The Most Dangerous Areas In and Around Milwaukee

According to data from NeighborhoodScout, Milwaukee reports a higher overall crime rate compared to many U.S. cities. However, crime is not evenly distributed across the region. Some neighborhoods in and around Milwaukee consistently report higher levels of violent and property crime than others.

Based on publicly available crime data and community safety discussions, the areas below reflect locations within the city and nearby surrounding communities that have historically reported elevated crime rates.

RELATED: MILWAUKEE CRIME RATE STATISTICS

The Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Milwaukee

The largest and most populous city in Wisconsin, Milwaukee stands out for its brewing heritage, vibrant festivals, industrial history, and modern cultural attractions along Lake Michigan. In addition to its renowned brewing industry, the city is home to the Harley-Davidson museum. However, Milwaukee also has one of the highest crime rates in the United States. As is often the case, though, some areas in the city are more prone to criminal activity than others. According to the latest crime data from AreaVibes, the following Milwaukee neighborhoods have the highest reported crime rates.

North Division

North Division anchors this listing of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Milwaukee, according to AreaVibes. With a quoted population of 5,219, the northwest Milwaukee neighborhood’s violent crime rate is 5,252 per 100,000 people. That figure makes North Division’s rate 267% higher than Milwaukee in general and 385% higher than the nation’s as a whole. High poverty levels, limited access to quality jobs and education, as well as historical underinvestment, contribute to the area’s frequent reports of assault, theft, and gang activity. The neighborhood is designated a high-risk hotspot by the Milwaukee Police Department.

Metcalfe Park

Metcalfe Park houses some 2,491 residents. The reported violent crime rate in the area is 5,074 per 100k people. This gives it 255% more crime than Milwaukee in general and 413% more than the national average. Also located in northwest Milwaukee, the area experiences frequent incidents of assault, theft, and shootings. Economic downturns from factory closures devastated the working-class community, prompting city-led revitalization efforts in the 1990s. However, they failed to fully reverse the damage. Crime spiked as poverty deepened, with the neighborhood later labeled one of Milwaukee’s most dangerous spots by the FBI. It has also been featured in reports on the unhealthiest U.S. communities tied to structural racism.

Park West

Park West is the most populous neighborhood on this list. The area’s low median household income of $33,985 and longstanding socioeconomic challenges, such as poverty and inequality, fuel its higher rate of violent and property crimes. Situated on Milwaukee’s north side, Park West is home to an estimated 5,281 people and has a violent crime rate of 4,993 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 249% higher than Milwaukee as a whole, as well as 434% higher than the national average. The neighborhood’s elevated crime rate is primarily driven by assault, robbery, vehicle theft and burglary. Safety varies by time of day, with increased risks at night.

RELATED: SAFEST AREAS IN AND AROUND MILWAUKEE

Concordia

Concordia, located on the city’s near west side, experiences elevated crime rates due to socioeconomic challenges. Key factors include low median household income, high rental occupancy and historical issues like prostitution and drug activity. These contribute to above-average incidents of assault, robbery, burglary and theft. Home to an estimated 2,276 residents of the Milwaukee area, the neighborhood is reported to experience approximately 4,086 crimes per 100k people. This ranks it as having 186% more crime than Milwaukee as a whole, and 260% more than the U.S. in general. Past law enforcement efforts have reduced prostitution, but drug dealing and petty crime persist in the area.

Washington Park

Washington Park, also situated on the city’s west side, houses some 4,094 residents of Milwaukee. With a rate of 4,086 crimes per 100,000 people, Washington Park is reported to experience 186% more crime than Milwaukee in general, and 260% more than the nation as a whole. High poverty levels among low-income residents contribute to issues like drug dealing and property crimes, which have historically distressed the neighborhood. Targeted community programs aimed at reducing violence through collaboration between local organizations, police, and residents have focused on place-based improvements and violence prevention strategies with limited success.

Nearby Areas With Elevated Crime Rates

While this guide focuses primarily on neighborhoods within Milwaukee, nearby communities with close economic and transit ties to the city can experience similar crime patterns. Areas immediately bordering Milwaukee often reflect spillover effects related to housing density, employment access, and mobility. Crime trends in these locations tend to mirror those seen in higher-crime Milwaukee neighborhoods, reinforcing the importance of awareness throughout the broader metro area.

Factors That May Contribute to Crime Rates

While no single factor defines a neighborhood, areas that report higher crime activity often experience a mix of environmental and economic stressors. These may include:

• Limited access to social services
• Higher poverty or unemployment rates
• Under-resourced infrastructure
• Fewer community programs or patrols

With that in mind, it’s important to note that crime data doesn’t always define a neighborhood’s character or potential. Many of these communities are home to dedicated residents and local organizations working toward positive change.

Best Practices If You Live in a High-Crime Area

Being proactive doesn’t require a major investment, even simple steps can improve safety and visibility:

• Keep your property well-lit at night
• Always lock doors, windows, and vehicles
• Install visible cameras or video doorbells
• Join or start a neighborhood watch
• Coordinate with neighbors via apps like Nextdoor or Citizen
• Report suspicious activity to MPD online, or phone 414.933.4444

Crime prevention starts with community awareness and consistent action.

RELATED: TOP NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH APPS

How Guardian Protection Can Help

For residents concerned about home safety, technology can add an extra layer of awareness and deterrence. Guardian Protection offers tools designed to support proactive security, including:

• Outdoor security cameras with motion-triggered alerts
• Video doorbells that record and notify in real time
• Smart sensors to monitor doors and windows
• 24/7 professional monitoring for fast emergency response

Our systems help families stay informed and connected, whether they live in Milwaukee or the surrounding communities.

EXPLORE GUARDIAN’S SERVICES IN YOUR AREA: HOME SECURITY IN MILWAUKEE

Building a Safer Milwaukee Together

Crime data can be helpful for awareness, but it doesn’t tell the full story. What matters most is how communities respond. Whether you’re already involved in local safety efforts or just looking to protect your household, every step makes a difference.

Guardian Protection is proud to support Milwaukee homeowners with home security solutions that fit your neighborhood’s needs.

Ready to feel more secure? Get your free quote or call 414.420.0030 to learn more.