United States · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Milwaukee scores 68/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Milwaukee requires increased caution for travelers due to notable crime rates, particularly violent crime and property crime, and a low sense of security at night. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
United States · Assessed 29 July 2026
68
/ 100
Safer than ~69% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
“This travel advice also covers American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and United States Virgin Islands. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
Updated 2026-07-23T16:13:06Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateWorry about being mugged or robbed is rated high by locals, indicating a moderate risk for visitors.
Pickpocketing
ModerateWhile not explicitly detailed, the general crime index and property crime concerns suggest a moderate risk of pickpocketing and bag-snatching in busy areas.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Negative
54/100
Locals report a low sense of safety when walking alone at night and express significant concern about violent and property crime, indicating a generally negative perception of day-to-day safety.
Milwaukee requires increased caution for travelers due to notable crime rates, particularly violent crime and property crime, and a low sense of security at night.
While Milwaukee has strong institutional governance and good health and environmental factors, its crime index and resident perceptions of safety, especially after dark, are concerning. Travelers should be aware of the risk of violent and property crime and take precautions to ensure their safety.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Milwaukee presents a mixed safety profile for travelers, necessitating a cautious approach. While official government advisories suggest exercising increased caution or normal security precautions, the city's own crime data and resident sentiment paint a picture of moderate risk, particularly concerning violent and property crimes. The composite safety index indicates it is safer than only about 35% of other locations globally, with specific concerns around crime.
On the ground, the perception of safety is notably lower, especially after dark. Numbeo data shows a low score for feeling safe walking alone at night (24/100) and a high score for worry about being mugged or robbed (62/100). This suggests that while daylight hours might feel more secure (60/100), nighttime presents a significant safety consideration for visitors. Property crime is also seen as a substantial local problem.
Recent reports indicate a potential positive trend, with homicides reportedly down 30% in the first half of 2026 according to WPR. However, other incidents, such as a bank robbery in West Milwaukee in April 2026 for which the FBI offered a reward, and its inclusion in a list of 'The 100 Most Dangerous Cities in America' in April 2026, underscore ongoing safety concerns. The Mayor's address on crime in March 2026 also highlights that public safety remains a key issue.
To stay safe in Milwaukee, travelers should prioritize awareness of their surroundings, especially in less populated or poorly lit areas, and avoid walking alone at night. Keeping valuables secure and out of sight is advisable to mitigate the risk of pickpocketing and theft. Utilizing reputable transportation services and staying informed about local news and any public safety alerts will further enhance a traveler's security. The CDC also notes global health concerns like Polio, Dengue, and Measles, so travelers should ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Milwaukee districts for visitors: 2 safer, 5 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Milwaukee safety map.
Northwest SideavoidReports indicate higher crime rates, particularly violent crime; avoid unless necessary and with extreme caution.
DowntowncautionHigher foot traffic can attract petty crime; be aware of surroundings, especially at night.
East SidecautionCan be lively, but some areas may experience higher crime rates after dark; stick to well-lit streets.
Walker's PointcautionKnown for its nightlife, be mindful of your belongings and surroundings, especially late at night.
Menomonee River ValleycautionIndustrial and developing areas; stick to main routes and be aware of your surroundings.
West MilwaukeecautionHas seen bank robbery incidents; remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
Historic Third WardsaferGenerally considered safe and popular with tourists, but still exercise normal precautions.
Bay ViewsaferA generally safe and residential neighborhood with a local feel.
07 · After Dark
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
Worry about being mugged or robbed is rated high by locals, indicating a moderate risk for visitors.
After dark, be most careful around Northwest Side, Downtown, East Side, Walker's Point. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Milwaukee's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Milwaukee requires increased caution for travelers due to notable crime rates, particularly violent crime and property crime, and a low sense of security at night. While Milwaukee has strong institutional governance and good health and environmental factors, its crime index and resident perceptions of safety, especially after dark, are concerning. Travelers should be aware of the risk of violent and property crime and take precautions to ensure their safety. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Field research flags Northwest Side as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Milwaukee ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 68/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the United States safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: milwaukee.json (CC BY 4.0).
