10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Milwaukee
- North Division
- Franklin Heights
- Metcalfe Park
- Park West
- Garden Homes
- Borchert Field
- Sherman Park
- Washington Park
- Saint Joseph
- Haymarket
1. North Division
The most dangerous neighborhood in Milwaukee is North Division. This historic Milwaukee neighborhood has longstanding issues with poverty and inequality. With a population of roughly 5,219, North Division has a crime rate that is 365% above the national average. Violent crime is disproportionately high in North Division, with an active gang presence in the area. North Division sees a high rate of homicides, drive-by shootings, robberies, and various types of property theft.
2. Franklin Heights
Franklin Heights is a densely population neighborhood in north Milwaukee. Out of a population of 6,836, Franklin Heights has a crime rate that is 360% above the national average. With a total of 10,803 criminal incidents reported in 2022, this figure included homicides, carjackings, shootings, and robberies. Franklin Heights has a high poverty rate, with the average income being 56% below the national average.
3. Metcalfe Park
Metcalfe Park is a small neighborhood located near downtown Milwaukee. Out of a population of 2,673, Metcalfe Park has a 347% above the national average. The area has a gang presence, which contributes so much to the violent and property crime. Employment is scarce in Metcalfe Park, with the average resident earning 58% below the national average. Not only is poverty a problem, but the area has a poorly rated school system as well.
4. Park West
Park West is a majority residential area located in northeast Milwaukee. Although a transitioning neighborhood, Park West still sees its fair share of criminal incidents. With a population of around 6,270, Park West has a crime rate that is 342% above the national average. Crimes like home and vehicle theft, assault, and robbery are common in the area. As parts of Park West have been revitalized, the area is seeing a slow decrease in criminal activity.
5. Garden Homes
Garden Homes is a neighborhood in northern Milwaukee that has long suffered from poverty and urban decay. Out of a population of 3,586, Garden Homes has a crime rate that is 321% above the national average. This high-crime neighborhood had a total of 9,886 incidents in 2022, including homicides, robberies, assaults, and home invasions. One of the poorest areas in Milwaukee, the unemployment rate in Garden Homes is 72% above the national average.
6. Borchert Field
Named after the famous baseball field of the same name, Borchert Field is a neighborhood located in northern Milwaukee. With a population of 3,020, Borchert Field has a crime rate that is 269% above the national average. Crime like homicide, burglary, robbery, and assault are common in the area. Many residents live below the poverty line, with the average resident earning 57% below the national average.
7. Sherman Park
Sherman Park is a residential neighborhood located in northern Milwaukee. With a population of 6,916, Sherman Park has a crime rate that is 259% above the national average. The area has a large gang presence, which contributes to violent crimes such as shootings and homicides. Drug trafficking and addiction are also major concerns in the area. Many families in Sherman Park live well below the poverty, and the neighborhood has poorly rated-schools.
8. Washington Park
Washington Park is a slowly transitioning neighborhood that still deals with a criminal element. In 2022, there was a total of 8,303 criminal incidents in the area, including 4,412 violent and 3,891 property crimes. Much of the crime involves individuals already engaged in criminal activity and doesn’t necessarily target locals. However, property crime still remains an issue, with vehicle theft and property theft being the most common.
9. Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph is an area in northwestern Milwaukee that is part of the larger Sherman Park neighborhood. Out of a population of 6,560, Saint Joseph has a crime rate that is 236% above the national average. In 2022, there was a total of 7,874 criminal incidents in Saint Joseph, including 4,023 violent and 3,851 property crimes. Despite concerns over crime, many parts of Saint Joseph have shown promise for future revitalization.
10. Haymarket
Haymarket is a small community located just outside of downtown Milwaukee. Even with a population of just over 500 people, both violent and property crime rates are well above the national average. The area surrounding Haymarket has longstanding problems with poverty, with the average resident earning 45% below the national average.