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 2,300 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 6.30 chance of being a victim: 1 in 43 Total Crimes / 100k: 5,952

Benton Harbor, MI holds the distinction of being the #1 most dangerous city in Michigan with 2,300 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The area continues to struggle with elevated assault (1,961), robbery (135), rape (180) and homicide (23) rates, as the violent crime rate comes in at 403% 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 2,264 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 6.20 chance of being a victim: 1 in 44 Total Crimes / 100k: 4,453

The second most dangerous city is Saginaw. With a population of 48,407 and a violent crime rate that is 395% 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 2,264 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 44 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.

Detroit Population: 672,351 2,052 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 5.62 chance of being a victim: 1 in 49 Total Crimes / 100k: 6,786

Home to 672,351 residents, Detroit, MI ranks #3 on the list of most dangerous cities in Michigan. Unfortunately for residents of Detroit, crime is widespread, with more than 2,052 violent crimes per 100,000 people reported last year. When the numbers are analyzed, this translates to a staggering 5.62 crimes per day and a violent crime rate that is 349% higher than the Michigan violent crime rate.

Highland Park Population: 10,818 1,809 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 4.96 chance of being a victim: 1 in 55 Total Crimes / 100k: 5,509

With a violent crime rate that is 296% higher than the Michigan average, it's not hard to see why Highland Park made the list. The city reported crime (per 100,000 residents) in the following categories: robbery (282), assault (1,398), rape (94) and homicide (35). 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 Highland Park more vulnerable to high crime.

Flint Population: 95,999 1,422 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 3.90 chance of being a victim: 1 in 70 Total Crimes / 100k: 3,121

The ongoing battle with crime in Flint, 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 1,422 and a 1 in 70 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime (per 100,000 people), Flint has a violent crime rate that is 211% 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 Flint.

Lansing Population: 117,488 1,401 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 3.84 chance of being a victim: 1 in 71 Total Crimes / 100k: 4,215

Lansing, MI comes in at number 6 on our list, with a violent crime rate of 1,401 per 100,000 people, which is 206% higher than the Michigan average. Lansing has a population of 117,488, which translates to 3.84 crimes per day and 1 in 71 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 Lansing which are much safer than others.

Albion Population: 8,380 1,332 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 3.65 chance of being a victim: 1 in 75 Total Crimes / 100k: 3,995

A 1 in 75 chance of becoming a victim of crime and 3.65 violent crimes per day - those are some fairly good reasons why Albion makes the list at #7. According to the most recent annual crime report, there were 1,332 violent crimes per 100,000 people, which translates to a violent crime rate that is 191% higher than the Michigan average. The number of violent crimes takes into account the following categories: assault (1,160), robbery (53), rape (79) and homicide (40).

Ecorse Population: 9,456 1,321 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 3.62 chance of being a victim: 1 in 76 Total Crimes / 100k: 4,105

Ecorse, MI is another one of the most dangerous cities in Michigan and tops the list at #8. The city has a population of 9,456 and a violent crime rate of 1,321 per 100,000 people. Of those crimes, there were 1,133 counts of assault, 132 counts of robbery, 55 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. All told, the Ecorse violent crime rate is 189% higher than the Michigan average.

Battle Creek Population: 51,084 1,297 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 3.55 chance of being a victim: 1 in 77 Total Crimes / 100k: 4,237

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, Battle Creek, MI comes in as the 9th most dangerous city in Michigan with a violent crime rate of 1,297 per 100,000 people. If we break that down, the city sees 3.55 violent crimes per day and residents have a 1 in 77 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.

Kalamazoo Population: 76,106 1,250 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 3.42 chance of being a victim: 1 in 80 Total Crimes / 100k: 5,412

Rounding out our list at #10 is Kalamazoo, MI. With a population of 76,106 and a violent crime rate of 1,250 per 100,000 people (173% higher than the Michigan average), some parts of Kalamazoo are incredible unsafe. The violent crime rate consists of 949 counts of assault, 141 counts of robbery, 131 counts of rape and 29 counts of homicide. Residents can expect to have a 1 in 80 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	2,300	5,952
2	Saginaw	48,407	2,264	4,453
3	Detroit	672,351	2,052	6,786
4	Highland Park	10,818	1,809	5,509
5	Flint	95,999	1,422	3,121
6	Lansing	117,488	1,401	4,215
7	Albion	8,380	1,332	3,995
8	Ecorse	9,456	1,321	4,105
9	Battle Creek	51,084	1,297	4,237
10	Kalamazoo	76,106	1,250	5,412
11	Pontiac	59,714	1,086	3,005
12	Jackson	32,251	1,042	4,667
13	Ypsilanti	20,792	1,035	4,123
14	Inkster	24,398	1,028	3,147
15	Romulus	23,544	886	3,316
16	Grand Rapids	199,417	883	3,926
17	Wayne	16,894	855	2,796
18	Burton	28,598	828	3,909
19	Muskegon	37,317	738	3,734
20	Taylor	61,164	728	2,748
21	Eastpointe	32,221	705	3,364
22	Port Huron	28,918	667	2,150
23	Owosso	14,476	665	2,117
24	Dowagiac	5,695	649	3,841
25	Hamtramck	21,704	645	2,527
26	Bay City	32,892	623	2,576
27	Lincoln Park	36,525	590	2,503
28	Adrian	20,550	585	2,500
29	Harper Woods	13,829	572	5,243
30	Warren	134,188	563	2,407
31	Three Rivers	7,644	546	3,340
32	Southfield	72,966	539	3,303
33	Mount Pleasant	25,290	539	2,603
34	Westland	81,713	519	2,133
35	Roseville	47,160	517	4,136
36	Utica	5,025	510	2,939
37	Kentwood	51,780	509	3,279
38	Alpena	9,987	504	1,532
39	Wyoming	75,999	488	3,050
40	Niles	11,168	472	2,238
41	Melvindale	10,300	455	2,010
42	Escanaba	12,180	447	2,606
43	Hazel Park	16,452	440	2,448
44	Dearborn Heights	55,630	420	2,022
45	Hillsdale	8,073	411	1,332
46	Sturgis	10,853	410	2,114
47	Southgate	29,129	410	2,387
48	Marshall	6,947	402	1,563
49	Menominee	8,079	386	1,544
50	Greenville	8,407	386	2,392

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.