Is Madison or Onalaska Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Madison is safer than Onalaska (Safety Score 37/100 vs 32/100), with a total crime rate of 2,121 per 100,000 versus 2,329 for Onalaska — 9% lower. Madison has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Onalaska has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Madison is 14.8x 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
Onalaska — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison, WI
Onalaska, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Madison | Onalaska | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,121.3 | 2,328.5 | -207.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 256.3 | 36.7 | +219.6 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 26.6 | 21.0 | +5.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 33.7 | 0.0 | +33.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 193.2 | 15.7 | +177.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,865.0 | 2,291.8 | -426.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 158.5 | 83.9 | +74.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,595.5 | 2,186.9 | -591.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 111.0 | 21.0 | +90.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or Onalaska safer?
Madison is safer with a total crime rate of 2,121 per 100K vs 2,329 for Onalaska — a 9% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Madison has a violent crime rate of 256.3 per 100K while Onalaska has 36.7. Onalaska 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 Onalaska, WI
Onalaska, Wisconsin, nestled along the Black River, is a La Crosse suburb known as "The Sunfish Capital of the World." Its population of over 19,000 residents enjoys a mix of residential areas and commercial development. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 19,068, Onalaska has a total crime rate of 2,328.5 per 100,000 residents.