Top 10 most dangerous cities in Michigan

Michigan, known for its Great Lakes and automotive industry, offers a unique living experience. From the bustling city life of Detroit to the scenic beauty of the Upper Peninsula, Michigan provides a diverse array of attractions. The state's rich cultural heritage is evident in its music, festivals, and historic sites. However, despite its many positives, Michigan faces safety challenges in certain urban areas. The most dangerous cities in Michigan are identified by their violent crime rates per 100,000 people, highlighting regions where extra caution is necessary. The contrast between Michigan's cultural richness and urban crime issues underscores the complexities of life in this diverse state.

Efforts to improve safety in Michigan involve a combination of enhanced law enforcement measures and community engagement programs aimed at preventing violence and crime. These initiatives are crucial in addressing the safety concerns that affect some of the most dangerous cities in Michigan. While these areas present significant challenges, they also highlight the potential for community-driven solutions and positive change. Michigan's commitment to fostering safer environments is evident in its proactive measures and the resilience of its residents. The state's blend of cultural heritage, economic opportunities, and natural beauty continues to attract people, despite the complexities of urban safety concerns.

Benton Harbor Population: 9,806 2,642 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 7.24 chance of being a victim: 1 in 38 Total Crimes / 100k: 6,351

Benton Harbor, MI holds the distinction of being the #1 most dangerous city in Michigan with 2,642 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The area continues to struggle with elevated assault (2,181), robbery (169), rape (247) and homicide (45) rates, as the violent crime rate comes in at 473% higher than the Michigan average. Contributing to these numbers could be the higher than average rates of poverty, unemployment, and gang activity. Ongoing efforts from local law enforcement and the community have been created to help reduce the crime rates going forward.

Saginaw Population: 48,407 2,119 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 5.81 chance of being a victim: 1 in 47 Total Crimes / 100k: 4,169

The second most dangerous city is Saginaw. With a population of 48,407 and a violent crime rate that is 360% higher than the Michigan average, the city has seen better days. The higher than average crime rates in Saginaw are not new, as violent crime has been a serious issue for many years and topped 2,119 violent crimes per 100,000 people in the last calendar year. In some areas, the riks are greater than others, as residents have a 1 in 47 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.

Highland Park Population: 10,818 2,034 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 5.57 chance of being a victim: 1 in 49 Total Crimes / 100k: 5,760

Home to 10,818 residents, Highland Park, MI ranks #3 on the list of most dangerous cities in Michigan. Unfortunately for residents of Highland Park, crime is widespread, with more than 2,034 violent crimes per 100,000 people reported last year. When the numbers are analyzed, this translates to a staggering 5.57 crimes per day and a violent crime rate that is 341% higher than the Michigan violent crime rate.

Detroit Population: 672,351 2,028 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 5.56 chance of being a victim: 1 in 49 Total Crimes / 100k: 6,506

With a violent crime rate that is 340% higher than the Michigan average, it's not hard to see why Detroit made the list. The city reported crime (per 100,000 residents) in the following categories: robbery (223), assault (1,642), rape (114) and homicide (49). In regions where employment opportunities are scarce or where many jobs offer insufficient wages, the risk of increased unemployment and homelessness rises, this could be just some of the triggers that make Detroit more vulnerable to high crime.

Muskegon Heights Population: 10,735 1,710 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 4.68 chance of being a victim: 1 in 58 Total Crimes / 100k: 4,988

The ongoing battle with crime in Muskegon Heights, MI, is not a new issue - which is why there's no surprise that this city has made the list. With a violent crime rate of 1,710 and a 1 in 58 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime (per 100,000 people), Muskegon Heights has a violent crime rate that is 271% higher than the Michigan average. Higher than average poverty and unemployment rates as well as a lack of available well-paying jobs, are most likely all contributing to the high rate of violent crime in Muskegon Heights.

Kalamazoo Population: 76,106 1,516 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 4.15 chance of being a victim: 1 in 66 Total Crimes / 100k: 6,018

Kalamazoo, MI comes in at number 6 on our list, with a violent crime rate of 1,516 per 100,000 people, which is 229% higher than the Michigan average. Kalamazoo has a population of 76,106, which translates to 4.15 crimes per day and 1 in 66 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. As with most cities, a high violent crime rate does not mean that all areas are unsafe, as there are definitely some areas in Kalamazoo which are much safer than others.

