City Crime Score
Very low crime
Population
14,309
Median Income
$84,327
Home Value
$322,011
Median Age
41.0
Crime Statistics
Demographics
36.2% have a bachelor's degree or higher
Housing
Port Washington, WI Crime Map
Explore crime rates, safest neighborhoods, and detailed crime statistics
Port Washington, WI Safety Overview: An A-Rated Community
Port Washington earns an overall crime grade of A — a distinction that reflects both its tight-knit community culture and the socioeconomic stability that tends to keep crime low. With a population of just under 12,000, a unemployment rate of only 2.3%, and a poverty rate of 6%, this Lake Michigan harbor town sits well below national benchmarks for crime risk. For context, the national poverty rate hovers near 12–13%, and Port Washington's figure is roughly half that — a meaningful buffer against the conditions that typically drive property and violent crime upward.
What the Crime Data Actually Shows
Port Washington's crime picture is dominated by low-severity, non-violent incidents. Property-related offenses — including minor theft, vehicle break-ins, and occasional vandalism — make up the overwhelming share of reported activity. Violent crime is statistically rare for a city of this size, and the incidents that do occur tend to cluster around high-traffic periods rather than specific residential corridors.
The downtown waterfront district, which draws visitors to the historic harbor and marina, sees the highest concentration of minor disturbances and opportunistic theft, particularly during summer festival seasons. Residential neighborhoods radiating outward from the harbor — including areas along West Main Street and the Westport corridor — report very little activity and consistently reflect the city's A-grade safety profile.
Neighborhood-Level Safety Patterns
Because Port Washington is a compact city at roughly 782 residents per square mile, neighborhood boundaries are tight and community visibility is high. That density — low enough to feel spacious, high enough for neighbors to know each other — is itself a crime deterrent. Key observations by area include:
- Downtown / Harbor District: The most active area for reported incidents, primarily minor theft and public disturbances during peak visitor months. Still well within safe parameters by any comparative standard.
- West Main Street Corridor: Quiet residential character with very low incident frequency. Families and long-term residents dominate this area.
- Westport Neighborhood: Among the calmer zones in the city, with strong community engagement and low turnover contributing to natural surveillance.
- Northern Residential Areas: Largely insulated from even the minor activity seen closer to the waterfront. Low density of incidents year-round.
How Port Washington Compares Statewide
Measured against Wisconsin cities of similar or larger size, Port Washington's A overall crime grade places it among the state's safest municipalities. Its median household income of $71,029 and median home value of $214,954 reflect a stable, owner-occupied housing market — another factor strongly correlated with lower crime rates. Renters, who pay a median of $923/month, also benefit from the city's safety profile, as crime rates remain low across both ownership categories.
Using the Crime Map Effectively
The interactive crime map for Port Washington lets you filter by incident type, date range, and neighborhood. Given the city's A-grade profile, the map is most useful not for identifying danger zones — there are very few — but for tracking seasonal patterns, understanding where minor property crime clusters, and staying current on any emerging trends. Residents near the harbor should pay modest attention to vehicle security during summer months. Those in Westport or along West Main Street will find the map largely uneventful, which is exactly the point.
- Filter by incident type to separate property crimes from the rare violent incident.
- Use date filters to compare summer versus off-season activity in the downtown core.
- Check heat map overlays to confirm that residential neighborhoods remain consistently low-activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Port Washington, WI Crime & Safety
How safe is Port Washington, WI overall?
Port Washington receives an overall crime grade of A, making it one of the safer small cities in Wisconsin. With a population of approximately 11,881, a poverty rate of just 6%, and unemployment at 2.3%, the city's socioeconomic foundation strongly supports low crime levels. The vast majority of reported incidents involve minor property offenses rather than violent crime, and community policing in neighborhoods like Westport and the West Main Street corridor keeps activity well below state and national averages.
What types of crime are most common in Port Washington?
Property crime — particularly opportunistic theft and occasional vehicle break-ins — represents the dominant category of reported incidents in Port Washington. Vandalism and minor public disturbances occur periodically, especially in the downtown harbor district during summer events. Violent crime is statistically uncommon for a city of this size and demographic profile. The city's A crime grade reflects the fact that even its most active area, the waterfront district, operates at a low absolute level of incident frequency.
Which neighborhoods in Port Washington are the safest?
Given Port Washington's A-grade safety profile, the entire city is considered safe by comparative standards. That said, the Westport neighborhood and the West Main Street corridor are among the quietest in terms of reported incidents, benefiting from stable, owner-occupied housing and strong neighbor familiarity. The downtown harbor district sees slightly more activity — primarily minor theft during peak tourist season — but remains safe relative to comparable districts in larger Wisconsin cities. Northern residential areas are also consistently low-activity year-round.
Does Port Washington's crime rate compare favorably to other Wisconsin cities?
Yes. Port Washington's A overall crime grade places it among Wisconsin's top-performing municipalities for public safety. Its combination of low unemployment (2.3%), low poverty (6%), and a median household income of $71,029 creates conditions that consistently correlate with reduced crime. Compared to larger Wisconsin cities with higher density and greater economic disparity, Port Washington's crime footprint is notably small.
Is Port Washington a good place to buy a home from a safety perspective?
From a safety standpoint, Port Washington is a strong choice. The city's A crime grade, combined with a median home value of $214,954 and a stable local economy, suggests that residential investment here carries low safety-related risk. Neighborhoods like Westport and the West Main Street area offer particularly quiet environments. The low unemployment rate of 2.3% and modest poverty rate further support long-term neighborhood stability, which is a key predictor of sustained low crime over time.
How can I stay updated on crime activity in Port Washington?
The Port Washington crime map on this page is updated regularly and allows you to filter incidents by type and time period. For official reports, the Port Washington Police Department publishes safety updates and incident logs. Given the city's A-grade profile, most residents find that periodic check-ins — rather than daily monitoring — are sufficient to stay informed. Signing up for local neighborhood alerts and engaging with community watch programs in areas like Westport adds an additional layer of real-time awareness.
Surrounding Cities
Port Washington Zip Codes
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