Is Madison or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Madison is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 37/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,121 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 59% lower. Madison has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Madison has a 70% lower rate.
Note: San Antonio is 5.4x 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
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison, WI
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Madison | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,121.3 | 5,219.0 | -3,097.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 256.3 | 595.3 | -339.0 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 8.4 | -5.9 |
| Rape Rate | 26.6 | 83.7 | -57.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 33.7 | 108.4 | -74.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 193.2 | 393.7 | -200.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,865.0 | 4,623.6 | -2,758.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 158.5 | 495.6 | -337.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,595.5 | 3,291.8 | -1,696.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 111.0 | 836.3 | -725.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or San Antonio safer?
Madison is safer with a total crime rate of 2,121 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 59% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Madison has a violent crime rate of 256.3 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. 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 San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.