United States · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Madison scores 83/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Madison is a safe city for travelers, with a low risk of violent crime and a generally positive perception of safety. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
United States · Assessed 29 July 2026
83
/ 100
Safer than ~90% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
“This travel advice also covers American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and United States Virgin Islands. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
Updated 2026-07-23T16:13:06Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
LowWorry about being mugged or robbed is low, with violent crime considered a moderate local problem.
Pickpocketing
ModerateWhile not explicitly detailed, pickpocketing is a risk in crowded tourist areas and during large events, as is common in many cities.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Generally positive
83/100
Most visitors feel safe walking alone in daylight, and a majority feel safe walking alone after dark, indicating a generally positive sentiment.
Yes — Madison is a safe city for travelers, with a low risk of violent crime and a generally positive perception of safety.
Madison's safety profile is strong, with low crime rates compared to national averages and high scores for rule of law and government effectiveness. While most visitors will find it safe, awareness of petty crime in crowded areas and caution during specific large events is advised.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Madison, Wisconsin, offers a generally safe environment for travelers. The city scores well across various safety indices, indicating a low risk of serious crime and a stable socio-political climate. Official government advisories from Canada and the UK recommend exercising normal security precautions, aligning with the city's overall safe profile.
While Madison is considered safe, travelers should remain aware of their surroundings, particularly in crowded public spaces or during large events. The dossier highlights recent protests in July 2026 following a police shooting, which led to event cancellations. While these incidents were localized, they underscore the importance of staying informed about local developments and exercising caution during any public gatherings. The Wikivoyage background also notes that specific large events like the Mifflin Street Block Party have historically seen increased crime, including robberies and assaults, and advises caution during these times.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is a potential concern in busy tourist areas and during festivals. While the dossier does not detail specific scams targeting tourists, Madison police have warned residents about government impersonation scams, suggesting a need for general vigilance against deception. Travelers should also be aware of the CDC's global health notices regarding Polio, Dengue, and Measles, and take appropriate precautions.
To ensure a safe trip, travelers are advised to stay informed about local news, be mindful of their personal belongings in crowded areas, and avoid public disturbances. Adhering to general travel safety practices, such as not displaying excessive wealth and being aware of one's surroundings, will contribute to a secure and enjoyable visit to Madison.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Madison districts for visitors: 4 safer, 1 needing caution and 3 best avoided. See them plotted on the Madison safety map.
Allied Drive areaavoidSpecifically mentioned as an area to avoid at night.
Dunn's Marsh Neighborhood (Britta Dr, Britta Pkwy, Helene Pkwy)avoidThese specific streets are recommended to avoid at night.
Troy Drive area (North Side)avoidSpecifically mentioned as an area to avoid at night.
South MadisoncautionHas a higher reported crime rate than other parts of the city.
DowntownsaferWell-populated and generally well-lit.
University of Wisconsin CampussaferEmergency markers are present for quick police response.
Near East SidesaferGenerally considered safe, but standard urban precautions apply.
Near West SidesaferSimilar to the Near East Side, safe with normal awareness.
07 · After Dark
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
Worry about being mugged or robbed is low, with violent crime considered a moderate local problem.
After dark, be most careful around Allied Drive area, Dunn's Marsh Neighborhood (Britta Dr, Britta Pkwy, Helene Pkwy), Troy Drive area (North Side), South Madison. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Madison's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Yes — Madison is a safe city for travelers, with a low risk of violent crime and a generally positive perception of safety. Madison's safety profile is strong, with low crime rates compared to national averages and high scores for rule of law and government effectiveness. While most visitors will find it safe, awareness of petty crime in crowded areas and caution during specific large events is advised. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Field research flags Allied Drive area, Dunn's Marsh Neighborhood (Britta Dr, Britta Pkwy, Helene Pkwy), Troy Drive area (North Side) as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Madison ranks #5 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 83/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the United States safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: madison.json (CC BY 4.0).
