Southfield, MI Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Southfield, MI

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Southfield is 35% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 379 violent crimes reported in Southfield, equivalent to 502 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 35.9%. Additionally, Southfield recorded 1988 property crimes, amounting to 2635 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 34.9%.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Southfield is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Southfield reported a total of 501 vehicle thefts, resulting in 664 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 151, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Southfield?

AreaVibes surveyed 22 local residents in Southfield to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 50% of people answered that there was very little crime in Southfield and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 50% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Southfield a Safe Place to Live?

Is Southfield a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Southfield has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 35%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 6.48 daily incidents, encompassing 1.04 violent crimes and 5.45 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Southfield as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Southfield Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Southfield. 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 Southfield has increased by 25.5%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 3.8%, while property crime has increased by 30.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Southfield.

Potential Causes for Crime in Southfield

In Southfield, 89.8% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

Southfield has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.21 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

In Southfield, the median home price stands at $164,800, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

Southfield crime map