| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Big Rapids/100k people | Michigan/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 145 | n/a (estimate) | 1,819 | 1,813 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 50.2 | 56.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 31.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 25 | n/a | 313.6 | 341.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 29 | n/a (estimate) | 364 | 434 | 359 |
| Burglary | 11 | n/a | 138.0 | 184.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 100 | n/a | 1,254.6 | 963.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 62.7 | 231.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 116 | n/a (estimate) | 1,455 | 1,379 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Big Rapids is 14.2% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 29 violent crimes reported in Big Rapids, equivalent to 364 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 1.3%. Additionally, Big Rapids recorded 116 property crimes, amounting to 1455 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 17.3%.
When it comes to violent crimes per 100,000 people, Big Rapids maintains a rate that is very similar to the national average. With 364 reported violent crimes, it falls in line with the national average of 359. This alignment suggests that Big Rapids shares a similar crime profile with other cities, highlighting its comparable level of safety within the broader urban landscape.
During the most recently reported crime year, Big Rapids 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 conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Big Rapids residents. Out of the respondents (21 in total), 29% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Big Rapids were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 71% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Big Rapids 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. Big Rapids has a total crime rate that is 14% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.4 daily crimes (0.08 violent daily crimes and 0.32 daily property crimes) in Big Rapids.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Big Rapids. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Big Rapids has increased by 400%. Violent crimes have increased by 107.1%, while property crimes have increased by 673.3%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Big Rapids reports an unemployment rate of 5.1%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Big Rapids crime rates.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Big Rapids, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.78 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
In Big Rapids, the average rental rates are $1,039 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | Big Rapids | Michigan | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 19 | 10,515 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 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 |
| Canadian Lakes, MI | 2,823 | 96 | 305 | 400 |
| Evart, MI | 1,706 | 202 | 640 | 842 |
| White Cloud, MI | 1,237 | 212 | 674 | 886 |
| Reed City, MI | 2,114 | 474 | 1,619 | 2,093 |
| Hersey, MI | 319 | 538 | 1,708 | 2,246 |
| Mecosta, MI | 544 | 586 | 1,862 | 2,448 |
| Stanwood, MI | 193 | 592 | 1,883 | 2,475 |
| Big Rapids, MI | 10,768 | 364 | 1,455 | 1,819 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bedford Heights, OH | 10,768 | 103 | 2,005 | 2,108 |
| Beverly Hills, MI | 10,767 | 48 | 494 | 542 |
| Van Wert, OH | 10,770 | 236 | 3,249 | 3,485 |
| Prineville, OR | 10,775 | 241 | 730 | 971 |
| Liberty Lake, WA | 10,758 | 155 | 1,527 | 1,682 |
| Big Rapids, MI | 10,768 | 364 | 1,455 | 1,819 |
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