F
71%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
165%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
54%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleGrand Rapids/100k peopleMichigan/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime7,838n/a (estimate)3,9861,9982,324
Murder19n/a9.76.96.3
Rape187n/a95.164.840.0
Robbery267n/a135.836.666.1
Assault1,453n/a738.8352.7268.2
Violent crime1,926n/a (estimate)979461370
Burglary546n/a277.6214.3269.8
Theft3,894n/a1,980.11,055.31,401.9
Vehicle theft1,472n/a748.5267.2282.7
Property crime5,912n/a (estimate)3,0061,5371,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Grand Rapids, MI

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 Grand Rapids crime rate is higher than the national average by 71.5%. Specifically, there were 1926 violent crimes in Grand Rapids, equivalent to 979 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 164.8%. Furthermore, Grand Rapids recorded 5912 property crimes, amounting to 3006 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 53.8%.

With a violent crime rate of 979 crimes per 100,000 residents, Grand Rapids is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Grand Rapids ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 103 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Grand Rapids faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 1472 vehicle thefts, translating to 748 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Grand Rapids in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 134.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Grand Rapids?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Grand Rapids residents. Out of the respondents (83 in total), 48% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Grand Rapids were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 52% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Grand Rapids a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Grand Rapids a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Grand Rapids crime rate is 71% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 21.47 crimes per day - 5.28 violent crimes and 16.2 property crimes.

Has Crime in Grand Rapids Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Grand Rapids. 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 Grand Rapids has increased by 12.2%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 0.2%, while property crime has increased by 16.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Grand Rapids.

Grand Rapids Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Grand Rapids area comprises a diverse array of over 32 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Ridgemoor, Michgan Oaks and Westside Connection which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Black Hills, Baxter and Oakdale exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Grand Rapids neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Grand Rapids

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Grand Rapids crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Grand Rapids has an unemployment rate of 3.9%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Grand Rapids crime rates. For instance, in Grand Rapids, the population density stands at 4453.7 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Grand Rapids are $947, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Grand Rapids crime map



The Grand Rapids crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Grand Rapids as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Grand Rapids crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Grand Rapids crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Grand Rapids, MI Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Grand Rapids crime rates are 71% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Grand Rapids are 165% higher than the national average
      • In Grand Rapids you have a 1 in 26 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Grand Rapids is safer than 4% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Grand Rapids has increased by 15%

      Grand Rapids, MI Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Grand Rapids

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        Daily Crime In Grand Rapids (per 100,000 people)

        The chart above shows the number of daily crimes in Grand Rapids, MI per 100,000 people. In Grand Rapids, the number of daily crimes is projected to be 1.99 times more than the Michigan average and 1.71 times more than the national average. The average number of daily violent crimes in Grand Rapids is 2.12 times more than the Michigan average and 2.65 times more than the daily national average. With regards to property crimes, Grand Rapids has a daily crime rate that is 1.96 times more than the Michigan average and 1.54 times more than the overall daily national average.

        How Safe is Grand Rapids (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Grand Rapids in comparison to other Michigan communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Grand Rapids safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Grand Rapids being safer than 4% of cities in Michigan and 4% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Michigan cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Grand Rapids. In conclusion, Grand Rapids ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Grand Rapids

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Grand Rapids is 1 in 103
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Grand Rapids is 1 in 34
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Grand Rapids is 1 in 26
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Grand Rapids? In Grand Rapids, you have a 1 in 103 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 34. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Grand Rapids, MI is 1 in 26.

        Year Over Year Crime In Grand Rapids (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Grand Rapids is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Grand Rapids has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have increased by 2% in Grand Rapids, while property crimes in Grand Rapids have increased by 20%. Total crime has increased by 15% year over year.

        Grand Rapids police department

        Item Grand Rapids Michigan National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)36610,515558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.92.13.3
        There are a total of 366 Grand Rapids police officers. This results in 1.9 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 6.8% less than the Michigan average and 40.7% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Michigan

        State Total offenders Michigan /100K National /100K
        Michigan40,460414266
        There are a total of 40,460 sex offenders in Michigan. This yields a total of 414 sex offenders in Michigan per 100,000 residents which is 56% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Caledonia, MI1,442125417542
        Rockford, MI6,31081677758
        Forest Hills, MI28,690199664863
        Byron Center, MI6,653209698907
        East Grand Rapids, MI11,855181,1081,126
        Sparta, MI4,3902331,0481,281
        Coopersville, MI4,3883461,1531,499
        Grand Rapids, MI199,4179793,0063,986

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Glendale, CA199,3571501,8261,976
        Aurora, IL199,3264232,4782,901
        Amarillo, TX199,2257633,4714,234
        Huntington Beach, CA199,7782542,2422,496
        Montgomery, AL199,0545692,4212,990
        Grand Rapids, MI199,4179793,0063,986
        Source: The Grand Rapids, MI crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.