Is Madison or Watertown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Watertown is safer than Madison (Safety Score 65/100 vs 37/100), with a total crime rate of 1,243 per 100,000 versus 2,121 for Madison — 41% lower. Madison has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Watertown has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Madison is 12.5x 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
Watertown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison, WI
Watertown, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Madison | Watertown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,121.3 | 1,242.7 | +878.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 256.3 | 194.6 | +61.8 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 26.6 | 61.9 | -35.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 33.7 | 8.8 | +24.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 193.2 | 119.4 | +73.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,865.0 | 1,048.1 | +816.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 158.5 | 39.8 | +118.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,595.5 | 946.4 | +649.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 111.0 | 61.9 | +49.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or Watertown safer?
Watertown is safer with a total crime rate of 1,243 per 100K vs 2,121 for Madison — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Madison has a violent crime rate of 256.3 per 100K while Watertown has 194.6. Watertown 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 Watertown, WI
Watertown, WI, straddles the Rock River, a city with a rich German heritage and home to the first kindergarten in the United States. This Dodge and Jefferson County community has a population of approximately 24,000. With a safety score of 65/100 and a population coverage of 22,612, Watertown has a total crime rate of 1,242.7 per 100,000 residents.