The biggest and most populated city in Wisconsin, Milwaukee, has the unfortunate distinction of being designated as the state’s murder capital for 2023. This classification results from its alarming per capita rates of violent crimes, including murder.
Figures for Homicide
Milwaukee had an astounding 189 homicides, or 19 murders for every 100,000 people. This number is more than six times higher than the national average of 3 per 100,000 and more than nine times higher than the state average of 2 per 100,000.
The number of recorded homicides in the city increased to 195 by 2023, or 32.9 per 100,000 people. This represents Wisconsin’s highest murder rate as well as the state’s highest murder total.
Additional Urban Centers
Although Milwaukee tops the list in this regrettable statistic, a considerable number of killings are also reported in other Wisconsin cities. For example, Kenosha recorded 13 homicides in 2023, making it the city with the second-highest number of murders.
Brown Deer, Beloit, Plover, Oconomowoc, Racine, Grand Chute, West Allis, and Madison are a few other cities with notable murder rates.
Contributing Elements
The high crime rates in Milwaukee are caused by several causes. With a poverty rate of 25.4%, the city is more than twice as high as the 10.5% national average and more than three times higher than the 8.1% state average.
Milwaukee is one of the most racially divided cities in the country, which breeds prejudice, social exclusion, and animosity, all of which can lead to crime and violence.
Furthermore, with an estimated 10,000 gang members affiliated with over 130 distinct gangs, Milwaukee has a serious gang problem.
Statistical Data:
| City | Homicides (2023) | Murder Rate per 100,000 People (2023) |
| Milwaukee | 195 | 32.9 |
| Kenosha | 13 | N/A |
| Brown Deer | N/A | N/A |
| Beloit | N/A | N/A |
| Plover | N/A | N/A |
| Oconomowoc | N/A | N/A |
| Racine | N/A | N/A |
| Grand Chute | N/A | N/A |
| West Allis | N/A | N/A |
| Madison | N/A | N/A |
Milwaukee is regrettably known as Wisconsin’s murder capitol, with 195 recorded homicides in 2023 and a murder rate of 32.9 per 100,000 residents. Kenosha comes next, with 13 killings. Other cities with noteworthy murder rates include Brown Deer, Beloit, Plover, Oconomowoc, Racine, Grand Chute, West Allis, and Madison. Milwaukee’s high poverty rate of 25.4%—more than twice the national average—and racial divisions that exacerbate social problems are contributing reasons. Furthermore, the city faces a serious gang issue, with an estimated 10,000 gang members connected to more than 130 different gangs.
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In Summary
To sum up, Milwaukee, Wisconsin is the unlucky state’s murder capital for 2023 with 195 recorded homicides and an alarming murder rate of 32.9 per 100,000 residents, which is six times higher than the national average. With thirteen killings, Kenosha comes in second, while notable murder rates are also noted in Brown Deer, Beloit, Plover, Oconomowoc, Racine, Grand Chute, West Allis, and Madison, among other communities. Milwaukee faces many obstacles, including a double-digit poverty rate of 25.4%, racial divisions escalating societal issues, and a significant gang problem with about 10,000 members connected to over 130 gangs. To address these socioeconomic issues that are contributing to the alarming crime rates in the area, immediate interventions are required.