Is Brookfield or Madison Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Brookfield is safer than Madison (Safety Score 67/100 vs 37/100), with a total crime rate of 1,180 per 100,000 versus 2,121 for Madison — 44% lower. Brookfield has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Brookfield has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Madison is 6.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Brookfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Brookfield, WI
Madison, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Brookfield | Madison | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,180.4 | 2,121.3 | -940.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 83.3 | 256.3 | -173.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 2.4 | 26.6 | -24.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 26.2 | 33.7 | -7.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 54.7 | 193.2 | -138.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,097.1 | 1,865.0 | -767.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 107.1 | 158.5 | -51.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 940.1 | 1,595.5 | -655.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 50.0 | 111.0 | -61.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brookfield or Madison safer?
Brookfield is safer with a total crime rate of 1,180 per 100K vs 2,121 for Madison — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Brookfield has a violent crime rate of 83.3 per 100K while Madison has 256.3. Brookfield has lower violent crime.
About Brookfield, WI
Brookfield, a western suburb of Milwaukee, is known for its upscale residential areas and commercial corridors. Historically a farming community, it retains a suburban character, with a median household income significantly above the state average. With a safety score of 67/100 and a population coverage of 42,019, Brookfield has a total crime rate of 1,180.4 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.