Is Milwaukee or Wisconsin Rapids Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wisconsin Rapids is safer than Milwaukee (Safety Score 30/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,424 per 100,000 versus 4,135 for Milwaukee — 41% lower. Milwaukee has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wisconsin Rapids has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Milwaukee is 30.1x 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
Wisconsin Rapids — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Milwaukee, WI
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Milwaukee | Wisconsin Rapids | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,135.0 | 2,424.5 | +1,710.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,434.3 | 532.2 | +902.1 |
| Murder Rate | 23.9 | 0.0 | +23.9 |
| Rape Rate | 68.2 | 172.0 | -103.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 308.2 | 10.8 | +297.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,030.7 | 349.4 | +681.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,700.7 | 1,892.3 | +808.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 388.1 | 145.2 | +243.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,255.1 | 1,602.0 | -346.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,057.4 | 145.2 | +912.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Milwaukee or Wisconsin Rapids safer?
Wisconsin Rapids is safer with a total crime rate of 2,424 per 100K vs 4,135 for Milwaukee — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Milwaukee has a violent crime rate of 1,434.3 per 100K while Wisconsin Rapids has 532.2. Wisconsin Rapids 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 Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Wisconsin Rapids, a city on the Wisconsin River, was once known as Grand Rapids. It's the county seat of Wood County and historically a papermaking hub, with a population around 18,000. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 18,602, Wisconsin Rapids has a total crime rate of 2,424.5 per 100,000 residents.