Is Kenosha or Madison Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Kenosha is safer than Madison (Safety Score 68/100 vs 37/100), with a total crime rate of 1,154 per 100,000 versus 2,121 for Madison — 46% lower. Kenosha has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Kenosha has a 54% lower rate.
Note: Madison is 2.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Kenosha — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Kenosha, WI
Madison, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Kenosha | Madison | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,154.1 | 2,121.3 | -967.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 287.8 | 256.3 | +31.4 |
| Murder Rate | 3.1 | 2.5 | +0.6 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 26.6 | +19.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 35.8 | 33.7 | +2.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 200.7 | 193.2 | +7.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 866.3 | 1,865.0 | -998.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 90.1 | 158.5 | -68.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 700.5 | 1,595.5 | -895.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 75.8 | 111.0 | -35.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kenosha or Madison safer?
Kenosha is safer with a total crime rate of 1,154 per 100K vs 2,121 for Madison — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Kenosha has a violent crime rate of 287.8 per 100K while Madison has 256.3. Madison has lower violent crime.
About Kenosha, WI
Kenosha, a city on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, boasts a rich industrial past, once home to a major Nash Motors plant. Its population of roughly 100,000 residents reflects a diverse Midwestern community. With a safety score of 68/100 and a population coverage of 97,652, Kenosha has a total crime rate of 1,154.1 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.