Is Deforest or Madison Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Deforest is safer than Madison (Safety Score 78/100 vs 37/100), with a total crime rate of 902 per 100,000 versus 2,121 for Madison — 57% lower. Deforest has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Deforest has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Madison is 25.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Deforest — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Deforest, WI
Madison, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Deforest | Madison | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 902.2 | 2,121.3 | -1,219.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 89.3 | 256.3 | -167.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 8.9 | 26.6 | -17.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 33.7 | -33.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 71.5 | 193.2 | -121.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 812.9 | 1,865.0 | -1,052.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 44.7 | 158.5 | -113.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 759.3 | 1,595.5 | -836.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 8.9 | 111.0 | -102.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Deforest or Madison safer?
Deforest is safer with a total crime rate of 902 per 100K vs 2,121 for Madison — a 57% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Deforest has a violent crime rate of 89.3 per 100K while Madison has 256.3. Deforest has lower violent crime.
About Deforest, WI
Deforest, Wisconsin, a village north of Madison, was named for a railroad superintendent. Over 10,000 residents call this Dane County community home, which features a strong agricultural heritage. With a safety score of 78/100 and a population coverage of 11,195, Deforest has a total crime rate of 902.2 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.