| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Traverse City/100k people | Michigan/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 0 | n/a (estimate) | 740 (estimate) | 1,813 | 2,119 |
| Murder | n/a | n/a | n/a | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | n/a | n/a | n/a | 56.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | n/a | n/a | n/a | 31.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | n/a | n/a | n/a | 341.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | n/a | n/a (estimate) | 177 (estimate) | 434 | 359 |
| Burglary | n/a | n/a | n/a | 184.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | n/a | n/a | n/a | 963.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | n/a | n/a | n/a | 231.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | n/a | n/a (estimate) | 563 (estimate) | 1,379 | 1,760 |
The Traverse City crime rates are 32.5% 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 44 violent crimes in Traverse City (282 per 100,000 people), which is 23.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 201 property crimes (1287 per 100,000 residents) which is 34.2% lower than average.
Traverse City 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 conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Traverse City residents. Out of the respondents (45 in total), 80% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Traverse City were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 20% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Traverse City is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Traverse City has a total crime rate that is 33% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.67 daily crimes (0.12 violent daily crimes and 0.55 daily property crimes) in Traverse City.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Traverse City has decreased by 2.8%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Traverse City, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 30.2%, while property crime has decreased by 6.4%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Traverse City is a safe place to live.
Traverse City has a poverty rate of 10.1, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Traverse City crime rates. For instance, in Traverse City, the population density stands at 1875.9 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Traverse City, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.95 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Traverse City | Michigan | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 29 | 10,515 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 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 |
| Elk Rapids, MI | 1,531 | 61 | 194 | 254 |
| Greilickville, MI | 1,765 | 61 | 194 | 254 |
| Chums Corner, MI | 1,117 | 63 | 199 | 261 |
| Kingsley, MI | 1,933 | 141 | 449 | 590 |
| Lake Ann, MI | 220 | 175 | 557 | 732 |
| Interlochen, MI | 438 | 325 | 1,033 | 1,358 |
| Maple Grove, MI | 194 | 370 | 1,177 | 1,547 |
| Traverse City, MI | 15,525 | 177 | 563 | 740 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Groves, TX | 15,531 | 368 | 1,037 | 1,404 |
| The Dalles, OR | 15,518 | 369 | 2,559 | 2,928 |
| Longwood, FL | 15,514 | 243 | 1,364 | 1,607 |
| Middleburg Heights, OH | 15,514 | 214 | 1,130 | 1,344 |
| Asbury Park, NJ | 15,536 | 177 | 1,160 | 1,337 |
| Traverse City, MI | 15,525 | 177 | 563 | 740 |
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