Top 10 most dangerous cities in Michigan

Michigan, known for its Great Lakes and automotive industry, offers a unique living experience. From the bustling city life of Detroit to the scenic beauty of the Upper Peninsula, Michigan provides a diverse array of attractions. The state's rich cultural heritage is evident in its music, festivals, and historic sites. However, despite its many positives, Michigan faces safety challenges in certain urban areas. The most dangerous cities in Michigan are identified by their violent crime rates per 100,000 people, highlighting regions where extra caution is necessary. The contrast between Michigan's cultural richness and urban crime issues underscores the complexities of life in this diverse state.

Efforts to improve safety in Michigan involve a combination of enhanced law enforcement measures and community engagement programs aimed at preventing violence and crime. These initiatives are crucial in addressing the safety concerns that affect some of the most dangerous cities in Michigan. While these areas present significant challenges, they also highlight the potential for community-driven solutions and positive change. Michigan's commitment to fostering safer environments is evident in its proactive measures and the resilience of its residents. The state's blend of cultural heritage, economic opportunities, and natural beauty continues to attract people, despite the complexities of urban safety concerns.

Benton Harbor Population: 9,806 2,642 violent crimes per 100k
violent crimes per day: 7.24 chance of being a victim: 1 in 38 Total Crimes / 100k: 6,351
Benton Harbor, MI holds the distinction of being the #1 most dangerous city in Michigan with 2,642 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The area continues to struggle with elevated assault (2,181), robbery (169), rape (247) and homicide (45) rates, as the violent crime rate comes in at 473% higher than the Michigan average. Contributing to these numbers could be the higher than average rates of poverty, unemployment, and gang activity. Ongoing efforts from local law enforcement and the community have been created to help reduce the crime rates going forward.
Saginaw Population: 48,407 2,119 violent crimes per 100k
violent crimes per day: 5.81 chance of being a victim: 1 in 47 Total Crimes / 100k: 4,169
The second most dangerous city is Saginaw. With a population of 48,407 and a violent crime rate that is 360% higher than the Michigan average, the city has seen better days. The higher than average crime rates in Saginaw are not new, as violent crime has been a serious issue for many years and topped 2,119 violent crimes per 100,000 people in the last calendar year. In some areas, the riks are greater than others, as residents have a 1 in 47 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
Highland Park Population: 10,818 2,034 violent crimes per 100k
violent crimes per day: 5.57 chance of being a victim: 1 in 49 Total Crimes / 100k: 5,760
Home to 10,818 residents, Highland Park, MI ranks #3 on the list of most dangerous cities in Michigan. Unfortunately for residents of Highland Park, crime is widespread, with more than 2,034 violent crimes per 100,000 people reported last year. When the numbers are analyzed, this translates to a staggering 5.57 crimes per day and a violent crime rate that is 341% higher than the Michigan violent crime rate.
Detroit Population: 672,351 2,028 violent crimes per 100k
violent crimes per day: 5.56 chance of being a victim: 1 in 49 Total Crimes / 100k: 6,506
With a violent crime rate that is 340% higher than the Michigan average, it's not hard to see why Detroit made the list. The city reported crime (per 100,000 residents) in the following categories: robbery (223), assault (1,642), rape (114) and homicide (49). In regions where employment opportunities are scarce or where many jobs offer insufficient wages, the risk of increased unemployment and homelessness rises, this could be just some of the triggers that make Detroit more vulnerable to high crime.
Muskegon Heights Population: 10,735 1,710 violent crimes per 100k
violent crimes per day: 4.68 chance of being a victim: 1 in 58 Total Crimes / 100k: 4,988
The ongoing battle with crime in Muskegon Heights, MI, is not a new issue - which is why there's no surprise that this city has made the list. With a violent crime rate of 1,710 and a 1 in 58 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime (per 100,000 people), Muskegon Heights has a violent crime rate that is 271% higher than the Michigan average. Higher than average poverty and unemployment rates as well as a lack of available well-paying jobs, are most likely all contributing to the high rate of violent crime in Muskegon Heights.
Kalamazoo Population: 76,106 1,516 violent crimes per 100k
violent crimes per day: 4.15 chance of being a victim: 1 in 66 Total Crimes / 100k: 6,018
Kalamazoo, MI comes in at number 6 on our list, with a violent crime rate of 1,516 per 100,000 people, which is 229% higher than the Michigan average. Kalamazoo has a population of 76,106, which translates to 4.15 crimes per day and 1 in 66 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. As with most cities, a high violent crime rate does not mean that all areas are unsafe, as there are definitely some areas in Kalamazoo which are much safer than others.
Lansing Population: 117,488 1,279 violent crimes per 100k
violent crimes per day: 3.50 chance of being a victim: 1 in 78 Total Crimes / 100k: 3,970
A 1 in 78 chance of becoming a victim of crime and 3.50 violent crimes per day - those are some fairly good reasons why Lansing makes the list at #7. According to the most recent annual crime report, there were 1,279 violent crimes per 100,000 people, which translates to a violent crime rate that is 177% higher than the Michigan average. The number of violent crimes takes into account the following categories: assault (1,046), robbery (131), rape (88) and homicide (13).
Flint Population: 95,999 1,230 violent crimes per 100k
violent crimes per day: 3.37 chance of being a victim: 1 in 81 Total Crimes / 100k: 2,538
Flint, MI is another one of the most dangerous cities in Michigan and tops the list at #8. The city has a population of 95,999 and a violent crime rate of 1,230 per 100,000 people. Of those crimes, there were 1,074 counts of assault, 35 counts of robbery, 105 counts of rape and 16 counts of homicide. All told, the Flint violent crime rate is 167% higher than the Michigan average.
Ecorse Population: 9,456 1,185 violent crimes per 100k
violent crimes per day: 3.25 chance of being a victim: 1 in 84 Total Crimes / 100k: 3,786
Economic conditions, education, social environment, law enforcement and urbanization can all have an impact on crime rates. Feeling the effects of most of those issues, Ecorse, MI comes in as the 9th most dangerous city in Michigan with a violent crime rate of 1,185 per 100,000 people. If we break that down, the city sees 3.25 violent crimes per day and residents have a 1 in 84 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.
Battle Creek Population: 51,084 1,174 violent crimes per 100k
violent crimes per day: 3.22 chance of being a victim: 1 in 85 Total Crimes / 100k: 3,853
Rounding out our list at #10 is Battle Creek, MI. With a population of 51,084 and a violent crime rate of 1,174 per 100,000 people (155% higher than the Michigan average), some parts of Battle Creek are incredible unsafe. The violent crime rate consists of 945 counts of assault, 54 counts of robbery, 158 counts of rape and 16 counts of homicide. Residents can expect to have a 1 in 85 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.

