Last Updated on February 1, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
Michigan is a great state with plenty to offer its residents and visitors alike. However, like any other place in the world, it has its share of dangers. In this blog post, we will take a look at the 20 most dangerous cities in Michigan. If you’re planning on visiting any of these places, or if you live in one of them, it’s important to be aware of the risks and take precautions to stay safe.
20 Most Dangerous Cities in Michigan
1. Albion.
- Population: 9,000
- Crime Rate: 495 per 100,000 people
Albion is a small city in Michigan with a high crime rate. According to the FBI’s 2019 report, Albion had the highest violent crime rate of any other city in Michigan.
The city has an alarmingly high rate of assaults and robberies as well as property crimes. The city has had some success in reducing its crime rate since the mid-2000s but it still remains one of the most dangerous cities in Michigan.
2. Battle Creek
Population: 52,347
Nestled in the state of Michigan, Battle Creek is another one of the most dangerous cities in the state.
The city has a violent crime rate that is more than double the national average and a property crime rate that is nearly three times higher than other parts of the country.
This high level of criminal activity can be attributed to a high rate of poverty, unemployment, and drug abuse that plagues the city.
To combat these issues, the city has implemented various initiatives and programs designed to reduce crime and better the quality of life for its residents.
3. Benton Harbor
Population: 10,038
Benton Harbor is one of the most dangerous cities in Michigan. According to Neighborhood Scout’s 2017 analysis, it has a crime rate that is 522% higher than the Michigan average and is ranked as the 4th most dangerous city in the state.
Violent crimes such as assault, murder, rape and armed robbery are all too common in Benton Harbor, making it a city that should be avoided if possible.
4. Benton Township
- Population: 9,034
- Crime Rate: 12 per 1,000 people
Benton Township has a very high crime rate. Violent crimes are much more common than property crimes in this city, and the overall crime rate is nearly three times higher than the national average.
Residents of Benton Township should be extra vigilant when it comes to their own safety and security.
5. Detroit
- Population: 677,116
- Crime rate: 86.11 per 1,000
Detroit is often named one of the most dangerous cities in Michigan. The crime rate is one of the highest in the state, and Detroit has a reputation for being a hub for violent crimes like gang activity and drug trafficking.
In recent years, however, progress has been made to reduce crime and reform criminal justice systems in Detroit.
The city has implemented several initiatives to support public safety, such as investing in police recruitment and training, community outreach programs, and improved emergency response times.
Despite these efforts, Detroit remains one of the most dangerous cities in Michigan. According to statistics from 2019, it had the highest rate of violent crime of all major cities in the state.
6. Encorse
- Population: 9,985
- Violent crime rate: 1,123 per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate: 9,338 per 100,000 people
Encorse is located in Wayne County and has the second-highest violent crime rate of any city in Michigan.
It is known for its high rates of murder and assault. The property crime rate is also very high, making Encorse one of the most dangerous cities in Michigan.
The city has struggled with poverty, drug use, and gang activity for many years. The police department works hard to keep crime rates low by enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for any type of criminal activity.
7. Flint
Population: 99,763
Flint, Michigan is one of the most dangerous cities in the state. According to FBI data collected in 2020, Flint had 2,633 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
This includes aggravated assault and murder. In addition to these alarming crime rates, poverty levels are high in Flint as well – 38.4% of the population lives below the poverty line.
8. Flint Township
Population: 40,859
Flint Township is located in the northwest corner of Genesee County and is the county’s largest township.
It has a history of crime and poverty that raises alarm bells. The city has some of the highest violent crime rates in Michigan with an average of 799 incidents per 100,000 people annually.
The area also faces economic hardship, with 22% of residents living below the poverty line. Although there have been efforts to combat the problem, such as increased police presence and neighborhood watch programs, violence still persists in Flint Township.
9. Grand Rapids
Population: 196,445
Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan and has a generally high rate of crime. Theft and vandalism are the most common crimes here, but there have also been reports of violent crimes such as assault and homicide.
Residents should be wary when walking alone at night or visiting unfamiliar areas. It’s best to stick with well-lit and populated areas to avoid any potential danger.
10. Harper Woods
Population: 14,236
Harper Woods is a city located in Wayne County, Michigan. It has a dangerous reputation due to its high crime rate and reports of shootings, robberies, assaults and other violent crimes.
