This Tiny Wisconsin Town is More Dangerous than Milwaukee?

Do you ever hear someone state a fact yet feel like what you've just heard is unbelievable? That's a perfect description of my reaction when I saw that there is a tiny Wisconsin town that is more dangerous than Milwaukee. It just doesn't sound possible, but there's data to back it up.

No offense intended if you live in Milwaukee, but my perception is that's the place in Wisconsin where you're more likely to encounter crime. However, according to Population U, there's one other place in the state that has a higher crime rate. It certainly doesn't look dangerous to me. Does it to you?

Yes, Milwaukee has a sky-high crime rate of 26.86 for every 1,000 people, but Platteville, Wisconsin tops it with a crime rate of 28.31 for every 1,000 residents. It's not just one website making this claim about crime in Platteville. Neighborhood Scout says that you have a 1 in 40 chance of being a victim of violent or property crime there.

Crime Grade gives Platteville, Wisconsin a D+ saying that a crime happens there every 17 hours and 16 minutes.

Let's not get carried away labeling Platteville as a crime headquarters. Keep in mind that since the crime rate is based on per capita numbers, the small population of just over 11,000 in Platteville means 1 crime there affects the crime rate exponentially more than a large city like Milwaukee.

Still, it's not good that this small Wisconsin place is gaining a reputation for crime. Even one violent crime is one too many.