Is Janesville or Madison Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Janesville is safer than Madison (Safety Score 41/100 vs 37/100), with a total crime rate of 1,985 per 100,000 versus 2,121 for Madison — 6% lower. Janesville has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Janesville has a 51% lower rate.
Note: Madison is 4.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Janesville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Janesville, WI
Madison, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Janesville | Madison | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,985.0 | 2,121.3 | -136.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 143.4 | 256.3 | -112.9 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 2.5 | +2.1 |
| Rape Rate | 39.3 | 26.6 | +12.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 16.6 | 33.7 | -17.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 83.0 | 193.2 | -110.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,841.6 | 1,865.0 | -23.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 116.2 | 158.5 | -42.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,651.4 | 1,595.5 | +55.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 74.0 | 111.0 | -37.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Janesville or Madison safer?
Janesville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,985 per 100K vs 2,121 for Madison — a 6% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Janesville has a violent crime rate of 143.4 per 100K while Madison has 256.3. Janesville has lower violent crime.
About Janesville, WI
Janesville, known as "Wisconsin's Park Place," is a city in Rock County along the Rock River. It boasts a population of over 65,000, with a rich history rooted in manufacturing. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 66,247, Janesville has a total crime rate of 1,985.0 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.