| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Madison/100k people | Wisconsin/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 5,982 | n/a (estimate) | 2,121 | 1,433 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 7 | n/a | 2.5 | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 75 | n/a | 26.6 | 34.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 95 | n/a | 33.7 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 545 | n/a | 193.2 | 200.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 722 | n/a (estimate) | 256 | 279 | 359 |
| Burglary | 447 | n/a | 158.5 | 117.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 4,500 | n/a | 1,595.5 | 875.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 313 | n/a | 111.0 | 161.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 5,260 | n/a (estimate) | 1,865 | 1,154 | 1,760 |
The Madison crime rates are 0.1% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 722 violent crimes in Madison (256 per 100,000 people), which is 28.7% lower than the national average and there were a total of 5260 property crimes (1865 per 100,000 residents) which is 6% higher than average.
When assessing the overall crime rate in Madison per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported Madison crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Madison is very similar to the national average. Madison had a property crime rate of 1865, while the national average was 1760. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Madison residents. Out of the respondents (117 in total), 42% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Madison were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 58% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Madison a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Madison crime rate is 0% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 16.39 crimes per day - 1.98 violent crimes and 14.41 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Madison crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Madison has decreased by 20.6% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 12.1% and property crime has decreased by 21.6%.
There are more than 96 different neighborhoods in the Madison area. Depending on their location and other socioeconomic factors, the rate of crime in each neighborhood is vastly different. Areas that are located near the center or downtown core, tend to be more densely populated and typically see higher crime rates. While neighborhoods in the outskirts of the city tend to be less densely populated and have lower unemployment and poverty rates. Some of the safer neighborhoods in Madison include Hill Farms-University Neighborh, Sauk Creek and Skyview Meadows. While Vera Court, Norman Acres and Berkley Oaks have a reported crime rate that is higher than average. This reinforces the need to do a quality check on multiple neighborhoods as their crime rates can be quite different.
In Madison, the cost of living is 12.47% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Madison, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.34, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
Madison has an average rental rate of $1,719 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Madison | Wisconsin | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 555 | 9,355 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Wisconsin /100K | National /100K |
| Wisconsin | 24,983 | 456 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Dane, WI | 1,036 | 59 | 244 | 303 |
| Waunakee, WI | 14,346 | 105 | 210 | 315 |
| Oregon, WI | 10,780 | 42 | 279 | 321 |
| Windsor, WI | 7,603 | 90 | 375 | 466 |
| Cross Plains, WI | 4,401 | 96 | 399 | 496 |
| Cottage Grove, WI | 7,270 | 116 | 452 | 567 |
| Verona, WI | 13,552 | 49 | 663 | 712 |
| Madison, WI | 266,829 | 256 | 1,865 | 2,121 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Chandler, AZ | 266,863 | 133 | 1,504 | 1,638 |
| Lubbock, TX | 266,541 | 821 | 2,629 | 3,450 |
| Jersey City, NJ | 268,546 | 562 | 2,029 | 2,591 |
| Laredo, TX | 268,554 | 366 | 1,465 | 1,831 |
| Buffalo, NY | 262,656 | 706 | 3,810 | 4,516 |
| Madison, WI | 266,829 | 256 | 1,865 | 2,121 |
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