Is Eau Claire or Milwaukee Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Eau Claire is safer than Milwaukee (Safety Score 39/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,068 per 100,000 versus 4,135 for Milwaukee — 50% lower. Eau Claire has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Eau Claire has a 97% lower rate.
Note: Milwaukee is 7.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Eau Claire — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Milwaukee — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Eau Claire, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Eau Claire | Milwaukee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,068.0 | 4,135.0 | -2,067.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 162.2 | 1,434.3 | -1,272.1 |
| Murder Rate | 2.8 | 23.9 | -21.1 |
| Rape Rate | 56.4 | 68.2 | -11.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 9.9 | 308.2 | -298.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 93.1 | 1,030.7 | -937.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,905.7 | 2,700.7 | -794.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 252.5 | 388.1 | -135.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,553.1 | 1,255.1 | +298.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 100.2 | 1,057.4 | -957.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eau Claire or Milwaukee safer?
Eau Claire is safer with a total crime rate of 2,068 per 100K vs 4,135 for Milwaukee — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Eau Claire has a violent crime rate of 162.2 per 100K while Milwaukee has 1,434.3. Eau Claire has lower violent crime.
About Eau Claire, WI
Eau Claire, situated at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers, was once a major logging hub. Its population is around 70,000, and it's home to the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. With a safety score of 39/100 and a population coverage of 70,891, Eau Claire has a total crime rate of 2,068.0 per 100,000 residents.
About Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee, a city on Lake Michigan's western shore, boasts a rich brewing heritage and a diverse population. Its industrial past is evident in its architecture and strong community ties. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 560,416, Milwaukee has a total crime rate of 4,135.0 per 100,000 residents.