Is Janesville Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Janesville, Wisconsin, often referred to as “Wisconsin’s Park Place,” is a city with a rich industrial past and a welcoming small-town vibe.

Established in the 1830s, it quickly grew into a hub of agriculture and manufacturing.

The Rock River runs through the city, shaping both its early economy and its picturesque scenery.

One of the most notable aspects of Janesville’s history is its deep connection to the automotive industry, particularly through the General Motors assembly plant, which operated for over 85 years before closing in 2008.

With a population of about 65,000, Janesville is one of the largest cities in southern Wisconsin, but it still retains a neighborly vibe.

One of the most charming aspects of Janesville is its extensive park system, covering more than 2,500 acres.

The revitalized downtown area offers a mix of dining, shopping, and art galleries, and the city’s dedication to preserving its heritage and natural beauty shines in its versatile activities.

Janesville is also conveniently located between Rockland, Illinois and Madison, Wisconsin, with Lake Koshkonong just to the north.

Warnings & Dangers in Janesville

Safest Places to Visit in Janesville

JanesvilleCVB.com is the website for the convention and visitor’s bureau.

A free visitor’s guide is available to download.

Downtown Janesville also has a website of the same name.

You can find a list of stores, restaurants, and hotels on the site.

Plus, the most robust list of local events is posted.

One thing I do want to note is that downtown Janesville spans both sides of the Rock River.

With more than 30 miles of trails, Janesville mixes urban appeal with outdoor adventures.

The Wisconsin Ice Age Trail parallels the river near downtown.

One of my favorite trails in Janesville is Devil’s Staircase, north of downtown in Riverside Park.

It’s especially beautiful during fall foliage.

For an easier stroll on the Ice Age Trail, visit the Arboretum, which includes eight miles of trails along 160 acres.

Outdoor activities happen year-round, with cross-country skiing in winter.

An international collection of gardens is found at the Rotary Botanical Gardens, covering 30 acres.

Among the beautiful displays are 4,000 species of plants and flowers.

The Rock County Historical Society Museum is located inside an Italianate mansion built in 1857.

You can guide yourself through the exhibits or take one of the docent-led tours.

Art lovers have many options in Janesville and throughout Rock County.

The Janesville Art League has a gallery with rotating exhibits, and you can visit Raven’s Wish Gallery for various types of art, from painting to jewelry.

Rock Aqua Jays Water Ski Show holds shows on the water during the summer, with jumps, flips, and pyramids of people showcasing their unique skills.

Immerse yourself in the farm life at Daluge Farm; just be sure to make reservations at least 48 hours in advance.

You’ll get to see a working dairy farm and help with chores.

Lake Koshkonong’s shoreline features several parks that offer access to its natural beauty.

One notable park is Koshkonong Mounds Park, which not only provides scenic views of the lake but also contains ancient Native American effigy mounds.

North Shore Park is another, offering a boat launch and picnic areas.

Camping, fishing, and boating are popular on the lake.

I also wanted to bring up the possibility of visiting the Buckhorn Supper Club on Lake Koshkonong.

For those who don’t know, a Midwest supper club is more than a restaurant; it’s a robust and laid-back dining experience with entertainment in addition to several courses of food.

Places to Avoid in Janesville

While there aren’t neighborhoods that are too dangerous to visit, the Fourth Ward on the southwest side of town is generally known as the least desirable neighborhood.

At the same time, the Fourth Ward also doesn’t have any attractions, and you won’t accidentally end up there unless you are going to visit someone who lives in the neighborhood.

The only other advice I’d offer is to listen to weather watches and warnings, especially in winter.

Wisconsin isn’t a place where they will make a big deal out of a regular round of snow.

If there’s a No Travel Advisory, make other plans.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Janesville

So... How Safe Is Janesville Really?

The violent crime rate in Janesville for 2023 was 52% lower than the national average.

Over the past five years, just 16% of violent crimes involved strangers, meaning the risk of a visitor being a target of a random act of violence is even lower.

Police were also able to take nearly $1 million of drugs and weapons off the street in 2023.

The theft rate in 2023 was 16% higher than the national average, with 48% of all thefts falling into the shoplifting category.

Another 44% of thefts were in the “Other” category, which can mean anything from stolen construction equipment to items taken from a yard or campsite.

Visiting Janesville shouldn’t come with any concerns, and using common sense and standard personal safety steps goes a long way.

How Does Janesville Compare?

City	Safety Index
Janesville	81
Massachusetts	84
Moapa Valley	78
Truro	87
Chandler	64
Canton	45
Phenix City	83
Krabi	70
Mangalore	75
Wellington	72
Navi Mumbai	80
Macau	85
Vienna	92

Useful Information

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Janesville Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

---

Wisconsin - Safety by City

City	Safety Index
Apostle Islands	78
Appleton	83
Baraboo	82
Bayfield	78
Beloit	60
Cedarburg	79
Eau Claire	77
Fond du Lac	64
Fort Atkinson	86
Green Bay	81
Janesville	81
Kenosha	74
Lake Geneva	82
Madison	77
Milwaukee	34
Minocqua	84
New Glarus	83
Oshkosh	83
Platteville	85
Prairie du Chien	80
Racine	70
Sheboygan	80
Sturgeon Bay	83
Sun Prairie	84
Superior	82
Tomah	83
Waukesha	83
Wausau	68
Whitewater	85
Wisconsin Dells	85