Is Madison or Manitowoc Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Manitowoc is safer than Madison (Safety Score 67/100 vs 37/100), with a total crime rate of 1,181 per 100,000 versus 2,121 for Madison — 44% lower. Madison has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Manitowoc has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Madison is 8.2x 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
Manitowoc — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison, WI
Manitowoc, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Madison | Manitowoc | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,121.3 | 1,181.0 | +940.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 256.3 | 211.3 | +45.0 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 26.6 | 23.2 | +3.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 33.7 | 14.5 | +19.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 193.2 | 170.8 | +22.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,865.0 | 969.7 | +895.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 158.5 | 69.5 | +89.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,595.5 | 848.1 | +747.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 111.0 | 52.1 | +58.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or Manitowoc safer?
Manitowoc is safer with a total crime rate of 1,181 per 100K vs 2,121 for Madison — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Madison has a violent crime rate of 256.3 per 100K while Manitowoc has 211.3. Manitowoc has lower violent crime.
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.
About Manitowoc, WI
Manitowoc, a port city on Lake Michigan, is known for its maritime history, including the WWII submarine USS Cobia. This city of roughly 34,000 residents once had a thriving shipbuilding industry. With a safety score of 67/100 and a population coverage of 34,546, Manitowoc has a total crime rate of 1,181.0 per 100,000 residents.