A-
50%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
38%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
52%
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 peopleOtsego/100k peopleMichigan/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime43n/a (estimate)1,0651,8132,119
Murder1n/a24.85.25.0
Rape7n/a173.456.537.5
Robbery0n/a0.031.360.6
Assault1n/a24.8341.3256.1
Violent crime9n/a (estimate)223434359
Burglary5n/a123.9184.2229.2
Theft26n/a644.2963.61,272.1
Vehicle theft3n/a74.3231.0258.8
Property crime34n/a (estimate)8421,3791,760

Otsego crime map

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

The Otsego crime rates are 49.7% lower 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 9 violent crimes in Otsego (223 per 100,000 people), which is 37.9% lower than the national average and there were a total of 34 property crimes (842 per 100,000 residents) which is 52.1% lower than average.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Otsego ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Otsego, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 25 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

Is Otsego a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Otsego a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Otsego crime rate is 50% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.12 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.09 property crimes.

Has Crime in Otsego Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Otsego. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Otsego has decreased by 20.4%. Violent crimes have didn't change by 0%, while property crimes have decreased by 24.4%. 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Otsego

Otsego 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 Otsego crime rates.

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 Otsego crime rates. The population density in Otsego is 2046.1 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Otsego, the average rental rates are $1,441 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.

Compare Otsego, MI Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Otsego crime rates are 50% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Otsego are 38% lower than the national average
      • In Otsego you have a 1 in 94 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Otsego is safer than 49% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Otsego has decreased by 23%

      Otsego, MI Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Otsego (per 100,000 people)

        The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Otsego for every 100,000 residents. The Otsego total amount of daily crime is 1.70 times less than the Michigan average and 1.99 times less than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Otsego, is 1.95 times less than the Michigan average, and it is 1.61 times less than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Otsego has a daily crime average that is 1.64 times less than the Michigan average and 2.09 times less than the daily national rate.

        How Safe is Otsego (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Otsego, Michigan compared to other areas of Michigan, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Otsego safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Otsego is safer than 52% of Michigan cities, and 49% 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 Otsego. At this time, Otsego sees a below average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Otsego

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Otsego is 1 in 449
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Otsego is 1 in 119
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Otsego is 1 in 94
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in Otsego? If you reside in Otsego, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 449. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 119 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 Otsego, is 1 in 94.

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

        A good indicator of whether Otsego is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live can be determined by analyzing the year over year crime rate (per 100,000 people). The number of violent crimes in Otsego has decreased by 44%, while the property crime rate in Otsego has decreased by 15% year over year. The number of total crimes in Otsego has decreased by 23% year over year.

        Otsego police department

        Item Otsego Michigan National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)710,515558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.82.13.3
        There are a total of 7 Otsego police officers. This results in 1.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 14.4% less than the Michigan average and 45.5% 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
        Parchment, MI1,936146463609
        Allegan, MI5,21358603661
        Delton, MI608175557732
        Galesburg, MI2,2742427691,011
        Comstock Northwest, MI6,2182708591,129
        Wayland, MI4,3492828971,180
        Westwood, MI9,4393109861,296
        Otsego, MI4,1082238421,065

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Verona, VA4,1081401,0121,152
        Plains, PA4,108141824965
        Grand Mound, WA4,1091841,3881,572
        Manchester, GA4,1092564,3014,557
        Oak Valley, NJ4,1071931,2621,455
        Otsego, MI4,1082238421,065
        Source: The Otsego, 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.