Is Madison or New Berlin Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, New Berlin is safer than Madison (Safety Score 72/100 vs 37/100), with a total crime rate of 1,055 per 100,000 versus 2,121 for Madison — 50% lower. Madison has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where New Berlin has a 93% lower rate.
Note: Madison is 7.0x 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
New Berlin — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison, WI
New Berlin, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Madison | New Berlin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,121.3 | 1,055.1 | +1,066.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 256.3 | 62.2 | +194.1 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 2.5 | 0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 26.6 | 24.9 | +1.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 33.7 | 2.5 | +31.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 193.2 | 32.4 | +160.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,865.0 | 992.9 | +872.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 158.5 | 44.8 | +113.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,595.5 | 918.2 | +677.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 111.0 | 29.9 | +81.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or New Berlin safer?
New Berlin is safer with a total crime rate of 1,055 per 100K vs 2,121 for Madison — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Madison has a violent crime rate of 256.3 per 100K while New Berlin has 62.2. New Berlin 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 New Berlin, WI
New Berlin, Wisconsin, a Milwaukee suburb, was once known for its abundant limestone quarries. Today, it's a largely residential community spanning over 36 square miles in Waukesha County. With a safety score of 72/100 and a population coverage of 40,186, New Berlin has a total crime rate of 1,055.1 per 100,000 residents.