Kentwood, MI Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Kentwood, MI

The Kentwood crime rates are 15.1% 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 241 violent crimes in Kentwood (446 per 100,000 people), which is 20.7% higher than the national average and there were a total of 1203 property crimes (2229 per 100,000 residents) which is 14% higher than average.

The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Kentwood is very similar to the national average. Kentwood had a property crime rate of 2229, while the national average was 1954. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Kentwood has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Kentwood reported 291 vehicle thefts, which equates to 539 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Kentwood is 1 in 186.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Kentwood?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Kentwood residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 15 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 47% of Kentwood 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, 53% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Kentwood a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Kentwood 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. Kentwood has a total crime rate that is 15% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 3.96 daily crimes (0.66 violent daily crimes and 3.3 daily property crimes) in Kentwood.

Has Crime in Kentwood Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Kentwood. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Kentwood has decreased by 0.8%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 33.9%, while property crime has decreased by 5.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Kentwood.

Potential Causes for Crime in Kentwood

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Kentwood currently has an unemployment rate of 2.7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Kentwood, the cost of living is 8.03% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Kentwood, the average rental rates are $967 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Kentwood crime map