Is La Crosse or Milwaukee Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, La Crosse is safer than Milwaukee (Safety Score 8/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 4,103 per 100,000 versus 4,135 for Milwaukee — 1% lower. La Crosse has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where La Crosse has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Milwaukee is 11.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
La Crosse — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Milwaukee — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
La Crosse, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | La Crosse | Milwaukee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,102.7 | 4,135.0 | -32.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 391.0 | 1,434.3 | -1,043.3 |
| Murder Rate | 2.0 | 23.9 | -22.0 |
| Rape Rate | 78.6 | 68.2 | +10.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 25.5 | 308.2 | -282.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 284.9 | 1,030.7 | -745.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,711.7 | 2,700.7 | +1,011.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 279.0 | 388.1 | -109.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,269.6 | 1,255.1 | +2,014.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 163.1 | 1,057.4 | -894.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Crosse or Milwaukee safer?
La Crosse is safer with a total crime rate of 4,103 per 100K vs 4,135 for Milwaukee — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
La Crosse has a violent crime rate of 391.0 per 100K while Milwaukee has 1,434.3. La Crosse has lower violent crime.
About La Crosse, WI
Nestled on the Mississippi River, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is home to Oktoberfest USA. This city of roughly 52,000 residents lies in a unique bluffland topography. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 50,893, La Crosse has a total crime rate of 4,102.7 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.