Is Chesapeake or Madison Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chesapeake is safer than Madison (Safety Score 38/100 vs 37/100), with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100,000 versus 2,121 for Madison — 2% lower. Chesapeake has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Madison has a 47% lower rate.
Chesapeake — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chesapeake, VA
Madison, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chesapeake | Madison | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,083.6 | 2,121.3 | -37.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 339.4 | 256.3 | +83.0 |
| Murder Rate | 4.7 | 2.5 | +2.2 |
| Rape Rate | 23.3 | 26.6 | -3.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.7 | 33.7 | +11.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 266.7 | 193.2 | +73.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,744.2 | 1,865.0 | -120.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 185.0 | 158.5 | +26.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,446.5 | 1,595.5 | -149.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 112.7 | 111.0 | +1.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake or Madison safer?
Chesapeake is safer with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100K vs 2,121 for Madison — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chesapeake has a violent crime rate of 339.4 per 100K while Madison has 256.3. Madison has lower violent crime.
About Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake, a sprawling South Hampton Roads city, incorporates rural and suburban areas. Its numerous waterways, like the Great Dismal Swamp Canal, are integral to its geography. The city was formed in 1963 through a merger of Norfolk County and South Norfolk. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 257,248, Chesapeake has a total crime rate of 2,083.6 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.