Is Madison or Ontario Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ontario is safer than Madison (Safety Score 38/100 vs 37/100), with a total crime rate of 2,090 per 100,000 versus 2,121 for Madison — 1% lower. Madison has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Madison has a 56% lower rate.
Madison — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ontario — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison, WI
Ontario, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Madison | Ontario | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,121.3 | 2,089.7 | +31.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 256.3 | 272.2 | -15.9 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 2.2 | +0.3 |
| Rape Rate | 26.6 | 43.8 | -17.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 33.7 | 77.4 | -43.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 193.2 | 148.8 | +44.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,865.0 | 1,817.5 | +47.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 158.5 | 238.7 | -80.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,595.5 | 1,113.3 | +482.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 111.0 | 465.5 | -354.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or Ontario safer?
Ontario is safer with a total crime rate of 2,090 per 100K vs 2,121 for Madison — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Madison has a violent crime rate of 256.3 per 100K while Ontario has 272.2. 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 Ontario, CA
Ontario, California, once known for its citrus groves and "Model Colony" design, sits in the Inland Empire. This diverse city, home to over 180,000 residents, serves as a logistics hub for Southern California. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 184,763, Ontario has a total crime rate of 2,089.7 per 100,000 residents.