| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Grand Rapids/100k people | Michigan/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 6,643 | n/a (estimate) | 3,391 | 1,813 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 12 | n/a | 6.1 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 176 | n/a | 89.8 | 56.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 228 | n/a | 116.4 | 31.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,367 | n/a | 697.8 | 341.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1,783 | n/a (estimate) | 910 | 434 | 359 |
| Burglary | 524 | n/a | 267.5 | 184.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 3,583 | n/a | 1,828.9 | 963.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 753 | n/a | 384.4 | 231.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 4,860 | n/a (estimate) | 2,481 | 1,379 | 1,760 |
The Grand Rapids crime rates are 60% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 1783 violent crimes in Grand Rapids (910 per 100,000 people), which is 153.4% higher than the national average and there were a total of 4860 property crimes (2481 per 100,000 residents) which is 40.9% higher than average.
Grand Rapids ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 910 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Grand Rapids stand at 1 in every 110 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Grand Rapids. Based on the results of the surveys (89 responses), 48% of people felt that there was very little crime in Grand Rapids and felt safe walking alone at night. While 52% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Grand Rapids, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Grand Rapids presents a total crime rate that is 60% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Grand Rapids experiences an average of 18.2 daily crimes, comprising 4.88 violent incidents and 13.32 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
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 Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids has decreased by 5% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 7.6% and property crime has decreased by 4%.
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: Michgan Oaks, Ridgemoor and Millbrook which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as South East Community, Black Hills 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.
Grand Rapids has a poverty rate of 19.9, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
Grand Rapids reports an unemployment rate of 4.1%, 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 Grand Rapids crime rates.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Grand Rapids, there are 1.93 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage 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 | Grand Rapids | Michigan | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 366 | 10,515 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 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 |
| Caledonia, MI | 1,472 | 74 | 234 | 308 |
| Byron Center, MI | 6,870 | 141 | 448 | 590 |
| Forest Hills, MI | 29,534 | 187 | 596 | 783 |
| Rockford, MI | 6,464 | 97 | 792 | 890 |
| Sparta, MI | 4,521 | 187 | 771 | 958 |
| East Grand Rapids, MI | 12,215 | 61 | 1,084 | 1,145 |
| Coopersville, MI | 4,554 | 280 | 889 | 1,168 |
| Grand Rapids, MI | 204,117 | 910 | 2,481 | 3,391 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Augusta, GA | 204,183 | 517 | 2,656 | 3,173 |
| Glendale, CA | 204,037 | 287 | 2,027 | 2,314 |
| Montgomery, AL | 204,291 | 595 | 2,235 | 2,830 |
| Huntington Beach, CA | 204,313 | 207 | 1,989 | 2,196 |
| Yonkers, NY | 204,945 | 312 | 1,015 | 1,327 |
| Grand Rapids, MI | 204,117 | 910 | 2,481 | 3,391 |
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