Lansing Population: 117,488 1,279 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 3.50 chance of being a victim: 1 in 78 Total Crimes / 100k: 3,970

A 1 in 78 chance of becoming a victim of crime and 3.50 violent crimes per day - those are some fairly good reasons why Lansing makes the list at #7. According to the most recent annual crime report, there were 1,279 violent crimes per 100,000 people, which translates to a violent crime rate that is 177% higher than the Michigan average. The number of violent crimes takes into account the following categories: assault (1,046), robbery (131), rape (88) and homicide (13).

Flint Population: 95,999 1,230 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 3.37 chance of being a victim: 1 in 81 Total Crimes / 100k: 2,538

Flint, MI is another one of the most dangerous cities in Michigan and tops the list at #8. The city has a population of 95,999 and a violent crime rate of 1,230 per 100,000 people. Of those crimes, there were 1,074 counts of assault, 35 counts of robbery, 105 counts of rape and 16 counts of homicide. All told, the Flint violent crime rate is 167% higher than the Michigan average.

Ecorse Population: 9,456 1,185 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 3.25 chance of being a victim: 1 in 84 Total Crimes / 100k: 3,786

Economic conditions, education, social environment, law enforcement and urbanization can all have an impact on crime rates. Feeling the effects of most of those issues, Ecorse, MI comes in as the 9th most dangerous city in Michigan with a violent crime rate of 1,185 per 100,000 people. If we break that down, the city sees 3.25 violent crimes per day and residents have a 1 in 84 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.

Battle Creek Population: 51,084 1,174 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 3.22 chance of being a victim: 1 in 85 Total Crimes / 100k: 3,853

Rounding out our list at #10 is Battle Creek, MI. With a population of 51,084 and a violent crime rate of 1,174 per 100,000 people (155% higher than the Michigan average), some parts of Battle Creek are incredible unsafe. The violent crime rate consists of 945 counts of assault, 54 counts of robbery, 158 counts of rape and 16 counts of homicide. Residents can expect to have a 1 in 85 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.

Full list of the most dangerous cities in Michigan

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Benton Harbor	9,806	2,642	6,351
2	Saginaw	48,407	2,119	4,169
3	Highland Park	10,818	2,034	5,760
4	Detroit	672,351	2,028	6,506
5	Muskegon Heights	10,735	1,710	4,988
6	Kalamazoo	76,106	1,516	6,018
7	Lansing	117,488	1,279	3,970
8	Flint	95,999	1,230	2,538
9	Ecorse	9,456	1,185	3,786
10	Battle Creek	51,084	1,174	3,853
11	Inkster	24,398	1,096	2,975
12	Albion	8,380	1,096	4,761
13	Jackson	32,251	1,077	4,634
14	Ypsilanti	20,792	1,057	3,875
15	Wayne	16,894	1,047	3,159
16	Pontiac	59,714	1,023	2,793
17	Grand Rapids	199,417	979	3,986
18	Romulus	23,544	965	3,450
19	Muskegon	37,317	851	3,528
20	Burton	28,598	824	3,347
21	Owosso	14,476	789	2,133
22	Dowagiac	5,695	787	4,400
23	Eastpointe	32,221	733	3,216
24	Port Huron	28,918	722	2,717
25	Hamtramck	21,704	658	2,226
26	Harper Woods	13,829	636	5,377
27	Taylor	61,164	624	2,447
28	Three Rivers	7,644	619	4,740
29	Lincoln Park	36,525	592	2,511
30	Niles	11,168	587	2,943
31	Adrian	20,550	578	2,391
32	Bay City	32,892	555	1,746
33	Roseville	47,160	533	4,172
34	Cadillac	10,462	528	2,545
35	Wyoming	75,999	514	2,242
36	Southfield	72,966	502	3,138
37	Eaton Rapids	5,229	502	2,180
38	Dearborn Heights	55,630	490	2,007
39	Warren	134,188	489	2,147
40	Escanaba	12,180	476	2,120
41	Alpena	9,987	473	1,666
42	Greenville	8,407	462	2,655
43	Melvindale	10,300	455	1,908
44	Westland	81,713	454	1,742
45	Kentwood	51,780	446	2,675
46	Menominee	8,079	433	1,780
47	Southgate	29,129	413	2,328
48	Hastings	7,314	410	1,853
49	Charlotte	9,069	403	2,300
50	Flat Rock	9,974	395	1,707

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the most dangerous cities in Michigan is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime data (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) per 100,000 people and only included Michigan cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying violent crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Violent Crime By State

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Explore our interactive map to discover the most dangerous cities in each state across the USA. This map highlights the states with the highest crime rates, providing insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. From urban centers facing economic hardships to regions grappling with social challenges, the map offers a visual representation of crime hotspots. Click on each state to learn more about its most dangerous cities, the types of crimes most prevalent, and the underlying causes behind these issues.