Is Milwaukee or Wauwatosa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wauwatosa is safer than Milwaukee (Safety Score 24/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,691 per 100,000 versus 4,135 for Milwaukee — 35% lower. Milwaukee has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wauwatosa has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Milwaukee is 11.9x 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
Wauwatosa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Milwaukee, WI
Wauwatosa, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Milwaukee | Wauwatosa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,135.0 | 2,691.2 | +1,443.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,434.3 | 208.7 | +1,225.6 |
| Murder Rate | 23.9 | 0.0 | +23.9 |
| Rape Rate | 68.2 | 14.9 | +53.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 308.2 | 49.0 | +259.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,030.7 | 142.7 | +888.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,700.7 | 2,482.5 | +218.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 388.1 | 149.0 | +239.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,255.1 | 2,007.8 | -752.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,057.4 | 325.8 | +731.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Milwaukee or Wauwatosa safer?
Wauwatosa is safer with a total crime rate of 2,691 per 100K vs 4,135 for Milwaukee — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Milwaukee has a violent crime rate of 1,434.3 per 100K while Wauwatosa has 208.7. Wauwatosa 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 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.