Is Madison or Monroe Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Monroe is safer than Madison (Safety Score 67/100 vs 37/100), with a total crime rate of 1,176 per 100,000 versus 2,121 for Madison — 45% lower. Madison has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Monroe has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Madison is 27.2x 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
Monroe — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison, WI
Monroe, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Madison | Monroe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,121.3 | 1,176.1 | +945.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 256.3 | 28.9 | +227.4 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 26.6 | 9.6 | +17.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 33.7 | 9.6 | +24.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 193.2 | 9.6 | +183.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,865.0 | 1,147.2 | +717.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 158.5 | 19.3 | +139.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,595.5 | 1,079.7 | +515.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 111.0 | 48.2 | +62.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or Monroe safer?
Monroe is safer with a total crime rate of 1,176 per 100K vs 2,121 for Madison — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Madison has a violent crime rate of 256.3 per 100K while Monroe has 28.9. Monroe 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 Monroe, WI
Monroe, the "Cheese Capital of the USA," is a city in Green County, Wisconsin, known for its Swiss heritage. With a population of around 10,000, it's a small urban center amidst rolling agricultural lands. With a safety score of 67/100 and a population coverage of 10,373, Monroe has a total crime rate of 1,176.1 per 100,000 residents.