Benton Harbor, MI Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Benton Harbor, MI

The Benton Harbor crime rates are 173.3% higher 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 235 violent crimes in Benton Harbor (2642 per 100,000 people), which is 614.3% higher than the national average and there were a total of 330 property crimes (3710 per 100,000 residents) which is 89.8% higher than average.

Benton Harbor has a crime rate of 6351 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 173.26%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Benton Harbor. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

Benton Harbor ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 2642 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Benton Harbor stand at 1 in every 38 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Benton Harbor ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Benton Harbor, there were a total of 4 murders, translating to 45 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

Benton Harbor faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3710 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Benton Harbor stands at 1 in 27, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Benton Harbor is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Benton Harbor reported a total of 100 vehicle thefts, resulting in 1124 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 89, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Benton Harbor?

AreaVibes surveyed 73 local residents in Benton Harbor to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 11% of people answered that there was very little crime in Benton Harbor and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 89% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Benton Harbor a Safe Place to Live?

Is Benton Harbor 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, Benton Harbor has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 173%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.55 daily incidents, encompassing 0.64 violent crimes and 0.9 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Benton Harbor as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Benton Harbor Increased Since Last Year?

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 Benton Harbor 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 Benton Harbor has increased by 23.9% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 2.1% and property crime has increased by 52.8%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Benton Harbor

Benton Harbor has a poverty rate that stands at 44.9, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Benton Harbor crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Benton Harbor, the cost of living is 27.59% lower than the national average.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Benton Harbor are $661, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Benton Harbor crime map