Is Madison or Wauwatosa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Madison is safer than Wauwatosa (Safety Score 37/100 vs 24/100), with a total crime rate of 2,121 per 100,000 versus 2,691 for Wauwatosa — 21% lower. Madison has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wauwatosa has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Madison is 6.0x 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
Wauwatosa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison, WI
Wauwatosa, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Madison | Wauwatosa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,121.3 | 2,691.2 | -569.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 256.3 | 208.7 | +47.7 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 26.6 | 14.9 | +11.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 33.7 | 49.0 | -15.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 193.2 | 142.7 | +50.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,865.0 | 2,482.5 | -617.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 158.5 | 149.0 | +9.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,595.5 | 2,007.8 | -412.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 111.0 | 325.8 | -214.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or Wauwatosa safer?
Madison is safer with a total crime rate of 2,121 per 100K vs 2,691 for Wauwatosa — a 21% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Madison has a violent crime rate of 256.3 per 100K while Wauwatosa has 208.7. Wauwatosa 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 Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa, meaning "firefly" in Potawatomi, is a western Milwaukee suburb bisected by the Menomonee River. Home to historic mansions and modern developments, it boasts a population of over 48,000 residents. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 46,968, Wauwatosa has a total crime rate of 2,691.2 per 100,000 residents.