Milan Statistics: Crime & Safety - Is Milan Safe?
Milan, one of Italy's most vibrant cities, stands out as a top global tourist destination. Known for its stunning architecture, world-renowned fashion scene, rich cultural heritage, and iconic landmarks like the Duomo, Milan offers an unforgettable experience to millions of visitors every year, like Milan's tourism statistics suggest.
While the city’s charm and sophistication draw people from all over the world, understanding if Milan is safe is an important consideration before visiting. To help with this, we present detailed statistics on safety and crime in Milan. This data covers everything from reported crimes and crime types to road accidents and prisoners information, providing a comprehensive view of Milan's crime and safety statistics.
Milan’s Crime Rate Statistics
Milan has consistently recorded the highest crime rates in Italy over the past decade. In 2012, the city reported 158,581 crimes, corresponding to a crime rate of 11,881.1 per 100,000 residents. This figure gradually declined, reaching a low of 78,199 reported crimes and a rate of 6,778.6 in 2020, probably due to pandemic-related restrictions. After the pandemic, the crime rate climbed back up to 7,115.6 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023, maintaining Milan's position as the province with the highest crime rate in Italy.
Reported Crimes in Milan (2012 - 2023)
| Year | Reported Crimes | Crime Rate per 100,000 Residents |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 158,581 | 11,881.1 |
| 2013 | 150,177 | 11,827.0 |
| 2014 | 145,050 | 11,993.0 |
| 2015 | 136,926 | 11,216.0 |
| 2016 | 128,729 | 10,943.4 |
| 2017 | 120,483 | 10,782.0 |
| 2018 | 115,582 | 10,334.7 |
| 2019 | 104,199 | 9,837.4 |
| 2020 | 78,199 | 6,778.6 |
| 2021 | 85,049 | 8,509.9 |
Source: Municipality of Milan, statista.com
Leading provinces for crime rate in Italy - 2023
| Rank | Province | Crime Rate per 100,000 Inhabitants |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Milan | 7,115.6 |
| 2 | Rome | 6,073.6 |
| 3 | Florence | 6,060.4 |
| 4 | Rimini | 6,013.5 |
| 5 | Turin | 5,683.5 |
| 6 | Bologna | 5,550.8 |
| 7 | Prato | 4,904.1 |
| 8 | Imperia | 4,839.1 |
| 9 | Venice | 4,822.4 |
| 10 | Livorno | 4,739.3 |
| 11 | Genoa | 4,606.5 |
| 12 | Naples | 4,566.4 |
| 13 | Parma | 4,430.7 |
| 14 | Savona | 4,315.2 |
| 15 | Trieste | 4,210.1 |
Source: statista.com
These figures highlight that Milan remains Italy's most crime-affected province Despite a general downward trend since 2012, the city's crime rate remains higher than other major metropolitan areas, reflecting the challenges associated with being a bustling economic and tourist hub.
Types of Reported Crimes
According to 2022 crime data for Milan, thefts dominate the city's reported crimes, with 87,736 cases, underscoring a significant issue with property crime. Damages and fraud/cyber fraud also represent substantial portions, with 15,896 and 10,821 cases, respectively, reflecting ongoing challenges in protecting property and combating financial and digital crimes. Violent crimes, such as robberies (3,367 cases) and injuries (2,083 cases), while less frequent, still pose concerns for public safety. Additionally, the presence of 1,215 cybercrimes indicates the growing impact of digital offenses in an increasingly connected society. The data suggests that while Milan faces a wide range of criminal activities, the overwhelming dominance of theft and property-related offenses remains a primary challenge for law enforcement and policymakers.
Reported Crimes by Type - 2022
| Type of Felony | Number of Reported Crimes |
|---|---|
| Thefts | 87,736 |
| Damages | 15,896 |
| Fraud and Cyber Frauds | 10,821 |
| Robberies | 3,367 |
| Injuries | 2,083 |
| Threat | 1,674 |
| Trafficking and Drugs Possession | 1,630 |
| Cybercrime | 1,215 |
| Receiving Stolen Goods | 1,049 |
| Blows | 736 |
| Other Crimes | 18,565 |
Source: statista.com
Prisoners & Prisons Statistics
The data on prisoners in Milan's prisons highlights significant overcrowding and demographic patterns. All three Milan prisons exceed their official capacities, with San Vittore prison holding 921 prisoners compared to its capacity of 743, Bollate housing 1,261 prisoners (capacity 1,204), and Opera accommodating 1,045 prisoners (capacity 918). Foreign prisoners are notably dominant in San Vittore, where they make up 60.3% of the prison population. In contrast, Bollate and Opera have higher proportions of Italian prisoners, with 63.9% and 72.2%, respectively. These figures reflect challenges related to prison overcrowding and the integration of foreign nationals within the prison system, emphasizing the need for policies addressing capacity management and support for diverse inmate populations.
