Is Greendale or Madison Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Greendale is safer than Madison (Safety Score 73/100 vs 37/100), with a total crime rate of 1,023 per 100,000 versus 2,121 for Madison — 52% lower. Greendale has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Greendale has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Madison is 19.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Greendale — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Greendale, WI
Madison, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Greendale | Madison | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,023.4 | 2,121.3 | -1,097.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 83.0 | 256.3 | -173.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 6.9 | 26.6 | -19.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 41.5 | 33.7 | +7.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 34.6 | 193.2 | -158.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 940.5 | 1,865.0 | -924.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 27.7 | 158.5 | -130.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 843.7 | 1,595.5 | -751.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 69.2 | 111.0 | -41.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Greendale or Madison safer?
Greendale is safer with a total crime rate of 1,023 per 100K vs 2,121 for Madison — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Greendale has a violent crime rate of 83.0 per 100K while Madison has 256.3. Greendale has lower violent crime.
About Greendale, WI
Greendale, Wisconsin, a Milwaukee suburb, is a historic planned community with English garden city influences. Its predominantly residential landscape is home to a population nearing 15,000. With a safety score of 73/100 and a population coverage of 14,461, Greendale has a total crime rate of 1,023.4 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.