Is Madison or Oak Creek Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Oak Creek is safer than Madison (Safety Score 46/100 vs 37/100), with a total crime rate of 1,832 per 100,000 versus 2,121 for Madison — 14% lower. Madison has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Oak Creek has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Madison is 7.5x 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
Oak Creek — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison, WI
Oak Creek, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Madison | Oak Creek | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,121.3 | 1,831.9 | +289.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 256.3 | 146.0 | +110.3 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 26.6 | 39.8 | -13.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 33.7 | 26.6 | +7.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 193.2 | 79.7 | +113.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,865.0 | 1,685.9 | +179.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 158.5 | 71.7 | +86.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,595.5 | 1,481.5 | +114.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 111.0 | 132.8 | -21.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or Oak Creek safer?
Oak Creek is safer with a total crime rate of 1,832 per 100K vs 2,121 for Madison — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Madison has a violent crime rate of 256.3 per 100K while Oak Creek has 146.0. Oak Creek 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 Oak Creek, WI
Oak Creek, a Milwaukee County suburb, was once known for its abundant oak trees. Situated along Lake Michigan, it's home to a diverse population of over 36,000 residents. With a safety score of 46/100 and a population coverage of 37,665, Oak Creek has a total crime rate of 1,831.9 per 100,000 residents.