Is Beaver Dam or Milwaukee Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Beaver Dam is safer than Milwaukee (Safety Score 64/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,269 per 100,000 versus 4,135 for Milwaukee — 69% lower. Beaver Dam has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Beaver Dam has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Milwaukee is 34.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Beaver Dam — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Milwaukee — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Beaver Dam, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Beaver Dam | Milwaukee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,268.7 | 4,135.0 | -2,866.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 145.7 | 1,434.3 | -1,288.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 23.9 | -23.9 |
| Rape Rate | 42.5 | 68.2 | -25.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 308.2 | -308.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 103.2 | 1,030.7 | -927.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,123.1 | 2,700.7 | -1,577.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 12.1 | 388.1 | -376.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,056.3 | 1,255.1 | -198.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 54.6 | 1,057.4 | -1,002.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beaver Dam or Milwaukee safer?
Beaver Dam is safer with a total crime rate of 1,269 per 100K vs 4,135 for Milwaukee — a 69% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Beaver Dam has a violent crime rate of 145.7 per 100K while Milwaukee has 1,434.3. Beaver Dam has lower violent crime.
About Beaver Dam, WI
Beaver Dam, WI, a city of 16,000 in Dodge County, is known for its historic downtown and the Beaver Dam Lake. It's a regional hub with a strong agricultural heritage, once home to the Wayland Academy. With a safety score of 64/100 and a population coverage of 16,473, Beaver Dam has a total crime rate of 1,268.7 per 100,000 residents.
About Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee, a city on Lake Michigan's western shore, boasts a rich brewing heritage and a diverse population. Its industrial past is evident in its architecture and strong community ties. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 560,416, Milwaukee has a total crime rate of 4,135.0 per 100,000 residents.