Is Milwaukee or West Allis Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, West Allis is safer than Milwaukee (Safety Score 34/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,234 per 100,000 versus 4,135 for Milwaukee — 46% lower. Milwaukee has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where West Allis has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Milwaukee is 9.5x 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
West Allis — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Milwaukee, WI
West Allis, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Milwaukee | West Allis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,135.0 | 2,234.0 | +1,900.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,434.3 | 256.5 | +1,177.8 |
| Murder Rate | 23.9 | 0.0 | +23.9 |
| Rape Rate | 68.2 | 23.8 | +44.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 308.2 | 74.8 | +233.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,030.7 | 158.0 | +872.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,700.7 | 1,977.5 | +723.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 388.1 | 190.3 | +197.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,255.1 | 1,478.0 | -222.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,057.4 | 309.2 | +748.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Milwaukee or West Allis safer?
West Allis is safer with a total crime rate of 2,234 per 100K vs 4,135 for Milwaukee — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Milwaukee has a violent crime rate of 1,434.3 per 100K while West Allis has 256.5. West Allis 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 West Allis, WI
West Allis, once "the city of homes," is an inner-ring Milwaukee suburb. Historically a manufacturing hub, it's a densely populated area with a diverse mix of housing stock. With a safety score of 34/100 and a population coverage of 58,862, West Allis has a total crime rate of 2,234.0 per 100,000 residents.