Is Madison or Marshfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Marshfield is safer than Madison (Safety Score 62/100 vs 37/100), with a total crime rate of 1,328 per 100,000 versus 2,121 for Madison — 37% lower. Madison has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Marshfield has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Madison is 15.1x 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
Marshfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison, WI
Marshfield, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Madison | Marshfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,121.3 | 1,328.4 | +792.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 256.3 | 214.3 | +42.1 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 5.4 | -2.9 |
| Rape Rate | 26.6 | 101.8 | -75.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 33.7 | 0.0 | +33.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 193.2 | 107.1 | +86.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,865.0 | 1,114.2 | +750.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 158.5 | 42.9 | +115.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,595.5 | 1,044.5 | +551.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 111.0 | 26.8 | +84.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or Marshfield safer?
Marshfield is safer with a total crime rate of 1,328 per 100K vs 2,121 for Madison — a 37% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Madison has a violent crime rate of 256.3 per 100K while Marshfield has 214.3. Marshfield 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 Marshfield, WI
Marshfield, a city in Wood County, is known for its medical research and the annual Central Wisconsin State Fair. It is situated in the geographic center of Wisconsin, with a population of around 19,000 residents. With a safety score of 62/100 and a population coverage of 18,669, Marshfield has a total crime rate of 1,328.4 per 100,000 residents.