Is Baraboo or Madison Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Baraboo is safer than Madison (Safety Score 69/100 vs 37/100), with a total crime rate of 1,123 per 100,000 versus 2,121 for Madison — 47% lower. Baraboo has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Baraboo has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Madison is 22.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Baraboo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Baraboo, WI
Madison, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Baraboo | Madison | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,122.8 | 2,121.3 | -998.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 103.5 | 256.3 | -152.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 8.0 | 26.6 | -18.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 8.0 | 33.7 | -25.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 87.6 | 193.2 | -105.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,019.3 | 1,865.0 | -845.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 39.8 | 158.5 | -118.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 955.6 | 1,595.5 | -639.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 23.9 | 111.0 | -87.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baraboo or Madison safer?
Baraboo is safer with a total crime rate of 1,123 per 100K vs 2,121 for Madison — a 47% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Baraboo has a violent crime rate of 103.5 per 100K while Madison has 256.3. Baraboo has lower violent crime.
About Baraboo, WI
Baraboo, nestled in the scenic Baraboo Range, is a small city of about 12,000 residents. It's famously known as the historic winter home of the Ringling Bros. Circus. With a safety score of 69/100 and a population coverage of 12,558, Baraboo has a total crime rate of 1,122.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Madison, WI
Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, sits on an isthmus between two lakes, Mendota and Monona. Home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, it's known for its progressive politics and vibrant student culture. With a safety score of 37/100 and a population coverage of 282,045, Madison has a total crime rate of 2,121.3 per 100,000 residents.