Is Madison or West Bend Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, West Bend is safer than Madison (Safety Score 59/100 vs 37/100), with a total crime rate of 1,415 per 100,000 versus 2,121 for Madison — 33% lower. Madison has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where West Bend has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Madison is 8.8x 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
West Bend — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison, WI
West Bend, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Madison | West Bend | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,121.3 | 1,414.8 | +706.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 256.3 | 244.2 | +12.2 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 26.6 | 31.3 | -4.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 33.7 | 3.1 | +30.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 193.2 | 203.5 | -10.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,865.0 | 1,170.7 | +694.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 158.5 | 40.7 | +117.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,595.5 | 1,089.3 | +506.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 111.0 | 40.7 | +70.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or West Bend safer?
West Bend is safer with a total crime rate of 1,415 per 100K vs 2,121 for Madison — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Madison has a violent crime rate of 256.3 per 100K while West Bend has 244.2. West Bend 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 West Bend, WI
Nestled on the Milwaukee River in Washington County, West Bend is a city of over 30,000 known for its historic downtown and as the "Geocaching Capital of the World." It boasts a strong manufacturing presence and a vibrant arts scene. With a safety score of 59/100 and a population coverage of 31,947, West Bend has a total crime rate of 1,414.8 per 100,000 residents.