Is Madison or Waunakee Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Waunakee is safer than Madison (Safety Score 98/100 vs 37/100), with a total crime rate of 315 per 100,000 versus 2,121 for Madison — 85% lower. Madison has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Waunakee has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Madison is 18.5x 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
Waunakee — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison, WI
Waunakee, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Madison | Waunakee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,121.3 | 315.2 | +1,806.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 256.3 | 105.1 | +151.3 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 26.6 | 13.1 | +13.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 33.7 | 0.0 | +33.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 193.2 | 91.9 | +101.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,865.0 | 210.2 | +1,654.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 158.5 | 6.6 | +151.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,595.5 | 203.6 | +1,391.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 111.0 | 0.0 | +111.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or Waunakee safer?
Waunakee is safer with a total crime rate of 315 per 100K vs 2,121 for Madison — a 85% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Madison has a violent crime rate of 256.3 per 100K while Waunakee has 105.1. Waunakee 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 Waunakee, WI
Waunakee, "The Only Waunakee in the World," is a village in Dane County, north of Madison. Founded in the mid-19th century, it has experienced significant population growth, now home to over 14,000 residents. With a safety score of 98/100 and a population coverage of 15,227, Waunakee has a total crime rate of 315.2 per 100,000 residents.