| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Kentwood/100k people | Michigan/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,385 | n/a (estimate) | 2,570 | 1,813 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 1.9 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 32 | n/a | 59.4 | 56.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 20 | n/a | 37.1 | 31.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 156 | n/a | 289.5 | 341.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 209 | n/a (estimate) | 388 | 434 | 359 |
| Burglary | 116 | n/a | 215.2 | 184.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 871 | n/a | 1,616.2 | 963.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 189 | n/a | 350.7 | 231.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,176 | n/a (estimate) | 2,182 | 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 Kentwood is 21.3% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 209 violent crimes reported in Kentwood, equivalent to 388 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 8%. Additionally, Kentwood recorded 1176 property crimes, amounting to 2182 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 24%.
The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Kentwood is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. Kentwood reported 388 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 359.
What do the local residents think about crime in Kentwood? Well, based on a recent survey of 15 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 47% of Kentwood residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 53% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Kentwood, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Kentwood presents a total crime rate that is 21% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Kentwood experiences an average of 3.79 daily crimes, comprising 0.57 violent incidents and 3.22 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 residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Kentwood. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Kentwood has decreased by 4.8%. Violent crimes have increased by 16.1%, while property crimes have decreased by 7.8%. 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.
In Kentwood, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.9%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Kentwood 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 Kentwood, there are 1.63 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.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Kentwood are $1,431, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Kentwood | Michigan | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 80 | 10,515 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 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 |
| Middleville, MI | 3,582 | 197 | 627 | 824 |
| East Grand Rapids, MI | 12,215 | 61 | 1,084 | 1,145 |
| Coopersville, MI | 4,554 | 280 | 889 | 1,168 |
| Northview, MI | 15,528 | 281 | 894 | 1,176 |
| Kentwood, MI | 53,236 | 388 | 2,182 | 2,570 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Levittown, NY | 53,191 | 263 | 1,191 | 1,454 |
| Oak Park, IL | 53,295 | 324 | 3,608 | 3,931 |
| Logan, UT | 53,108 | 137 | 1,130 | 1,268 |
| La Crosse, WI | 53,074 | 391 | 3,712 | 4,103 |
| Bentonville, AR | 53,401 | 255 | 828 | 1,083 |
| Kentwood, MI | 53,236 | 388 | 2,182 | 2,570 |