Is Kenosha or Milwaukee Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Kenosha is safer than Milwaukee (Safety Score 68/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,154 per 100,000 versus 4,135 for Milwaukee — 72% lower. Kenosha has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Kenosha has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Milwaukee is 5.7x 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
Milwaukee — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Kenosha, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Kenosha | Milwaukee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,154.1 | 4,135.0 | -2,980.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 287.8 | 1,434.3 | -1,146.5 |
| Murder Rate | 3.1 | 23.9 | -20.8 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 68.2 | -22.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 35.8 | 308.2 | -272.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 200.7 | 1,030.7 | -830.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 866.3 | 2,700.7 | -1,834.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 90.1 | 388.1 | -298.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 700.5 | 1,255.1 | -554.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 75.8 | 1,057.4 | -981.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kenosha or Milwaukee safer?
Kenosha is safer with a total crime rate of 1,154 per 100K vs 4,135 for Milwaukee — a 72% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Kenosha has a violent crime rate of 287.8 per 100K while Milwaukee has 1,434.3. Kenosha 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 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.