Is Burlington or Madison Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Burlington is safer than Madison (Safety Score 72/100 vs 37/100), with a total crime rate of 1,060 per 100,000 versus 2,121 for Madison — 50% lower. Burlington has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Burlington has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Madison is 25.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Burlington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Burlington, WI
Madison, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Burlington | Madison | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,059.6 | 2,121.3 | -1,061.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 99.6 | 256.3 | -156.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 27.2 | 26.6 | +0.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 33.7 | -33.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 72.5 | 193.2 | -120.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 960.0 | 1,865.0 | -905.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 0.0 | 158.5 | -158.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 923.8 | 1,595.5 | -671.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 36.2 | 111.0 | -74.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burlington or Madison safer?
Burlington is safer with a total crime rate of 1,060 per 100K vs 2,121 for Madison — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Burlington has a violent crime rate of 99.6 per 100K while Madison has 256.3. Burlington has lower violent crime.
About Burlington, WI
Burlington, Wisconsin, known as the "Chocolate City" due to its Nestlé plant, is a city of about 11,000 in Racine County. It lies along the Fox River and boasts a historic downtown area. With a safety score of 72/100 and a population coverage of 11,042, Burlington has a total crime rate of 1,059.6 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.