Nestled along the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee’s brewing heritage and vibrant cultural scene make it a desirable place to live. Attractions like the Harley-Davidson Museum, America’s Black Holocaust Museum, and Summerfest contribute to the city’s identity.
While crime rates vary across the region, several neighborhoods in and around Milwaukee consistently report lower incident levels. Below, we highlight some of the safest areas within Milwaukee and nearby surrounding communities, based on public crime data and resident feedback.
RELATED: MILWAUKEE CRIME RATE STATISTICS
How We Identified Milwaukee, WI’s Safest Neighborhoods
These selections are based on crime statistics from the FBI Crime Data Explorer and safety rankings from local analysis sites like NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes. We also considered community engagement, lighting, walkability, resident sentiment, and how crime patterns compare between Milwaukee neighborhoods and nearby surrounding areas.
The Safest Neighborhoods in Milwaukee, WI
Alcott Park
Alcott Park, named for famed author Louisa May Alcott, is a small, family-oriented neighborhood on Milwaukee’s southwest side. Known for its suburban feel, central park, and moderate-income residences, the neighborhood features a mix of mid-20th-century ranch homes, alongside older bungalows and Tudors. With a reported 328 crimes per 100,000 people, Alcott Park’s crime rate is 92% lower than that of Milwaukee in general. The area’s 1,753 residents also experience an 85% lower crime rate than the nation as a whole. Alcott Park’s livability score of 75/100 is considered excellent. Residents describe the neighborhood as friendly, safe, and relaxed, with good access to parks, bars, and neighborhood parades.
Mill Valley
Mill Valley, a suburban neighborhood on Milwaukee’s northwest side, is known for its hilly terrain and proximity to the Menomonee River. It offers its 837 residents a quiet, low-density environment with a mix of condominiums and modest single-family homes. This makes the area appealing for first-time home buyers and retirees. Owner-occupied properties dominate with a low vacancy rate, and the area shows above-average home appreciation. Mill Valley’s crime rate is 91% lower than Milwaukee’s as a whole, and 83% lower than the national average. The neighborhood is said to experience 354 crimes per 100,000 people. Its livability score is 69/100, which is considered good.
Rolling Green
Rolling Green, situated in southwest Milwaukee, offers moderate population density. The housing stock is primarily comprised of ranch and Colonial-style residences built in the late 20th century. Rolling Green offers a quiet, family-friendly suburban feel with easy access to parks, restaurants, schools, and freeways—though it lacks a full commercial corridor. Approximately 2,839 citizens of Milwaukee reside in the Rolling Green area, with a reported crime rate of 503 per 100,000 people. The area is reported to experience 88% less crime than Milwaukee as a whole and 76% less than the national average. Rolling Green’s livability score of 75/100 is considered excellent.
RELATED: THE MOST DANGEROUS AREAS IN AND AROUND MILWAUKEE
Ridgeview
Ridgeview offers a tranquil atmosphere. The northwest Milwaukee neighborhood’s 651 residents appreciate the urban feel it provides with its mix of rental properties and single-family homes. Its crime rate of 513 per 100,000 people ranks it as having 88% less crime than Milwaukee as a whole and 76% lower than the national average. The neighborhood’s poor livability score of 52/100 is said to stem from its potential for long-term instability and affordability concerns. The neighborhood’s public schools aren’t strong, and Ridgeview isn’t considered truly family-friendly. This drags its livability score down, despite the community’s favorable crime statistics.
North Granville
North Granville lies on the city’s far northwest side. Featuring a mix of residential, commercial, and undeveloped properties, North Granville is a working-class community with diverse residents. Large apartment complexes and condo villages predominate. As a result, some 92% of its residents rent. Home to some 607 Milwaukeeans, the area’s crime rate of 529 per 100,000 people is 87% lower than Milwaukee’s as a whole. North Granville’s crime rate is also 75% lower than the national average. As it isn’t considered to be family-friendly, and its schools aren’t strong, the area’s livability score is considered below average at 60/100. The cost of living in North Granville is also relatively high.
Safer Areas Near Milwaukee
While Milwaukee contains several lower-crime neighborhoods within city limits, some nearby communities outside the city also report consistently low crime rates. Areas such as Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, and Shorewood are frequently cited for lower violent crime levels, strong community involvement, and residential stability. These nearby suburbs appeal to families and professionals who want proximity to Milwaukee while prioritizing a quieter living environment.
What Makes These Neighborhoods Safer
While every part of the city has unique characteristics, the neighborhoods above tend to share several safety-positive traits:
- Active neighborhood associations and community events
- Higher levels of homeownership
- Better lighting and street visibility
- Access to parks, schools, and public services
- Residents who take initiative with watch programs or local communication
Local police departments also maintain a presence in many of these areas, further supporting public trust and responsiveness.
Best Practices for Keeping a Safe Neighborhood Safe
Even in low-crime areas, staying vigilant helps preserve that sense of security. These everyday habits contribute to neighborhood safety:
- Keep porch lights and entryways well-lit at night
- Use motion-sensor lighting or camera doorbells
- Lock all doors and windows, even during the day
- Join or start a neighborhood watch
- Coordinate with neighbors via apps like Nextdoor or Citizen
- Report concerns quickly to MPD online, or phone 414.933.4444
Neighborhood safety is strongest when residents work together and stay informed.
RELATED: TOP NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH APPS
How Guardian Protection Can Help
If you live in one of Milwaukee, WI’s safer neighborhoods, you might not feel the same urgency around home security, but prevention is always better than reaction. Guardian Protection offers peace of mind that complements the environment you’ve chosen to live in.
Our smart home security options include:
- Indoor and outdoor security cameras with live mobile access
- Window and door sensors to detect intrusion
- Smart home control and mobile app management to keep you informed when you’re away
- 24/7 professional monitoring for rapid response
Whether you live in Alcott Park, Rolling Green, or a nearby Milwaukee-area community, our systems are designed to fit your lifestyle and your neighborhood’s needs.
EXPLORE GUARDIAN’S SERVICES IN YOUR AREA: HOME SECURITY IN MILWAUKEE
Building Peace of Mind at Home
Choosing a safe neighborhood is a smart move, but true peace of mind comes from knowing your home is protected, no matter what. Guardian Protection offers home security solutions that fit seamlessly into low-crime, community-focused areas.
Looking to reinforce your sense of safety? Get a free quote or call 414.420.0030 to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the safest neighborhood in Milwaukee, WI?
Neighborhoods like Alcott Park, Mill Valley, and Rolling Green are consistently ranked among the safest areas in Milwaukee, WI. These show violent crime rates significantly below the city and national averages, supported by strong community engagement and excellent amenities.
Are Milwaukee, WI, suburbs safer than the city?
Many suburbs do report lower overall crime rates compared to Milwaukee’s urban core. However, several of the city’s neighborhoods, particularly those recognized for safety and community cohesiveness, are just as safe or even safer than some suburban areas.
What types of crime are most common in safer areas?
In neighborhoods with low crime rates, incidents typically involve occasional vehicle break-ins or minor vandalism. Violent crime is rare, but not impossible, so vigilance and community action remain important.
What makes neighborhoods like Alcott Park and Mill Valley safe?
Their safety comes from a combination of factors: active neighborhood associations, high homeownership rates, good street lighting, proximity to parks and schools, and engaged residents who participate in watch programs and communicate effectively with local police.
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