Is Madison or Mesa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mesa is safer than Madison (Safety Score 42/100 vs 37/100), with a total crime rate of 1,948 per 100,000 versus 2,121 for Madison — 8% lower. Madison has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Madison has a 47% lower rate.
Madison — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mesa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison, WI
Mesa, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Madison | Mesa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,121.3 | 1,947.9 | +173.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 256.3 | 483.3 | -226.9 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 2.7 | -0.3 |
| Rape Rate | 26.6 | 44.2 | -17.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 33.7 | 50.2 | -16.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 193.2 | 385.5 | -192.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,865.0 | 1,464.6 | +400.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 158.5 | 187.7 | -29.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,595.5 | 1,078.5 | +517.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 111.0 | 198.4 | -87.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or Mesa safer?
Mesa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,948 per 100K vs 2,121 for Madison — a 8% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Madison has a violent crime rate of 256.3 per 100K while Mesa has 483.3. Madison 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 Mesa, AZ
Mesa, Arizona, a sprawling Sonoran Desert city, is home to a significant proportion of the state's Mormon population, reflecting its early agricultural settlements. It's the most populous city in the East Valley, bordering Tempe to the west. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 513,585, Mesa has a total crime rate of 1,947.9 per 100,000 residents.