Is Grafton or Madison Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Grafton is safer than Madison (Safety Score 85/100 vs 37/100), with a total crime rate of 696 per 100,000 versus 2,121 for Madison — 67% lower. Grafton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Grafton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Madison is 22.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Grafton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Grafton, WI
Madison, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Grafton | Madison | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 696.0 | 2,121.3 | -1,425.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 78.2 | 256.3 | -178.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 31.3 | 26.6 | +4.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 7.8 | 33.7 | -25.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 39.1 | 193.2 | -154.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 617.8 | 1,865.0 | -1,247.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 31.3 | 158.5 | -127.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 570.9 | 1,595.5 | -1,024.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 15.6 | 111.0 | -95.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grafton or Madison safer?
Grafton is safer with a total crime rate of 696 per 100K vs 2,121 for Madison — a 67% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Grafton has a violent crime rate of 78.2 per 100K while Madison has 256.3. Grafton has lower violent crime.
About Grafton, WI
Grafton, a village in Ozaukee County, is known for its historic Paramount Records studio, a pioneer in early blues and jazz recordings. Situated along the Milwaukee River, it's a suburban community with a growing population. With a safety score of 85/100 and a population coverage of 12,788, Grafton has a total crime rate of 696.0 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.