Wausau, WI Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 61% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Wausau Safe?
Mostly yes — Wausau is fairly safe
Crime is slightly below the national average, though some areas may vary.
Wausau has a crime rate that is 29% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 359.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Southeast Side earn an A safety grade, while East Towne rates B. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Wausau.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 359
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
27% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 56
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
3% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Wausau Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
74 | -26% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
78 | -22% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
59 | -41% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
62 | -38% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
73 | -27% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
94 | -6% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
85 | -15% | Average | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Wausau Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Wausau?
Safety varies dramatically across Wausau's 10+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 10Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 10Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 10 neighborhoods in Wausau
All Wausau Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southeast Side | A | 53 |
| 2 | Riverview | A | 91 |
| 3 | Forest Park | A | 99 |
| 4 | Northwest | A- | 102 |
| 5 | Longfellow | A- | 148 |
| 6 | Southwest Jones | B+ | 149 |
| 7 | Westies | B+ | 132 |
| 8 | Athletic Park | B+ | 155 |
| 9 | Werle Park | B | 163 |
| 10 | East Towne | B | 187 |
Wausau Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Wausau zip codes.
Wausau Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Wausau, WI?
Wausau, WI has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 29% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 359 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 56 chance for property crime. Wausau has lower crime than 61% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Wausau, WI safe to live in?
Wausau is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B-. Approximately 100% of the city's 10 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Southeast Side is one of the safest areas, while East Towne has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Wausau is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Wausau?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Wausau are Southeast Side, Riverview, Forest Park, Northwest, and Longfellow. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in Wausau?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Wausau include East Towne, Werle Park, Athletic Park, Westies, and Southwest Jones. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in Wausau?
The estimated violent crime rate in Wausau is 278.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 27% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 359 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.7 per 100K (26% below average); aggravated assault at 210.1 per 100K (22% below average); robbery at 43.7 per 100K (41% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Wausau?
The estimated property crime rate in Wausau is 1,780.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 3% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 56 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 195.7 per 100K (27% below average); larceny/theft at 1,314.1 per 100K (6% below average); vehicle theft at 270.2 per 100K (15% below average).
How does Wausau crime compare to the national average?
Wausau's overall crime rate is 29% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (6% below average), while robbery is 41% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Wausau has lower crime than 61% of them.
Is Wausau safe to visit?
Wausau is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 3% below average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Southeast Side, Riverview, Forest Park.
How does Wausau crime compare to the rest of Wisconsin?
Wisconsin as a whole has crime that is 4% above the national average. Wausau's crime rate is 29% below the national average, making it safer the typical Wisconsin city.
What type of crime is most common in Wausau?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Wausau, with an estimated rate of 1,314.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 6% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,780 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (278 per 100K) in Wausau, which is consistent with national trends.