| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Plainwell/100k people | Michigan/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 54 | n/a (estimate) | 1,446 | 1,813 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 133.9 | 56.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 31.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 5 | n/a | 133.9 | 341.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 268 | 434 | 359 |
| Burglary | 6 | n/a | 160.7 | 184.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 34 | n/a | 910.6 | 963.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 107.1 | 231.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 44 | n/a (estimate) | 1,178 | 1,379 | 1,760 |

The Plainwell crime rates are 31.8% lower 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 10 violent crimes in Plainwell (268 per 100,000 people), which is 25.4% lower than the national average and there were a total of 44 property crimes (1178 per 100,000 residents) which is 33.1% lower than average.
In the latest reported crime year, Plainwell recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
Determining whether Plainwell is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Plainwell has an overall crime rate that is 32% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.15 daily occurrences, comprising 0.03 violent crimes and 0.12 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Plainwell as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Plainwell. 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 Plainwell has increased by 35%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 66.7%, while property crime has increased by 29.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Plainwell.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Plainwell crime rate. The poverty level in Plainwell is 10.1%, while the national average is 15.1%.
In Plainwell, the current unemployment rate stands at 1.3%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Plainwell crime rates.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Plainwell are $1,111, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.

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| Item | Plainwell | Michigan | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 8 | 10,515 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 2.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Michigan /100K | National /100K |
| Michigan | 40,460 | 414 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Parchment, MI | 1,936 | 146 | 463 | 609 |
| Allegan, MI | 5,213 | 58 | 603 | 661 |
| Hickory Corners, MI | 166 | 175 | 557 | 732 |
| Delton, MI | 608 | 175 | 557 | 732 |
| Galesburg, MI | 2,274 | 242 | 769 | 1,011 |
| Otsego, MI | 4,108 | 223 | 842 | 1,065 |
| Comstock Northwest, MI | 6,218 | 270 | 859 | 1,129 |
| Plainwell, MI | 3,948 | 268 | 1,178 | 1,446 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Sewickley, PA | 3,947 | 47 | 273 | 320 |
| Saw Creek, PA | 3,947 | 128 | 745 | 873 |
| Friona, TX | 3,947 | 50 | 25 | 75 |
| Harrisburg, OR | 3,950 | 203 | 1,464 | 1,667 |
| Pennsburg, PA | 3,951 | 97 | 568 | 665 |
| Plainwell, MI | 3,948 | 268 | 1,178 | 1,446 |