| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Sault Ste. Marie/100k people | Michigan/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 142 | n/a (estimate) | 1,059 | 1,998 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.9 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 9 | n/a | 67.1 | 64.8 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 36.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 14 | n/a | 104.4 | 352.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 23 | n/a (estimate) | 171 | 461 | 370 |
| Burglary | 8 | n/a | 59.6 | 214.3 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 103 | n/a | 768.0 | 1,055.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 8 | n/a | 59.6 | 267.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 119 | n/a (estimate) | 887 | 1,537 | 1,954 |
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 Sault Ste. Marie crime rate is lower than the national average by 54.5%. Specifically, there were 23 violent crimes in Sault Ste. Marie, equivalent to 171 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 53.6%. Furthermore, Sault Ste. Marie recorded 119 property crimes, amounting to 887 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 54.6%.
Sault Ste. Marie showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Sault Ste. Marie. Based on the results of the surveys (17 responses), 53% of people felt that there was very little crime in Sault Ste. Marie and felt safe walking alone at night. While 47% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Sault Ste. Marie, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Sault Ste. Marie presents a total crime rate that is 54% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Sault Ste. Marie experiences an average of 0.39 daily crimes, comprising 0.06 violent incidents and 0.33 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Sault Ste. Marie. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Sault Ste. Marie has decreased by 15%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 28.1%, while property crime has decreased by 11.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Sault Ste. Marie.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Sault Ste. Marie currently has an unemployment rate of 5.3%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
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 Sault Ste. Marie, the cost of living is 18.6% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Sault Ste. Marie, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.82, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
| Item | Sault Ste. Marie | Michigan | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 26 | 10,515 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 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 |
| Sault Ste. Marie, MI | 13,526 | 171 | 887 | 1,059 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Huntington, VA | 13,526 | 112 | 812 | 924 |
| Brecksville, OH | 13,521 | 30 | 356 | 386 |
| St. James, NY | 13,533 | 259 | 1,040 | 1,300 |
| Federal Heights, CO | 13,537 | 844 | 3,546 | 4,390 |
| Ridge, NY | 13,537 | 409 | 1,640 | 2,048 |
| Sault Ste. Marie, MI | 13,526 | 171 | 887 | 1,059 |
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