Madison Ranks Among Safest Cities in United States

WalletHub lists Madison as the 12th safest city while Milwaukee ranks 147th in national study.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Saving

Isometric editorial illustration showing a clock tower and park bench, representing municipal stability and safety. — WalletHub’s latest report ranks Madison as the 12th safest city in the United States, placing it significantly higher than Milwaukee at 147th. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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WalletHub released its latest safety rankings for 180 major cities across the United States. Madison earned the 12th spot, while Milwaukee placed 147th.

Why it matters

The rankings provide insight into how various metropolitan areas manage factors ranging from public health to financial stability. These evaluations help residents understand how their city compares to peers on key safety metrics.

WalletHub analyzed 180 cities using metrics including traffic fatalities, per capita assault rates, and unemployment data. The rankings are based on more than three dozen distinct safety indicators.

The players

WalletHub

This is a personal finance website that provides credit scores, reports, and professional reviews on various financial services and city performance metrics.

Madison

As the capital of Wisconsin, this city is a major hub for education, government, and the technology industry.

Milwaukee

This is the most populous city in Wisconsin and serves as a major cultural and industrial center on the shores of Lake Michigan.

The details

Madison secured its high ranking due to strong performance in both home and community safety categories. The city also received favorable marks for financial safety standards compared to other evaluated locations.

WalletHub released the city safety rankings in October 2026.

Market Dynamics

These rankings follow the patterns established by previous annual iterations of WalletHub's city safety methodology. The report serves as a benchmark for municipal performance tracking across the United States.

Higher safety rankings in cities like Madison often correlate with lower insurance premiums and greater long-term financial stability for residents. Conversely, lower-ranked cities may face higher costs for services and insurance coverage.

The takeaway

Understanding how your city scores in safety metrics can help inform decisions about where to live and invest for the future. Consider reviewing the specific indicators that impact your household budget and long-term financial security.