Is Madison or Plainfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Madison is safer than Plainfield (Safety Score 95/100 vs 40/100), with a total crime rate of 421 per 100,000 versus 2,021 for Plainfield — 79% lower. Madison has lower rates in 6 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Madison has a 97% lower rate.
Note: Plainfield is 3.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Madison — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Plainfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison, NJ
Plainfield, NJ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Madison | Plainfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 420.6 | 2,020.5 | -1,599.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 12.0 | 410.9 | -398.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 14.3 | -14.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 6.0 | 103.6 | -97.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 6.0 | 293.0 | -287.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 408.6 | 1,609.7 | -1,201.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 6.0 | 135.8 | -129.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 396.6 | 1,345.2 | -948.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 6.0 | 128.6 | -122.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or Plainfield safer?
Madison is safer with a total crime rate of 421 per 100K vs 2,021 for Plainfield — a 79% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Madison has a violent crime rate of 12.0 per 100K while Plainfield has 410.9. Madison has lower violent crime.
About Madison, NJ
Madison, a borough in Morris County, is home to Drew University and its arboretum. This affluent community, with a median household income significantly above the state average, retains a charming downtown. With a safety score of 95/100 and a population coverage of 16,643, Madison has a total crime rate of 420.6 per 100,000 residents.
About Plainfield, NJ
Plainfield, "The Queen City," boasts a rich Victorian architectural heritage and a diverse population. Situated in Union County, it was once a popular resort town for wealthy New Yorkers. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 55,975, Plainfield has a total crime rate of 2,020.5 per 100,000 residents.