There have been several instances of gang-related crimes over the years, including drive-by shootings. The police department works hard to combat crime and keep residents safe, but it remains a dangerous area.
11. Highland Park
Population: 11,776
Highland Park is one of the most dangerous cities in Michigan. Between 2018 and 2019 there was a 23% increase in violent crime, making it the 6th most dangerous city in Michigan.
The main crimes committed include drug dealing and gang activity, as well as residential burglaries and armed robberies.
The police department has limited resources to combat these crimes, and the city is currently working with local organizations to help reduce crime. Despite these efforts, Highland Park remains one of the most dangerous cities in Michigan.
12. Jackson
- Population: 33,534
- Crime rate: 855 per 100,000 people
Jackson is the largest city in Michigan and is one of its most dangerous cities. The crime rate here is higher than the national average with 855 crimes reported per 100,000 people.
In 2018 alone, there were 1,103 assaults reported and 48 robberies. Gang activity is also a problem in Jackson and many of the city’s residents live in poverty.
13. Kalamazoo
Population: 75,000
Kalamazoo is the fourth most dangerous city in Michigan with a crime rate of 83.65 per 1,000 residents. The city’s violent crime rate was an estimated 15.03 per 1,000 people in 2017 and property crime reported at 68.62 per 1,000 residents.
Kalamazoo had four homicides in 2017. The city of Kalamazoo’s police department is dedicated to combatting violent crime, and they have implemented a law enforcement-led program called Project Safe Neighborhood that works to reduce gun violence through community outreach efforts in the area.
14. Lansing Township
- Population: 8,099
- Crime Rate (per 100,000): 4,813
Lansing Township is located in the Lansing Metropolitan Area of Michigan. It has a total population of 8,099 and a crime rate (per 100,000) of 4,813. This high crime rate makes it one of the most dangerous cities in Michigan.
The majority of the crime reported is property related but violent crimes have been known to occur. Residents are advised to take caution when living or traveling in Lansing Township. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity.
15. Mount Morris Township
Population: 30,846
Located between Flint and Detroit, Mount Morris Township is one of the most dangerous cities in Michigan. According to FBI statistics from 2018, there were 1,964 crimes committed per 100,000 people.
Of those crimes, an alarming 458 were violent incidents such as assault and robbery making this city particularly unsafe for its residents.
The high rate of crime is compounded by an alarming lack of economic opportunity, with the poverty rate nearly double the state average.
The city has recently seen a surge in investment and development, which has helped to bring down the crime rate somewhat in recent years. However, it still remains one of Michigan’s most dangerous locations.
16. Muskegon Heights
Population: 10,082
Muskegon Heights has seen a drastic increase in violent crime in recent years. In 2020 alone, there were 13 homicides reported. Drug activity is rampant, and gang violence is widespread.
The city is known for its high poverty levels and limited economic opportunities, making it an ideal hot spot for criminal activity. If you’re planning to visit Muskegon Heights, take extra precautions and stay aware of your surroundings.
17. Pontiac
- Population: 59,000
- Crime Rate: 1 per 10,000 people
Pontiac is one of the most dangerous cities in Michigan. With a crime rate of 1 in every 10,000 people, Pontiac has seen its fair share of crime and violence.
While recent efforts have been made to reduce crime in the city, it still remains one of the most dangerous in the state.
Gang activity is a particular problem, with numerous reports of drug-related violence and shootings occurring every year. The city also experiences an above average rate of property crime, with burglary rates significantly higher than the national average.
18. Saginaw
Population: 51,508
Crime rate: Saginaw is one of the most dangerous cities in Michigan and it has consistently ranked among the top 10 for several years. The crime rate per 1,000 residents is an astonishing 48.29 which is one of the highest rates in the state.
Violent crimes are particularly common with more than 50 reported incidents per 1000 residents. Property crime is also a problem with nearly 800 incidents occurring each year.
Burglary and theft are the most common crimes reported in Saginaw. Locals should take extra caution when going out at night, as this often increases their risk of becoming a victim of crime.
