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.

New Baltimore Population: 12,333 358 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 42 Property Crime / 100k: 317 chance of being a victim: 1 in 279

New Baltimore proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Michigan. With only 358 crimes per 100,000 people, New Baltimore has a crime rate that is 88% lower than the Michigan average. This equates to an average of 0.12 crimes per day and a 1 in 279 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.

Holly Population: 6,151 405 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 101 Property Crime / 100k: 303 chance of being a victim: 1 in 247

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Holly comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Michigan with a crime rate of 405 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 34 counts of burglary, 253 counts of theft, 17 counts of vehicle theft, 67 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 34 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Holly, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Milford Population: 6,502 412 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 41 Property Crime / 100k: 371 chance of being a victim: 1 in 242

With a population of 6,502 and a total crime rate of 412 per 100,000 residents, Milford is the 3rd safest city in Michigan. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 83% 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.

Richmond Population: 5,851 467 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 121 Property Crime / 100k: 346 chance of being a victim: 1 in 214

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Richmond 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 467, 94% lower than the Michigan average. This amounts to 0.07 crimes per day and a 1 in 214 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 Richmond a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Rochester Population: 13,203 474 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 31 Property Crime / 100k: 443 chance of being a victim: 1 in 211

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Rochester consistently ranks high in safety. In Rochester, 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 474, which is 87% lower than the state average.

Tecumseh Population: 8,361 521 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 93 Property Crime / 100k: 428 chance of being a victim: 1 in 192

Tecumseh 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 521 crimes per 100,000 people, 91% lower than the Michigan average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 58 reports of burglary, 324 reports of theft, 46 reports of vehicle theft, 46 reports of assault, 12 reports of robbery, 35 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

South Lyon Population: 11,818 531 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 76 Property Crime / 100k: 455 chance of being a victim: 1 in 188

South Lyon ranks as the seventh safest city in Michigan and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 188 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.17 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. South Lyon’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Michigan.

Berkley Population: 15,352 560 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 27 Property Crime / 100k: 533 chance of being a victim: 1 in 179

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Berkley is the 8th safest city in Michigan. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 85% lower than the Michigan average, reporting a total of 560 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.

Huntington Woods Population: 6,303 573 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 16 Property Crime / 100k: 557 chance of being a victim: 1 in 175

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Huntington Woods 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 573 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 94% lower than the state average.

Petoskey Population: 5,701 591 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 135 Property Crime / 100k: 456 chance of being a victim: 1 in 169

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Michigan, is Petoskey. With a low rate of crime that included 68 burglaries, 321 thefts, 68 vehicle thefts, 84 assaults, 0 robberies, 51 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 94% 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	New Baltimore	12,333	42	317	358
2	Holly	6,151	101	303	405
3	Milford	6,502	41	371	412
4	Richmond	5,851	121	346	467
5	Rochester	13,203	31	443	474
6	Tecumseh	8,361	93	428	521
7	South Lyon	11,818	76	455	531
8	Berkley	15,352	27	533	560
9	Huntington Woods	6,303	16	557	573
10	Petoskey	5,701	135	456	591
11	Flushing	7,891	72	531	603
12	Clawson	11,909	196	411	607
13	Northville	5,968	83	563	646
14	Trenton	18,214	99	591	690
15	Grand Ledge	7,860	77	617	694
16	Farmington	10,520	44	684	728
17	St. Clair	5,354	73	661	734
18	Rochester Hills	74,340	71	672	743
19	Rockford	6,310	81	677	758
20	Houghton	7,805	78	706	785
21	St. Louis	7,156	146	643	789
22	St. Johns	7,920	209	615	825
23	Chelsea	5,378	150	676	827
24	Marquette	20,631	196	680	876
25	Zeeland	5,540	247	635	882
26	Marysville	9,695	121	768	889
27	Saline	9,296	157	739	896
28	Beverly Hills	10,378	86	812	898
29	Midland	41,922	115	790	905
30	Walled Lake	7,153	138	772	910
31	Novi	60,439	73	838	911
32	Mason	8,441	329	586	915
33	Ionia	11,178	188	733	921
34	Birmingham	21,272	32	893	925
35	Royal Oak	59,256	128	797	925
36	Allegan	5,017	233	737	970
37	Ishpeming	6,433	243	729	972
38	Grand Blanc	7,881	188	803	991
39	Garden City	26,565	142	869	1,011
40	St. Clair Shores	59,184	177	876	1,053
41	Sault Ste. Marie	13,526	171	887	1,059
42	Grosse Pointe Farms	9,142	61	1,001	1,062
43	Grosse Pointe Woods	15,409	81	1,001	1,082
44	Plymouth	9,168	151	960	1,111
45	Howell	9,610	129	990	1,118
46	Wyandotte	24,944	184	938	1,122
47	East Grand Rapids	11,855	18	1,108	1,126
48	Ludington	8,081	321	886	1,207
49	Milan	6,057	250	1,001	1,251
50	Grand Haven	10,991	264	994	1,258

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.