Riverwest Neighborhood, Milwaukee
Crime Rate & Statistics
Good safety — crime rates are below the national average
Safer than 30% of neighborhoods in Milwaukee
Safety at a Glance
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in Milwaukee
Is Riverwest Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. Riverwest in Milwaukee, WI has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 154, which is 54% above the national average of 100. Riverwest is safer than 30% of neighborhoods in Milwaukee.
Compared to the Milwaukee average (crime index 115), Riverwest is 39% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 169, 69% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 113).
Riverwest 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
|
167 | +67% | High | |
|
Assault
|
137 | +37% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
160 | +60% | High | |
|
Rape
|
113 | +13% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
137 | +37% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
169 | +69% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
160 | +60% | High | |
How Riverwest Compares
Crime index by category: Riverwest vs Milwaukee average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Riverwest Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Riverwest Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Riverwest, Milwaukee?
Riverwest in Milwaukee, WI has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 154, which is 54% above the national average. Compared to the Milwaukee average, crime in Riverwest is 39% higher. Riverwest is safer than 30% of neighborhoods in Milwaukee.
Is Riverwest a safe neighborhood in Milwaukee?
Riverwest is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Milwaukee, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 169), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 113).
How does Riverwest compare to the rest of Milwaukee?
Riverwest's overall crime index is 154, compared to the Milwaukee average of 115. This means crime in Riverwest is 39% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 144, and for property crime it is 155. 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 Riverwest?
The most prevalent crime type in Riverwest is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 169 (69% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Riverwest?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Cambridge Heights, Riverside Park, Murray Hill and University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. These areas are close to Riverwest and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Riverwest?
Riverwest has a population of approximately 11,625. The median household income is $51,982. The median home value is $231,953. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Riverwest crime compare to the national average?
Riverwest's overall crime rate is 54% above the national average (index 154 vs 100). Within Milwaukee, it is safer than 30% of neighborhoods. 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.