| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Southfield/100k people | Michigan/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,198 | n/a (estimate) | 2,913 | 1,813 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 1.3 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 45 | n/a | 59.6 | 56.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 30 | n/a | 39.8 | 31.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 296 | n/a | 392.3 | 341.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 372 | n/a (estimate) | 493 | 434 | 359 |
| Burglary | 306 | n/a | 405.5 | 184.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,107 | n/a | 1,467.1 | 963.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 413 | n/a | 547.4 | 231.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,826 | n/a (estimate) | 2,420 | 1,379 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Southfield crime rate is 37.5% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Southfield, there were 372 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 493 per 100,000 individuals, 37.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, Southfield recorded 1826 property crimes, amounting to 2420 per 100,000 residents, 37.5% higher than the U.S. average.
With a total of 413 vehicle thefts last year, Southfield has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 547 per 100,000 people. This lands Southfield in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 183.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Southfield. Based on the results of the surveys (24 responses), 54% of people felt that there was very little crime in Southfield and felt safe walking alone at night. While 46% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Southfield 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 Southfield crime rate is 37% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 6.02 crimes per day - 1.02 violent crimes and 5 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Southfield. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Southfield has increased by 16.5%. Violent crimes have increased by 1.9%, while property crimes have increased by 20.1%. 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.
In Southfield, the cost of living is 0.12% higher 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.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Southfield, there are 2.21 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
In Southfield, the average rental rates are $1,709 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 | Southfield | Michigan | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 160 | 10,515 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 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 |
| Huntington Woods, MI | 6,528 | 32 | 305 | 337 |
| Berkley, MI | 15,712 | 34 | 343 | 377 |
| Rochester, MI | 13,503 | 24 | 378 | 401 |
| Farmington, MI | 10,802 | 88 | 353 | 441 |
| Southfield, MI | 74,641 | 493 | 2,420 | 2,913 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Framingham, MA | 74,706 | 325 | 1,054 | 1,380 |
| Dale City, VA | 74,814 | 207 | 1,488 | 1,695 |
| Redlands, CA | 74,429 | 299 | 2,151 | 2,450 |
| Albany, GA | 74,905 | 824 | 1,608 | 2,432 |
| New Britain, CT | 74,963 | 421 | 1,925 | 2,347 |
| Southfield, MI | 74,641 | 493 | 2,420 | 2,913 |