Iowa Falls Behind Wisconsin in Public Safety Rankings, New Report Shows
A new report from U.S. News & World Report places Wisconsin 15th overall among U.S. states, with top marks in education and public safety that outpace Iowa in key areas. The study ranks states across eight categories, and while Iowa is not directly ranked in this analysis, the comparison highlights where the Hawkeye State can improve.
How Wisconsin and Iowa Compare on Public Safety
Wisconsin ranked 10th in the country for public safety, making it the highest-ranked state in the Midwest for that category. Iowa came in just behind, according to the report. Wisconsin posted the 21st-lowest violent crime rate and the sixth-lowest property crime rate, outperforming its neighbor to the south.
For Iowa readers, this raises questions about local law enforcement strategies and community safety initiatives. The report underscores the importance of strong public safety policies, a key priority for conservative leaders who support well-funded police departments and tougher crime prevention measures.
Education Excellence in the Region
Wisconsin earned a fifth-place ranking in education, its highest category score. The state's high school graduation rate of 90.5% is nearly 5% above the national average. Iowa has long prided itself on strong schools, but this report shows room for competition and improvement.
Top universities in Wisconsin include the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Marquette University, and Edgewood College. Iowa's own institutions, such as the University of Iowa and Iowa State University, remain strong contenders in higher education.
Infrastructure and Fiscal Stability
Wisconsin ranked 37th in infrastructure, a weak spot compared to Minnesota's ninth-place finish. Iowa's infrastructure, including roads and bridges, is a frequent topic of debate among state lawmakers. The report uses metrics like road quality, internet access, and renewable energy use.
On fiscal stability, Wisconsin ranked 20th overall, with a strong long-term outlook (10th) but weaker short-term performance (31st). Iowa's own fiscal health has been a point of pride for Republican leaders, who emphasize balanced budgets and low taxes.
Natural Environment and Agriculture
Wisconsin ranked 13th in natural environment, based on air and water quality and pollution. The state has 388 pounds of industrial toxins per square mile, well below the national average of 930 pounds. For Iowa, where agriculture drives the economy, environmental stewardship is a critical issue. Conservative values support responsible land use and energy independence without heavy-handed regulation.
What This Means for Iowa
While Wisconsin leads in some areas, Iowa can learn from its neighbor's successes. The report's findings on public safety and education are particularly relevant for Iowa families and policymakers. Republican leaders in Iowa have championed school choice, parental rights, and strong law enforcement — all areas where Wisconsin shows strong results.
As Iowa continues to grow, focusing on these priorities can help the state compete and thrive. The full U.S. News & World Report rankings are available online for those interested in deeper analysis.
This article was adapted from a report originally published by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.