| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bay City/100k people | Michigan/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 563 | n/a (estimate) | 1,746 | 1,998 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.9 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 29 | n/a | 89.9 | 64.8 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 15.5 | 36.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 145 | n/a | 449.6 | 352.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 179 | n/a (estimate) | 555 | 461 | 370 |
| Burglary | 59 | n/a | 183.0 | 214.3 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 288 | n/a | 893.1 | 1,055.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 37 | n/a | 114.7 | 267.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 384 | n/a (estimate) | 1,191 | 1,537 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Bay City crime rate is lower than the national average by 24.9%. Specifically, there were 179 violent crimes in Bay City, equivalent to 555 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 50.1%. Furthermore, Bay City recorded 384 property crimes, amounting to 1191 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 39.1%.
During the most recently reported crime year, Bay City experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
AreaVibes surveyed 41 local residents in Bay City to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 37% of people answered that there was very little crime in Bay City and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 63% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To determine if Bay City is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Bay City has a total crime rate that is 25% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.54 daily crimes (0.49 violent daily crimes and 1.05 daily property crimes) in Bay City.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Bay City. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Bay City has decreased by 23.4%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 25.7%, while property crime has decreased by 22.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Bay City.
In Bay City, the poverty rate currently stands at 24.7%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Bay City crime rates.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Bay City, 81.4% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
The median home price in Bay City is $68,000, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
| Item | Bay City | Michigan | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 56 | 10,515 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 2.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Michigan /100K | National /100K |
| Michigan | 40,460 | 414 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Reese, MI | 1,365 | 0 | 400 | 400 |
| Essexville, MI | 3,294 | 91 | 364 | 455 |
| Auburn, MI | 1,990 | 173 | 577 | 750 |
| Zilwaukee, MI | 1,754 | 66 | 858 | 924 |
| Freeland, MI | 6,866 | 336 | 1,121 | 1,457 |
| Shields, MI | 7,301 | 391 | 1,304 | 1,695 |
| Buena Vista, MI | 6,401 | 600 | 1,999 | 2,599 |
| Bay City, MI | 32,892 | 555 | 1,191 | 1,746 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Parkland, FL | 32,878 | 112 | 677 | 788 |
| Nacogdoches, TX | 32,912 | 228 | 2,018 | 2,246 |
| Pikesville, MD | 32,871 | 352 | 1,445 | 1,797 |
| Lewiston, ID | 32,853 | 181 | 2,639 | 2,820 |
| Salisbury, MD | 32,850 | 1,095 | 2,583 | 3,678 |
| Bay City, MI | 32,892 | 555 | 1,191 | 1,746 |
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