Is Milwaukee or Waunakee Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Waunakee is safer than Milwaukee (Safety Score 98/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 315 per 100,000 versus 4,135 for Milwaukee — 92% lower. Milwaukee has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Waunakee has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Milwaukee is 36.8x 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
Waunakee — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Milwaukee, WI
Waunakee, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Milwaukee | Waunakee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,135.0 | 315.2 | +3,819.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,434.3 | 105.1 | +1,329.2 |
| Murder Rate | 23.9 | 0.0 | +23.9 |
| Rape Rate | 68.2 | 13.1 | +55.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 308.2 | 0.0 | +308.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,030.7 | 91.9 | +938.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,700.7 | 210.2 | +2,490.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 388.1 | 6.6 | +381.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,255.1 | 203.6 | +1,051.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,057.4 | 0.0 | +1,057.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Milwaukee or Waunakee safer?
Waunakee is safer with a total crime rate of 315 per 100K vs 4,135 for Milwaukee — a 92% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Milwaukee has a violent crime rate of 1,434.3 per 100K while Waunakee has 105.1. Waunakee 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 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.