Is Milwaukee or Onalaska Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Onalaska is safer than Milwaukee (Safety Score 32/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,329 per 100,000 versus 4,135 for Milwaukee — 44% lower. Milwaukee has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Onalaska has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Milwaukee is 29.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Milwaukee — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Onalaska — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Milwaukee, WI
Onalaska, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Milwaukee | Onalaska | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,135.0 | 2,328.5 | +1,806.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,434.3 | 36.7 | +1,397.6 |
| Murder Rate | 23.9 | 0.0 | +23.9 |
| Rape Rate | 68.2 | 21.0 | +47.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 308.2 | 0.0 | +308.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,030.7 | 15.7 | +1,014.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,700.7 | 2,291.8 | +408.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 388.1 | 83.9 | +304.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,255.1 | 2,186.9 | -931.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,057.4 | 21.0 | +1,036.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Milwaukee or Onalaska safer?
Onalaska is safer with a total crime rate of 2,329 per 100K vs 4,135 for Milwaukee — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Milwaukee has a violent crime rate of 1,434.3 per 100K while Onalaska has 36.7. Onalaska has lower violent crime.
About Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee, a city on Lake Michigan's western shore, boasts a rich brewing heritage and a diverse population. Its industrial past is evident in its architecture and strong community ties. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 560,416, Milwaukee has a total crime rate of 4,135.0 per 100,000 residents.
About Onalaska, WI
Onalaska, Wisconsin, nestled along the Black River, is a La Crosse suburb known as "The Sunfish Capital of the World." Its population of over 19,000 residents enjoys a mix of residential areas and commercial development. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 19,068, Onalaska has a total crime rate of 2,328.5 per 100,000 residents.