Wisconsin Criminal Justice & Crime Rates 2026
Incarceration rates, crime statistics, criminal justice reform, and political context in Wisconsin for 2026.
411
Incarceration Rate (per 100k)
No
Death Penalty
Not Legal
Marijuana Legalization
#44
Violent Crime Rate Rank
Criminal Justice Overview
Wisconsin abolished the death penalty in 1853. Milwaukee faces significant gun violence. The state has considered marijuana legalization but the Republican legislature has blocked it. Criminal justice has been politically charged given the Kenosha unrest and associated political battles.
Key Criminal Justice Data
| Indicator | Status |
|---|---|
| Incarceration Rate (per 100k) | 411 |
| Total Prison Population | 24,000 |
| Violent Crime Rate Rank | #44 nationally |
| Death Penalty | No |
| Recreational Marijuana | Not Legal |
| Bail Reform | Traditional |
| Police Reform Legislation | No |
Political Context
Wisconsin has divided government limiting reform. Milwaukee crime is a major political issue. The Kenosha shootings in 2020 created national attention. Republicans use crime to attack Milwaukee Democratic leadership. Democrats push for marijuana legalization and policing reforms.