A+
63%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
90%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
57%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleHoughton/100k peopleMichigan/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime68n/a (estimate)7941,8132,119
Murder0n/a0.05.25.0
Rape2n/a23.456.537.5
Robbery0n/a0.031.360.6
Assault1n/a11.7341.3256.1
Violent crime3n/a (estimate)35434359
Burglary0n/a0.0184.2229.2
Theft65n/a759.0963.61,272.1
Vehicle theft0n/a0.0231.0258.8
Property crime65n/a (estimate)7591,3791,760

Houghton crime map

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The Houghton crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Houghton 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 Houghton crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Houghton 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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An Overview of Crime Rates in Houghton, MI

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Houghton crime rate is 62.5% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Houghton, there were 3 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 35 per 100,000 individuals, 90.2% lower than the national average. Additionally, Houghton recorded 65 property crimes, amounting to 759 per 100,000 residents, 56.9% lower than the U.S. average.

Houghton proudly maintains an impressively low crime rate, registering at a mere 794, which sharply contrasts with the national average of 2119. This stark contrast firmly positions Houghton as one of the most secure residential destinations throughout the entire United States. The total crime rate takes into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 people, offering an invaluable assessment of the area's safety suitability for living.

Houghton has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 35 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Houghton ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

During the most recently reported crime year, Houghton 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.

The United States faces a global challenge with vehicle theft rates, averaging around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Interestingly, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to not report any stolen vehicles. In the latest crime report, Houghton was among these cities, with no reported vehicle thefts, reaffirming its commitment to safety and security.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Houghton?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Houghton residents. Out of the respondents (29 in total), 90% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Houghton were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 10% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Houghton a Safe Place to Live?

Is Houghton a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Houghton has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 63%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.19 daily incidents, encompassing 0.01 violent crimes and 0.18 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Houghton as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Houghton Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Houghton has didn't change by 0% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Houghton is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 200%, while property crime has didn't change by 3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Houghton.

Potential Causes for Crime in Houghton

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 Houghton crime rates. For instance, in Houghton, the population density stands at 1880.5 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Houghton, 91.8% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

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 Houghton, the cost of living is 7.46% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Houghton crime rates are 63% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Houghton are 90% lower than the national average
      • In Houghton you have a 1 in 126 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Houghton is safer than 81% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Houghton has decreased by 10%

      Houghton, MI Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Houghton

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        Daily Crime In Houghton (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Houghton, MI per 100,000 people. In Houghton, the total number of daily crimes is 2.28 times less than the Michigan average and 2.67 times less than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Houghton is 12.40 times less than the Michigan average and 10.25 times less than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Houghton has a daily crime rate that is 1.82 times less than the Michigan average and 2.32 times less than the national average.

        How Safe is Houghton (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Houghton, Michigan compared to other areas of Michigan, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Houghton safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Houghton is safer than 80% of Michigan cities, and 81% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Michigan, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Houghton. At this time, Houghton sees a above average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Houghton

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Houghton is 1 in 2855
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Houghton is 1 in 132
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Houghton is 1 in 126
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in Houghton? If you reside in Houghton, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 2855. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 132 change that you will become a victim of a property crime. These sorts of crimes against personal property include: burglary, theft, and auto theft. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in Houghton, is 1 in 126.

        Year Over Year Crime In Houghton (per 100,000 people)

        Determining whether Houghton is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Houghton violent crime rates have decreased by 73%. At the same time, property crime has not changed year over year. Total crimes for Houghton has decreased by 10% in the same time frame.

        Houghton police department

        Item Houghton Michigan National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)810,515558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.02.13.3
        There are a total of 8 Houghton police officers. This results in 1.0 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 49.9% less than the Michigan average and 68.1% 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
        Laurium, MI1,960213266479
        Hancock, MI4,684199354554
        Lake Linden, MI1,212205651856
        Dollar Bay, MI9963931,2501,643
        Hubbell, MI8705361,7052,241
        South Range, MI5255641,7942,358
        Ahmeek, MI895721,8182,390
        Houghton, MI8,07635759794

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Bonner Springs, KS8,0774061,5861,992
        Carnegie, PA8,078391,1601,199
        Olivette, MO8,07945882926
        Clewiston, FL8,079153361513
        Bellwood, VA8,0802721,9602,233
        Houghton, MI8,07635759794
        Source: The Houghton, MI crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. 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.