.

How can I use the Janesville crime map effectively?

The crime map on this page plots incidents by category, location, and date, giving you a data-driven view of safety patterns across Janesville's neighborhoods. To get the most out of it: (1) Filter by crime type — separating property crimes from violent incidents reveals very different geographic patterns; property offenses cluster near commercial strips while violent incidents are more scattered and infrequent. (2) Adjust the date range — looking at a 90-day window versus a full year can highlight whether a spike in a particular area is a trend or an isolated cluster. (3) Cross-reference with the heat map layer — this view makes it immediately clear that the vast majority of Janesville's residential areas fall into low-incident zones, consistent with the city's A- grade. For official incident reports and non-emergency concerns, the Janesville Police Department is the authoritative source.