Is Janesville or Milwaukee Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Janesville is safer than Milwaukee (Safety Score 41/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,985 per 100,000 versus 4,135 for Milwaukee — 52% lower. Janesville has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Janesville has a 95% lower rate.
Note: Milwaukee is 8.5x 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
Milwaukee — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Janesville, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Janesville | Milwaukee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,985.0 | 4,135.0 | -2,150.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 143.4 | 1,434.3 | -1,290.9 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 23.9 | -19.4 |
| Rape Rate | 39.3 | 68.2 | -28.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 16.6 | 308.2 | -291.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 83.0 | 1,030.7 | -947.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,841.6 | 2,700.7 | -859.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 116.2 | 388.1 | -271.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,651.4 | 1,255.1 | +396.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 74.0 | 1,057.4 | -983.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Janesville or Milwaukee safer?
Janesville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,985 per 100K vs 4,135 for Milwaukee — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Janesville has a violent crime rate of 143.4 per 100K while Milwaukee has 1,434.3. 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 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.