Minnesota and Wisconsin College Towns Among Safest in America

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When deciding on a college, there's so much more to consider than just education. Aside from safety measures on campus, what about the safety of the areas surrounding the campus? By selecting a college in a safe environment, students can prioritize their studies without compromising their safety and well-being.

Also See: These Are the Best School Districts in Minnesota. 

There's a new list out of the 50 safest college towns in America in 2024. There was only one Minnesota town that made the list. Wisconsin actually had three towns mentioned.

Minnesota College Town Is Now One of The Safest in America

According to Research.com, the report primarily used the latest FBI crime statistics on violent and property crimes, but they also looked at community outreach programs, security practices, and safety measures used in these college towns.

At #38 - Northfield, MN.

• Population: 20,742
• College: St. Olaf College and Carleton College
• Undergrad population: 5,153
• Property Crime Rate: 9.7

The sole entry from the land of ten thousand lakes, Minnesota, Northfield is one of the safest college towns across the U.S. It was also voted as among the best places to retire, with a violent crime rate of 1.4. A part of Rice County, Northfield is home to Carleton College, St. Olaf College, and several primary and secondary schools, including an alternative learning institution. - Research.com

Wisconsin is Home to Three of the Safest College Towns in America.

#15 Mequon, Wisconsin

• Population: 24,311
• College: Concordia University, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary
• Undergrad population: 3,272
• Property Crime Rate: 9.9

With only a 0.2 violent crime rate for the year, Mequon is one of the most peaceful and orderly college towns in America. This Milwaukee suburb is a popular choice among the best places to live in the country. There are instances when some of its schools, such as Concordia University, along with the surrounding community, experience zero criminal incidents for an entire year. - Research.com.

#31 De Pere, Wisconsin

• Population: 25,020
• College: St. Norbert College
• Undergrad population: 2,228

The second entry from the Badger State, De Pere has a violent crime rate of 1.5 and a property crime rate of 8.1. It is voted as one of the best places to live in Wisconsin and is home to St. Norbert College and several primary and secondary schools, including Syble Hopp, a school operated by the Brown County Children with Disabilities Education Board. - Research.com.

#39 Waukesha, Wisconsin

• Population: 72,299
• College: Carroll University, University of Wisconsin–Waukesha, Waukesha County Technical College
• Undergrad population: 22,681
• Property Crime Rate: 10.3

The third entry from Wisconsin, Waukesha is considered one of the safest places to live in the US and in the state. It has a violent crime rate of 1.3, which is 76% lower compared to the national average. It is also known as the "Spring City" and is home to several schools spearheaded by Carroll University and University of Wisconsin–Waukesha. - Research.com

To see the entire list of the 50 Safest College Towns in America, click here.