River Falls, WI Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in River Falls, WI

Is River Falls, WI safe in 2026?

River Falls earns an overall crime grade of A, making it one of the safer small cities in Wisconsin. Looking at the most recent 90-day incident data — 65 total reported incidents — the numbers confirm that serious crime remains rare here. Assault reports account for 46% of all incidents (30 cases), which is the single largest category, though many of these in a college-town context involve minor altercations rather than stranger violence. Theft makes up 26% (17 incidents), while burglary represents just 6% (4 incidents) — a notably low figure for a city of 15,870 residents. Vandalism accounted for only 2% of incidents (1 report) in the same period. Neighborhoods near the University of Wisconsin-River Falls campus and along the Kinnickinnic River corridor tend to reflect the city's overall calm, and residents routinely rank River Falls as a comfortable place for families, students, and retirees.

What is the crime rate in River Falls, WI?

River Falls holds an A overall crime grade — a strong indicator that the city's crime rate is well below national and state averages. In the last 90 days, law enforcement recorded 65 total incidents across all categories. Breaking that down: assaults led at 46% (30 incidents, most recently on 2026-03-07), followed by theft at 26% (17 incidents, latest 2026-03-05), arrests at 11% (7), miscellaneous other incidents at 9% (6), burglary at 6% (4), and vandalism at just 2% (1 incident). With a population of 15,870 and an unemployment rate of only 2.9%, River Falls benefits from economic stability that research consistently links to lower crime. The poverty rate of 14.8% is worth monitoring, but it has not translated into elevated crime figures given the city's A-grade standing.

What types of crime are most common in River Falls?

Based on the most recent 90-day data, assault is the most frequently reported incident type at 46% of all cases (30 out of 65 total), with the latest report logged on 2026-03-07. Theft is the second most common category at 26% (17 incidents), reflecting the kinds of opportunistic property crimes typical of college towns — think unlocked bikes or unattended bags rather than organized theft rings. Burglary is comparatively rare at just 6% (4 incidents), and vandalism is nearly negligible at 2% (1 incident over 90 days). Arrests — which can overlap with other categories — made up 11% of reported activity (7 incidents). The near-absence of burglary and vandalism, combined with the city's A crime grade, paints a picture of a community where serious property crime is genuinely uncommon. Residents in areas like North Hill and South Hill report particularly quiet conditions.

What are the safest neighborhoods in River Falls?

While block-by-block crime grades aren't published for every River Falls street, the city's A overall crime grade means that safety is broadly distributed across most neighborhoods. Residential areas around North Hill and South Hill are consistently regarded as quiet, family-friendly zones with low incident density. The neighborhoods surrounding Memorial Park and the downtown district benefit from regular foot traffic and community visibility, both of which are natural deterrents to opportunistic crime. Areas near the UW-River Falls campus see the majority of the city's assault and theft activity — consistent with the 46% and 26% shares those categories hold in recent data — but even campus-adjacent streets remain well within safe parameters given the city's top-tier A grade. Using the interactive crime map to filter incidents by type and date is the best way to pinpoint current hot spots before planning your commute or choosing a rental.

Is River Falls a good place to live in 2026?

By nearly every measurable indicator, yes. River Falls combines an A crime grade with a median household income of $62,786, a median home value of $221,589, and an unemployment rate of just 2.9% — economic conditions that support community stability. The recent 90-day crime snapshot (65 total incidents for a city of nearly 16,000 people) underscores how infrequent serious crime actually is: burglary appeared only 4 times, vandalism only once. Theft (26% of incidents) and assault (46%) are the categories residents should stay aware of, particularly near higher-traffic areas, but neither figure is alarming at this scale. The median rent of $896 makes River Falls accessible compared to nearby Twin Cities suburbs, and the scenic Kinnickinnic River corridor, strong school system, and proximity to I-94 round out the city's appeal. For families, remote workers, and UW-River Falls students alike, the data supports River Falls as a genuinely safe and affordable place to put down roots.