| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Pontiac/100k people | Michigan/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,619 | n/a (estimate) | 2,626 | 1,813 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 13 | n/a | 21.1 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 29 | n/a | 47.0 | 56.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 39 | n/a | 63.3 | 31.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 526 | n/a | 853.3 | 341.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 607 | n/a (estimate) | 985 | 434 | 359 |
| Burglary | 198 | n/a | 321.2 | 184.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 614 | n/a | 996.0 | 963.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 200 | n/a | 324.4 | 231.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,012 | n/a (estimate) | 1,642 | 1,379 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Pontiac crime rate is higher than the national average by 23.9%. Specifically, there were 607 violent crimes in Pontiac, equivalent to 985 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 174.2%. Furthermore, Pontiac recorded 1012 property crimes, amounting to 1642 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 6.7%.
With a violent crime rate of 985 crimes per 100,000 residents, Pontiac is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Pontiac ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 102 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Pontiac stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Pontiac, there were a total of 13 murders, translating to 21 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Pontiac is very similar to the national average. Pontiac had a property crime rate of 1642, while the national average was 1760. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.
AreaVibes surveyed 58 local residents in Pontiac to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 14% of people answered that there was very little crime in Pontiac and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 86% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Pontiac 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 Pontiac crime rate is 24% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 4.44 crimes per day - 1.66 violent crimes and 2.77 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime rates in Pontiac has decreased by 6.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Pontiac 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 decreased by 14.8%, while property crime has decreased by 0.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Pontiac.
In Pontiac, the cost of living is 12.91% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
In Pontiac, the median home price stands at $133,714, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
In Pontiac, the average rental rates are $1,240 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | Pontiac | Michigan | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 95 | 10,515 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Bingham Farms, MI | 1,580 | 61 | 194 | 254 |
| Orchard Lake Village, MI | 2,576 | 68 | 216 | 284 |
| Wolverine Lake, MI | 4,880 | 68 | 249 | 317 |
| Oxford, MI | 3,621 | 58 | 262 | 320 |
| Huntington Woods, MI | 6,528 | 32 | 305 | 337 |
| Romeo, MI | 4,011 | 54 | 296 | 349 |
| Ortonville, MI | 1,387 | 87 | 275 | 362 |
| Pontiac, MI | 61,764 | 985 | 1,642 | 2,626 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Meriden, CT | 61,712 | 128 | 1,688 | 1,817 |
| Sanford, FL | 61,887 | 543 | 2,253 | 2,795 |
| Lakewood, WA | 61,909 | 648 | 3,622 | 4,270 |
| Wesley Chapel, FL | 61,965 | 190 | 1,011 | 1,202 |
| Woodland, CA | 61,522 | 275 | 1,419 | 1,693 |
| Pontiac, MI | 61,764 | 985 | 1,642 | 2,626 |
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