Safest cities in Michigan

Known as the 'Great Lakes State,' Michigan is characterized by its extensive coastlines, lush forests, and vibrant cities. Located in the northern United States, Michigan is uniquely divided into two peninsulas, offering a variety of landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. The state's economy is heavily influenced by the automotive industry, with Detroit being the historic heart of American car manufacturing. Michigan also has a strong presence in agriculture, technology, and tourism. The state is home to numerous cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and music festivals. Michigan's natural beauty is showcased in its numerous state parks, pristine lakes, and scenic trails, providing endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

The safest cities in Michigan offer residents a high quality of life with low crime rates, enhancing the overall livability of these communities. Safety is a crucial factor in fostering strong, thriving neighborhoods where residents can feel secure. Factors contributing to the safety of Michigan's cities include effective law enforcement, community policing efforts, and active local involvement in public safety initiatives. These cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, ensuring an accurate assessment of safety. With this focus on security, residents can fully enjoy Michigan's natural beauty, cultural richness, and economic opportunities without the constant concern of crime.

Huntington Woods Population: 6,303 353 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 32 Property Crime / 100k: 321 chance of being a victim: 1 in 284

Huntington Woods proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Michigan. With only 353 crimes per 100,000 people, Huntington Woods has a crime rate that is 94% lower than the Michigan average. This equates to an average of 0.06 crimes per day and a 1 in 284 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

South Lyon Population: 11,818 379 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 101 Property Crime / 100k: 278 chance of being a victim: 1 in 264

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, South Lyon comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Michigan with a crime rate of 379 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 25 counts of burglary, 227 counts of theft, 25 counts of vehicle theft, 59 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 42 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in South Lyon, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Rochester Population: 13,203 424 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 24 Property Crime / 100k: 400 chance of being a victim: 1 in 236

With a population of 13,203 and a total crime rate of 424 per 100,000 residents, Rochester is the 3rd safest city in Michigan. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 87% lower than the Michigan average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Berkley Population: 15,352 444 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 0 Property Crime / 100k: 444 chance of being a victim: 1 in 225

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Berkley is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 444, 85% lower than the Michigan average. This amounts to 0.18 crimes per day and a 1 in 225 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Berkley a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Grand Ledge Population: 7,860 500 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 77 Property Crime / 100k: 423 chance of being a victim: 1 in 200

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Grand Ledge consistently ranks high in safety. In Grand Ledge, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 500, which is 92% lower than the state average.

Milford Population: 6,502 520 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 35 Property Crime / 100k: 485 chance of being a victim: 1 in 192

Milford has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Michigan. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 520 crimes per 100,000 people, 83% lower than the Michigan average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 83 reports of burglary, 360 reports of theft, 41 reports of vehicle theft, 18 reports of assault, 0 reports of robbery, 18 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Milan Population: 6,057 546 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 132 Property Crime / 100k: 414 chance of being a victim: 1 in 183

Milan ranks as the seventh safest city in Michigan and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 183 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.09 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Milan’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Michigan.

Tecumseh Population: 8,361 579 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 93 Property Crime / 100k: 486 chance of being a victim: 1 in 173

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Tecumseh is the 8th safest city in Michigan. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 91% lower than the Michigan average, reporting a total of 579 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

Allegan Population: 5,017 584 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 136 Property Crime / 100k: 448 chance of being a victim: 1 in 171

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Allegan is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Michigan, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 584 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 95% lower than the state average.

Beverly Hills Population: 10,378 588 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 96 Property Crime / 100k: 492 chance of being a victim: 1 in 170

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Michigan, is Beverly Hills. With a low rate of crime that included 10 burglaries, 405 thefts, 77 vehicle thefts, 68 assaults, 0 robberies, 29 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 90% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Michigan

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Huntington Woods	6,303	32	321	353
2	South Lyon	11,818	101	278	379
3	Rochester	13,203	24	400	424
4	Berkley	15,352	0	444	444
5	Grand Ledge	7,860	77	423	500
6	Milford	6,502	35	485	520
7	Milan	6,057	132	414	546
8	Tecumseh	8,361	93	486	579
9	Allegan	5,017	136	448	584
10	Beverly Hills	10,378	96	492	588
11	New Baltimore	12,333	167	435	602
12	Richmond	5,851	138	466	604
13	St. Johns	7,920	130	479	609
14	Petoskey	5,701	154	461	614
15	Trenton	18,214	33	620	653
16	Zeeland	5,540	89	584	673
17	Midland	41,922	108	574	682
18	Ionia	11,178	299	401	699
19	Northville	5,968	50	654	705
20	St. Clair	5,354	147	570	717
21	Farmington	10,520	79	644	724
22	Clawson	11,909	72	683	755
23	St. Louis	7,156	119	655	774
24	Marquette	20,631	153	661	814
25	Rochester Hills	74,340	71	769	840
26	Belding	5,729	268	586	853
27	Flushing	7,891	122	743	865
28	Houghton	7,805	128	756	884
29	Marysville	9,695	192	736	928
30	Birmingham	21,272	37	895	932
31	Grand Blanc	7,881	202	734	936
32	Holly	6,151	169	780	949
33	Novi	60,439	95	856	951
34	Chelsea	5,378	93	876	970
35	Plymouth	9,168	130	890	1,021
36	Ishpeming	6,433	290	741	1,031
37	Howell	9,610	288	754	1,042
38	Garden City	26,565	173	884	1,058
39	Frankenmuth	5,396	153	919	1,072
40	Saline	9,296	124	968	1,092
41	Royal Oak	59,256	161	935	1,096
42	Riverview	12,085	173	948	1,121
43	Brighton	7,649	26	1,106	1,132
44	Mason	8,441	282	857	1,139
45	Walled Lake	7,153	149	991	1,141
46	Wyandotte	24,944	226	934	1,161
47	St. Clair Shores	59,184	148	1,034	1,182
48	Grosse Pointe Woods	15,409	88	1,101	1,188
49	Sterling Heights	132,296	168	1,111	1,279
50	Farmington Hills	80,937	158	1,127	1,286

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest 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 (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Michigan cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.