| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Detroit/100k people | Michigan/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 39,634 | n/a (estimate) | 6,087 | 1,813 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 203 | n/a | 31.2 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 605 | n/a | 92.9 | 56.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1,195 | n/a | 183.5 | 31.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 9,596 | n/a | 1,473.7 | 341.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 11,599 | n/a (estimate) | 1,781 | 434 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4,578 | n/a | 703.0 | 184.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 15,263 | n/a | 2,343.9 | 963.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 8,194 | n/a | 1,258.3 | 231.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 28,035 | n/a (estimate) | 4,305 | 1,379 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Detroit is 187.2% 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 Detroit, there were 11599 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1781 per 100,000 individuals, 396% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 28035 property crimes, amounting to 4305 per 100,000 residents, 144.6% higher than the U.S. average.
Having a crime rate of 6087 per 100,000 residents, Detroit experiences a crime rate that is 187.21% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Detroit contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
Detroit has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 1781 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Detroit falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 57 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Detroit is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 203 murders in Detroit, which equates to 31 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Detroit being a very dangerous place to live.
With a property crime rate of 4305 crimes per 100,000 people, Detroit unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Detroit is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 24, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Detroit faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 8194 vehicle thefts, translating to 1258 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Detroit 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 80.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Detroit residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 630 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 21% of Detroit residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 79% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if Detroit 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. Detroit has a total crime rate that is 187% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 108.59 daily crimes (31.78 violent daily crimes and 76.81 daily property crimes) in Detroit.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Detroit crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Detroit has increased by 6.8% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 20.1% and property crime has increased by 24%.
The Detroit area comprises a diverse array of over 82 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: Indian Village, Alden Park and Downtown which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Belmont, Petosky-Otsego and Grandale exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Detroit neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.
Detroit has a poverty rate that stands at 33.2, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Detroit crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Detroit crime rates. The population density in Detroit is 4988.8 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
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 Detroit, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 4.08 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.
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 | Detroit | Michigan | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 2,883 | 10,515 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.1 | 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 |
| Bingham Farms, MI | 1,580 | 61 | 194 | 254 |
| Village of Grosse Pointe Shores, MI | 2,877 | 68 | 216 | 284 |
| Huntington Woods, MI | 6,528 | 32 | 305 | 337 |
| Berkley, MI | 15,712 | 34 | 343 | 377 |
| Beverly Hills, MI | 10,767 | 48 | 494 | 542 |
| Trenton, MI | 18,684 | 34 | 542 | 576 |
| Pleasant Ridge, MI | 2,661 | 78 | 507 | 585 |
| Detroit, MI | 692,044 | 1,781 | 4,305 | 6,087 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Nashville, TN | 692,022 | 1,124 | 4,510 | 5,634 |
| El Paso, TX | 703,663 | 278 | 1,494 | 1,772 |
| Portland, OR | 675,307 | 720 | 5,526 | 6,246 |
| Memphis, TN | 674,455 | 2,501 | 6,899 | 9,400 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 671,652 | 676 | 2,893 | 3,569 |
| Detroit, MI | 692,044 | 1,781 | 4,305 | 6,087 |
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