Lake Forest Neighborhood, Madison
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safety at a Glance
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in Madison
Is Lake Forest Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Lake Forest in Madison, WI has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 137, which is 37% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Madison average (crime index 101), Lake Forest is 36% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 175, 75% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 96).
Lake Forest Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Madison city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
130 | +30% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
118 | +18% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
175 | +75% | High | |
|
Rape
|
131 | +31% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
96 | -4% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
144 | +44% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
137 | +37% | Moderate | |
How Lake Forest Compares
Crime index by category: Lake Forest vs Madison average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Lake Forest Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Lake Forest Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Lake Forest, Madison?
Lake Forest in Madison, WI has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 137, which is 37% above the national average. Compared to the Madison average, crime in Lake Forest is 36% higher.
Is Lake Forest a safe neighborhood in Madison?
Lake Forest is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Madison, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 175), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 96).
How does Lake Forest compare to the rest of Madison?
Lake Forest's overall crime index is 137, compared to the Madison average of 101. This means crime in Lake Forest is 36% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 139, and for property crime it is 126. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Lake Forest?
The most prevalent crime type in Lake Forest is Robbery, with a crime index of 175 (75% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Lake Forest?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Burr Oaks, Maple Lawn Heights, Capitol View and Bay Creek. These areas are close to Lake Forest and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Lake Forest?
Lake Forest has a population of approximately 29. The median household income is $42,636. The median home value is $280,081. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Lake Forest crime compare to the national average?
Lake Forest's overall crime rate is 37% above the national average (index 137 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.