| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Benton Harbor/100k people | Michigan/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 649 | n/a (estimate) | 7,372 | 1,813 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 68.2 | 56.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 14 | n/a | 159.0 | 31.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 145 | n/a | 1,647.0 | 341.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 165 | n/a (estimate) | 1,874 | 434 | 359 |
| Burglary | 72 | n/a | 817.8 | 184.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 278 | n/a | 3,157.7 | 963.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 134 | n/a | 1,522.0 | 231.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 484 | n/a (estimate) | 5,498 | 1,379 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Benton Harbor is 247.9% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Benton Harbor, there were 165 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1874 per 100,000 individuals, 421.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 484 property crimes, amounting to 5498 per 100,000 residents, 212.3% higher than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 7372 per 100,000 residents, Benton Harbor has a crime rate that is 247.85% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Benton Harbor that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Benton Harbor is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 1874 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Benton Harbor is 1 in 54.
Benton Harbor showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
Benton Harbor has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 5498 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Benton Harbor is 1 in 19, which is far higher than the national average.
Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Benton Harbor has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Benton Harbor reported 134 vehicle thefts, which equates to 1522 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Benton Harbor is 1 in 66.
What do the local residents think about crime in Benton Harbor? Well, based on a recent survey of 75 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 11% of Benton Harbor residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 89% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Benton Harbor 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 Benton Harbor crime rate is 248% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.78 crimes per day - 0.45 violent crimes and 1.33 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Benton Harbor has increased by 42.3%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Benton Harbor, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 31.3%, while property crime has increased by 124.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Benton Harbor is a safe place to live.
In Benton Harbor, the poverty rate currently stands at 44.9%, 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 Benton Harbor crime rates.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Benton Harbor, the cost of living is 23.67% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In Benton Harbor, the median home price stands at $103,716, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Benton Harbor | Michigan | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 17 | 10,515 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 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 |
| Stevensville, MI | 1,112 | 131 | 418 | 549 |
| Lake Michigan Beach, MI | 1,142 | 140 | 445 | 585 |
| Berrien Springs, MI | 1,690 | 149 | 474 | 623 |
| Bridgman, MI | 2,493 | 49 | 588 | 637 |
| Shoreham, MI | 858 | 175 | 557 | 732 |
| Coloma, MI | 1,346 | 178 | 565 | 743 |
| Paw Paw Lake, MI | 3,649 | 186 | 590 | 776 |
| Benton Harbor, MI | 10,059 | 1,874 | 5,498 | 7,372 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Paris, KY | 10,056 | 129 | 805 | 935 |
| Rockcreek, OR | 10,063 | 116 | 838 | 954 |
| Stonegate, CO | 10,065 | 167 | 910 | 1,077 |
| Keansburg, NJ | 10,050 | 177 | 1,279 | 1,456 |
| Ellisville, MO | 10,050 | 144 | 729 | 873 |
| Benton Harbor, MI | 10,059 | 1,874 | 5,498 | 7,372 |
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