Full list of the most dangerous cities in Michigan

Rank Location Population Violent Crimes /100k Total Crimes /100k 
1 Benton Harbor 9,806 2,642 6,351
2 Saginaw 48,407 2,119 4,169
3 Highland Park 10,818 2,034 5,760
4 Detroit 672,351 2,028 6,506
5 Muskegon Heights 10,735 1,710 4,988
6 Kalamazoo 76,106 1,516 6,018
7 Lansing 117,488 1,279 3,970
8 Flint 95,999 1,230 2,538
9 Ecorse 9,456 1,185 3,786
10 Battle Creek 51,084 1,174 3,853
11 Inkster 24,398 1,096 2,975
12 Albion 8,380 1,096 4,761
13 Jackson 32,251 1,077 4,634
14 Ypsilanti 20,792 1,057 3,875
15 Wayne 16,894 1,047 3,159
16 Pontiac 59,714 1,023 2,793
17 Grand Rapids 199,417 979 3,986
18 Romulus 23,544 965 3,450
19 Muskegon 37,317 851 3,528
20 Burton 28,598 824 3,347
21 Owosso 14,476 789 2,133
22 Dowagiac 5,695 787 4,400
23 Eastpointe 32,221 733 3,216
24 Port Huron 28,918 722 2,717
25 Hamtramck 21,704 658 2,226
26 Harper Woods 13,829 636 5,377
27 Taylor 61,164 624 2,447
28 Three Rivers 7,644 619 4,740
29 Lincoln Park 36,525 592 2,511
30 Niles 11,168 587 2,943
31 Adrian 20,550 578 2,391
32 Bay City 32,892 555 1,746
33 Roseville 47,160 533 4,172
34 Cadillac 10,462 528 2,545
35 Wyoming 75,999 514 2,242
36 Southfield 72,966 502 3,138
37 Eaton Rapids 5,229 502 2,180
38 Dearborn Heights 55,630 490 2,007
39 Warren 134,188 489 2,147
40 Escanaba 12,180 476 2,120
41 Alpena 9,987 473 1,666
42 Greenville 8,407 462 2,655
43 Melvindale 10,300 455 1,908
44 Westland 81,713 454 1,742
45 Kentwood 51,780 446 2,675
46 Menominee 8,079 433 1,780
47 Southgate 29,129 413 2,328
48 Hastings 7,314 410 1,853
49 Charlotte 9,069 403 2,300
50 Flat Rock 9,974 395 1,707

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the most dangerous cities in Michigan is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime data (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) per 100,000 people and only included Michigan cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying violent crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Violent Crime By State

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Explore our interactive map to discover the most dangerous cities in each state across the USA. This map highlights the states with the highest crime rates, providing insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. From urban centers facing economic hardships to regions grappling with social challenges, the map offers a visual representation of crime hotspots. Click on each state to learn more about its most dangerous cities, the types of crimes most prevalent, and the underlying causes behind these issues.