Platteville, WI Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Platteville, WI

Is Platteville, WI safe?

By the numbers, Platteville earns an overall crime grade of A-, placing it among the safer small cities in Wisconsin. With a population of roughly 12,113 and a population density of just 757 people per square mile, the city avoids the concentrated crime pressures common in denser urban areas. Most reported incidents are property-related rather than violent, and community policing efforts near the University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus and the downtown district help keep those figures low. Residents near areas like West Side Park and Boscobel Park consistently report feeling comfortable walking and gathering outdoors. That said, Platteville's 30% poverty rate is a meaningful socioeconomic factor that can correlate with localized upticks in property crime, so staying aware of current crime map data remains worthwhile.

What is the crime rate in Platteville?

Platteville's overall crime profile earns an A- grade, reflecting a crime environment that is well below national averages for cities of comparable size. Property crimes — including theft, burglary, and vandalism — make up the dominant share of reported incidents, as is typical for college-influenced small cities. Violent crimes such as assault represent a notably smaller fraction of total activity and are not evenly distributed across the city; they tend to cluster in specific pockets rather than affecting the broader community. The city's 4.7% unemployment rate and median household income of $42,626 suggest a moderately stable economic base, though the 30% poverty rate signals that economic stress in certain pockets may keep property crime figures from dropping into a full A range. Regularly consulting the Platteville crime map gives residents the most current picture of incident frequency and type.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Platteville?

While granular block-level grades shift with new data, a few areas consistently show lower incident concentrations on the Platteville crime map. The neighborhoods immediately surrounding the University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus benefit from overlapping campus security patrols and high foot traffic, both of which act as natural deterrents. The residential corridors near West Side Park tend to be quieter and more family-oriented, with lower reported property crime density. The historic downtown district sees moderate activity tied largely to commercial areas — petty theft and minor vandalism are the most common incident types there — but it remains well within the city's A- overall grade. Areas closer to higher-poverty census tracts may see a modestly elevated share of property incidents, so cross-referencing the interactive crime map with neighborhood boundaries gives the clearest picture before making a housing decision.

Is Platteville a good place to live?

From a safety-and-livability standpoint, the data makes a solid case. Platteville's A- crime grade is the headline figure, but the supporting numbers add important context: a median home value of just $156,377 makes ownership far more accessible than in most Wisconsin metros, and a median rent of $760 keeps housing costs manageable for the large student and young-professional population. The 4.7% unemployment rate sits close to full-employment territory, and the city's educational anchor — UW-Platteville — provides stable economic activity year-round. The primary caveat is a 30% poverty rate, which is elevated relative to the state average and reflects the high proportion of students and lower-income households in the population mix. That figure influences localized property crime patterns more than violent crime. For families, retirees, students, and remote workers prioritizing affordability and a low-crime environment, Platteville's combination of an A- safety grade and below-average housing costs represents strong value.

What types of crime are most common in Platteville?

Property crimes dominate Platteville's incident log, consistent with its A- overall grade. Theft — including vehicle break-ins and retail-related incidents near commercial corridors downtown — accounts for the largest share of reported activity. Vandalism and criminal mischief represent the next most frequent category, with incidents scattered across both residential and commercial zones. Burglary figures remain low relative to similarly sized cities, a positive signal for homeowners given the city's median home value of $156,377. Violent crimes, including assault, constitute a small minority of total incidents and are not evenly spread — they appear more concentrated in areas that also show higher poverty density. Drug-related offenses surface periodically, as they do in most college towns, but do not dominate the overall crime profile. Using the time-filter and category tools on the Platteville crime map lets residents isolate specific incident types and spot any emerging trends before they become entrenched patterns.