Is Madison or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Madison is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 37/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,121 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 32% lower. Madison has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Madison has a 81% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 5.9x 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
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison, WI
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Madison | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,121.3 | 3,125.4 | -1,004.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 256.3 | 800.0 | -543.7 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 8.4 | -5.9 |
| Rape Rate | 26.6 | 64.3 | -37.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 33.7 | 181.6 | -147.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 193.2 | 545.3 | -352.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,865.0 | 2,325.3 | -460.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 158.5 | 317.2 | -158.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,595.5 | 1,582.1 | +13.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 111.0 | 426.0 | -315.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or Phoenix safer?
Madison is safer with a total crime rate of 2,121 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Madison has a violent crime rate of 256.3 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. 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 Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona, the "Valley of the Sun," is a sprawling desert metropolis with a rich Native American heritage, including the Hohokam people. It's the fifth-largest city in the United States by population, experiencing rapid growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 1,662,809, Phoenix has a total crime rate of 3,125.4 per 100,000 residents.