Is Milwaukee or Sheboygan Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Sheboygan is safer than Milwaukee (Safety Score 49/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,715 per 100,000 versus 4,135 for Milwaukee — 59% lower. Milwaukee has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Sheboygan has a 98% lower rate.
Note: Milwaukee is 11.3x 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
Sheboygan — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Milwaukee, WI
Sheboygan, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Milwaukee | Sheboygan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,135.0 | 1,715.4 | +2,419.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,434.3 | 427.3 | +1,007.0 |
| Murder Rate | 23.9 | 4.0 | +19.9 |
| Rape Rate | 68.2 | 102.8 | -34.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 308.2 | 6.1 | +302.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,030.7 | 314.5 | +716.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,700.7 | 1,288.1 | +1,412.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 388.1 | 88.7 | +299.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,255.1 | 1,157.0 | +98.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,057.4 | 42.3 | +1,015.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Milwaukee or Sheboygan safer?
Sheboygan is safer with a total crime rate of 1,715 per 100K vs 4,135 for Milwaukee — a 59% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Milwaukee has a violent crime rate of 1,434.3 per 100K while Sheboygan has 427.3. Sheboygan 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 Sheboygan, WI
Nestled on Lake Michigan's western shore, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, is a city with a rich German heritage, once dubbed "Bratwurst Capital of the World." Its population hovers around 49,000, making it a mid-sized community in the state. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 49,610, Sheboygan has a total crime rate of 1,715.4 per 100,000 residents.