Madison Crime Rates Drop Sharply in 2025, With Major Declines in Violence and Property Offenses
MADISON, WISCONSIN — The City of Madison is reporting a significant drop in crime across nearly every major category this year, with officials crediting data-driven policing and strong community partnerships for the decline.
At a Monday news conference, Police Chief John Patterson announced that overall crime in Madison has fallen 16% compared with the city’s three-year average from 2022 to 2024.
“With data-informed decision making and increasing collaborative efforts, we’re seeing impressive results,” Patterson said. “Our partnerships with Public Health, the Fire Department’s CARES team, and the Madison School District have been especially impactful.”
Violent Crime at Multi-Year Low
The city’s data shows a notable reduction in violent crimes:
- Homicides: Down 55%, from an average of 7 to just 3 this year.
- Shots fired: Down 33%, from 117 incidents to 78.
- Aggravated assaults: Down slightly, by 3%, from 473 to 457.
Officials say that while the numbers are encouraging, continued community engagement and preventive strategies remain essential.
“Even one act of violence is one too many,” said Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. “We’re not just responding to crime — we’re addressing the root causes through proactive, evidence-based measures.”
Property Crimes See Sharp Declines
The downward trend extended to property-related offenses, with some categories showing dramatic drops:
- Burglaries: Down 43%, from 583 to 335.
- Stolen vehicles: Down 52%, from 477 to 230.
- Thefts from vehicles: Down 19%, from 581 to 472.
Police say improved community reporting tools, increased patrol visibility, and stronger coordination between departments helped deter repeat offenders.
CARES Teams Handle Thousands of Calls
Mayor Rhodes-Conway highlighted the success of Madison’s CARES teams, which pair crisis workers and paramedics to respond to non-violent mental health emergencies instead of police officers.
The initiative has already handled nearly 11,000 calls, averaging 12 responses per day, easing the burden on traditional law enforcement and improving outcomes for people in crisis.
“Madison remains one of the safest communities in the nation for a city of its size,” the mayor added. “By focusing on compassion, prevention, and smart resource use, we’re building a safer and healthier city for everyone.”
As Madison continues to refine its approach to public safety and mental health intervention, city leaders say they hope 2026 will bring even stronger results. For updates on Wisconsin crime, policing, and community initiatives, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.