| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Sault Ste. Marie/100k people | Michigan/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 201 | n/a (estimate) | 1,510 | 1,813 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 20 | n/a | 150.3 | 56.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 7.5 | 31.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 33 | n/a | 247.9 | 341.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 54 | n/a (estimate) | 406 | 434 | 359 |
| Burglary | 9 | n/a | 67.6 | 184.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 132 | n/a | 991.7 | 963.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 6 | n/a | 45.1 | 231.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 147 | n/a (estimate) | 1,104 | 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 Sault Ste. Marie is 28.7% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 54 violent crimes reported in Sault Ste. Marie, equivalent to 406 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 13%. Additionally, Sault Ste. Marie recorded 147 property crimes, amounting to 1104 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 37.3%.
Sault Ste. Marie exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 406 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 359. This uniformity underscores Sault Ste. Marie as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
In the most recently reported crime year, Sault Ste. Marie registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Sault Ste. Marie residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 21 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 62% of Sault Ste. Marie residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 38% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Sault Ste. Marie a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Sault Ste. Marie has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 29%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.55 daily incidents, encompassing 0.15 violent crimes and 0.4 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Sault Ste. Marie as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Sault Ste. Marie crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Sault Ste. Marie has increased by 20.4% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 68.8% and property crime has increased by 8.9%.
Sault Ste. Marie reports an unemployment rate of 5.5%, 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 Sault Ste. Marie crime rates.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Sault Ste. Marie, 83.9% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
In Sault Ste. Marie, the cost of living is 14.95% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
| 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 | 13,819 | 406 | 1,104 | 1,510 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lone Tree, CO | 13,829 | 436 | 10,978 | 11,414 |
| Beaufort, SC | 13,805 | 696 | 3,573 | 4,269 |
| Beach Park, IL | 13,801 | 303 | 1,801 | 2,104 |
| Pottsville, PA | 13,838 | 329 | 1,347 | 1,677 |
| St. James, NY | 13,838 | 145 | 655 | 800 |
| Sault Ste. Marie, MI | 13,819 | 406 | 1,104 | 1,510 |