Is Fitchburg or Madison Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fitchburg is safer than Madison (Safety Score 52/100 vs 37/100), with a total crime rate of 1,616 per 100,000 versus 2,121 for Madison — 24% lower. Fitchburg has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fitchburg has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Madison is 8.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Fitchburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fitchburg, WI
Madison, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fitchburg | Madison | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,616.4 | 2,121.3 | -504.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 275.0 | 256.3 | +18.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 30.6 | 26.6 | +4.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 15.3 | 33.7 | -18.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 229.2 | 193.2 | +35.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,341.4 | 1,865.0 | -523.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 122.2 | 158.5 | -36.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,103.1 | 1,595.5 | -492.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 116.1 | 111.0 | +5.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fitchburg or Madison safer?
Fitchburg is safer with a total crime rate of 1,616 per 100K vs 2,121 for Madison — a 24% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fitchburg has a violent crime rate of 275.0 per 100K while Madison has 256.3. Madison has lower violent crime.
About Fitchburg, WI
Fitchburg, Wisconsin, incorporated in 1983, is a city in Dane County, directly south of Madison. It boasts a mix of suburban development and agricultural land, with a significant portion of its population commuting to Madison for work. With a safety score of 52/100 and a population coverage of 32,727, Fitchburg has a total crime rate of 1,616.4 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.