River Forest Neighborhood, Milwaukee
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safety at a Glance
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in Milwaukee
Is River Forest Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. River Forest in Milwaukee, WI has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 78, which is 22% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Milwaukee average (crime index 115), River Forest is 37% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Milwaukee as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 189, 89% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 5).
River Forest Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Milwaukee city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
48 | -52% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
189 | +89% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
54 | -46% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
5 | -95% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
32 | -68% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
77 | -23% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
57 | -43% | Low | |
How River Forest Compares
Crime index by category: River Forest vs Milwaukee average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
River Forest Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
River Forest Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in River Forest, Milwaukee?
River Forest in Milwaukee, WI has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 78, which is 22% below the national average. Compared to the Milwaukee average, crime in River Forest is 37% lower.
Is River Forest a safe neighborhood in Milwaukee?
River Forest is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Milwaukee, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 189), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 5).
How does River Forest compare to the rest of Milwaukee?
River Forest's overall crime index is 78, compared to the Milwaukee average of 115. This means crime in River Forest is 37% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 74, and for property crime it is 55. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in River Forest?
The most prevalent crime type in River Forest is Assault, with a crime index of 189 (89% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near River Forest?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Menomonee River Parkway, Lincoln Park, Thurston Woods and Old North Milwaukee. These areas are close to River Forest and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of River Forest?
River Forest has a population of approximately 49. The median household income is $57,877. The median home value is $248,408. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does River Forest crime compare to the national average?
River Forest's overall crime rate is 22% below the national average (index 78 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.