Is Beloit or Madison Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Madison is safer than Beloit (Safety Score 37/100 vs 26/100), with a total crime rate of 2,121 per 100,000 versus 2,606 for Beloit — 19% lower. Beloit has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Madison has a 78% lower rate.
Note: Madison is 7.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Beloit — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Beloit, WI
Madison, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Beloit | Madison | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,605.5 | 2,121.3 | +484.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 391.9 | 256.3 | +135.6 |
| Murder Rate | 11.0 | 2.5 | +8.6 |
| Rape Rate | 80.0 | 26.6 | +53.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 60.7 | 33.7 | +27.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 240.1 | 193.2 | +46.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,213.6 | 1,865.0 | +348.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 218.1 | 158.5 | +59.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,818.9 | 1,595.5 | +223.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 176.6 | 111.0 | +65.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beloit or Madison safer?
Madison is safer with a total crime rate of 2,121 per 100K vs 2,606 for Beloit — a 19% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Beloit has a violent crime rate of 391.9 per 100K while Madison has 256.3. Madison has lower violent crime.
About Beloit, WI
Beloit, Wisconsin, a city on the Rock River near the Illinois border, boasts a rich industrial heritage evident in its historic downtown. With a population around 37,000, it's home to Beloit College, one of the oldest continually operating colleges in the Midwest. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 36,231, Beloit has a total crime rate of 2,605.5 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.