19. Three Rivers
- Population: 6,811
- Crime rate: 12.9%
Three Rivers is a small city in St. Joseph County, Michigan with a population of just over 6,800 people. The crime rate here is 12.9%, which is much higher than the 10.3% national average and makes it one of the more dangerous cities in Michigan.
Violent crimes such as murder, rape, and assault are more common in Three Rivers than other cities. Property crime is also higher than the national average here; theft, burglary and car theft are all risks to consider before visiting or living in Three Rivers.
20. Ypsilanti
Population: 21,018
Ypsilanti is located in Washtenaw County and has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous cities in Michigan.
In 2019, the city reported 42 violent crimes per 1,000 residents that included 2 murders. This makes it one of the highest crime rates in the state. Residents have also reported frequent incidents involving property crime such as burglary and vehicle theft.
In response, city officials have increased the police presence in Ypsilanti and implemented several crime prevention initiatives.
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What city in Michigan has the highest crime rate?
According to the FBI’s most recent Uniform Crime Report, Detroit has the highest crime rate of any city in Michigan.
In 2019, Detroit reported a total of 24,619 violent crimes and a total of 78,923 property crimes. This means that for every 1,000 residents in Detroit, there were an average of 31.8 violent crimes and 220.1 property crimes.
This is significantly higher than the national average of 4 violent crimes and 24.7 property crimes per 1,000 residents. Detroit also had the highest rate of homicides in Michigan in 2019, with a total of 261 reported for the year.
Is Michigan a high crime state?
This is a question that many people have asked and the answer depends on the facts. Michigan does not have one of the highest crime rates in the country, but it does rank higher than some other states.
In 2019, Michigan’s violent crime rate was about 33% higher than the national average, making it one of the higher-ranking states. Additionally, Michigan had the seventh highest property crime rate in the country.
There are several factors that contribute to the higher crime rate in Michigan. One is the state’s impoverished areas and cities with high poverty levels.
These areas often have a lack of education and job opportunities, which can lead to crime. Additionally, Detroit has one of the highest crime rates in the entire country, which contributes to Michigan’s overall higher-than-average rate.
How violent is Michigan?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors.
Michigan has one of the highest violent crime rates in the nation, with 469.3 reported violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2018 according to FBI data. This is significantly higher than the national average of 380.6 reported crimes per 100,000 people. The state also has higher rates of murder and non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, aggravated assault and overall violent crime than the national average.
In addition to a high rate of violent crime, Michigan also has one of the highest gun death rates in the country. The state ranks 4th in the nation with 15.1 deaths per 100,000 people. This is significantly higher than the national average of 11.9 deaths per 100,000 people and is even higher when looking at gun deaths specifically (13.7 per 100,000 in Michigan compared to an average of 10.2).
Michigan also has a high rate of domestic violence incidents, with 3,169 reported cases in 2018 alone. This is higher than the national average of 2,817 reported cases per 100,000 people and highlights an additional problem with violence in the state.
What part of Michigan is the safest?
The answer depends on a variety of factors, such as the crime rate, economic conditions, and quality of life.
In general, the cities with the lowest crime rates in Michigan are Novi, Rochester Hills, Troy, Farmington Hills, and Canton Township. These areas have maintained consistently low crime rates for decades due to their effective policing strategies and strong economic conditions.
Additionally, many of the suburbs in Michigan such as Bloomfield Hills, Grosse Pointe Farms, Beverly Hills, Rochester and West Bloomfield are among the safest towns to live in. These communities have a low crime rate and a high quality of life with affluent neighborhoods that offer excellent public schools, a wide range of recreational activities and a variety of cultural attractions.
While crime is relatively low in Michigan, there are still areas that can be considered safer than others. The small towns located near the Great Lakes offer some of the best safety ratings in the state. These include towns like Marquette, Ludington, Mackinaw City and Traverse City, which are located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Conclusion
Michigan is known for its beautiful lakes and charming communities, but unfortunately, it also has some of the most dangerous cities in the country. While crime rates are decreasing in many areas, this list includes those locations still struggling with higher-than-average incidents of violent crime.
In these cities, residents need to be extra cautious when out and about and be sure to take the necessary precautions to stay safe.
Law enforcement agencies and community organizations are working hard to bring down crime rates in these areas, but until then, it is important that people are aware of their surroundings and take the necessary steps to protect themselves.