Milan Prisoners & Prisons Statistics - 2021
| Prison | Category | Number of Prisoners | % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| C.C. San Vittore | Capacity | 743 | - |
| Prisoners as of Dec 31 | 921 | - | |
| Italians | 366 | 39.7% | |
| Foreigners | 555 | 60.3% | |
| C.R. Bollate | Capacity | 1,204 | - |
| Prisoners as of Dec 31 | 1,261 | - | |
| Italians | 806 | 63.9% | |
| Foreigners | 455 | 36.1% | |
| C.R. Opera | Capacity | 918 | - |
| Prisoners as of Dec 31 | 1,045 | - | |
| Italians | 754 | 72.2% | |
| Foreigners | 291 | 27.8% |
Source: Municipality of Milan
Juvenile Crime: Detention Data
The data on minors in the Beccaria Institute and the Reception Center, the juvenile offenders facilities in Milan, provides insight into the state of juvenile crime in Milan. The significant number of minors passing through these facilities, with 433 entries and 446 exits recorded at the Beccaria Institute alone, indicates a persistent challenge in addressing youth offenses. The fact that foreign minors represent a large portion of these figures suggests underlying social and economic factors that may contribute to their involvement in criminal activities. The relatively high number of entries compared to the average daily presence highlights the turnover rate, indicating that many minors are processed through the system quickly, potentially for less severe offenses. These statistics reflect a need for targeted intervention programs, community support, and preventive measures to reduce juvenile crime and provide better opportunities for at-risk youth in Milan.
Milan Juvenile Detention Data - 2021
| Category | Istituto Penale Beccaria | Centro Prima Accoglienza |
|---|---|---|
| Average Daily Presence | 39.7 | 0.1 |
| Entries - Italians | 168 | 13 |
| Entries - Foreigners | 265 | 3 |
| Exits - Italians | 266 | 3 |
| Exits - Foreigners | 172 | 5 |
Source: Municipality of Milan
Road Accidents
Milan's road accidents statistics show that the city has experienced fluctuations in the number of road accidents over recent years. In 2021, there were 8,642 road accidents reported. While this figure represents an increase compared to the significant drop in 2020 due to pandemic restrictions, it remains lower than pre-pandemic levels. Prior to 2020, road accidents consistently averaged around 12,000 per year, highlighting the persistent challenges of traffic safety in a densely populated urban environment. Initiatives like the limited traffic zones Area C which requires payment for entry, along with Milan's metro and tram systems, also contribute to reduced traffic and fewer road accidents. This trend underscores the need for continued investment in road safety measures, improved infrastructure, and awareness campaigns to reduce accidents further.
Number of Road Accidents in Milan (2017 - 2021)
| Year | Number of Road Accidents |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 10,706 |
| 2018 | 10,371 |
| 2019 | 10,472 |
| 2020 | 5,300 |
| 2021 | 8,442 |
Source:Municipality of Milan
Road Accidents Injuries
Milan's road accidents injuries data reveals that in 2021, there were 9,004 reported injuries resulting from road accidents in the city. This marks an increase from the significantly reduced 5,350 injuries in 2020, reflecting the return of regular traffic patterns post-pandemic. Despite this increase, the number of injuries was still below pre-pandemic levels, where injuries typically exceeded 13,000 per year. Notably, a consistent portion of these injuries involves pedestrians, emphasizing the importance of enhancing pedestrian safety, enforcing traffic regulations, and promoting safer driving practices to mitigate the risk of injury on Milan’s roads.
Injuries in Road Accidents in Milan (2017 - 2021)
| Year | Total Injuries | % of Pedestrians Injured |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 13,495 | 13.4% |
| 2018 | 13,679 | 13.8% |
| 2019 | 13,925 | 13.9% |
| 2020 | 5,350 | 12.1% |
| 2021 | 9,004 | 20.9% |
Source: statista.com
Like any major metropolitan hub, Milan faces challenges when it comes to safety and crime. The data paints a clear picture: Milan leads Italy in crime rates, grapples with issues of overcrowded prisons, juvenile offenses, and fluctuating road safety statistics. These insights are not just numbers—they serve as a reminder that while Milan offers a world-class experience, awareness and caution are essential for both visitors and residents. By staying informed and vigilant, visitors can fully embrace Milan's rich offerings while navigating its complexities, ensuring a trip that is not only memorable but also safe.