The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Michigan


The most dangerous places in Michigan are Benton and Benton Harbor for 2024 based on Saturday Night Science.

Most dangerous cities in Michigan research summary. We analyzed the most recent FBI crime data using Saturday Night Science to determine the most dangerous cities in Michigan.

We examined the violent and property crime per capita statistics for every place with over 5,000 residents. In total, we analyzed 205 Michigan cities. Here are the results of our analysis:

  • The most dangerous city in Michigan is Benton based on the most recent FBI crime data.

  • The violent crime rate in Michigan is 1,683 per 100k people.

  • The property crime rate in Michigan is 5,823 per 100k people.

  • The safest city in Michigan is Iron Mountain.

  • Michigan is the 25th most dangerous state in the United States.

Most Dangerous Cities In Michigan Map


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Methodology | FAQs | References


Michigan think that the only dangerous things in their state are the Detroit lions’ defensive line and driving over the Mackinac Bridge during a snowstorm, but that’s not the case.

There is danger lurking in every corner of the Mitten.

How does one navigate these dangerous Michigan cities to make an informed decision on where to call home? We can answer that.

We used Saturday Night Science to compare violent and property crimes from the FBI in 205 Michigan cities with a population of at least 5,000. So grab some Detroit-style pizza and follow along.

What is the most dangerous city in Michigan? According to the most recent FBI data, the most dangerous city in Michigan is Benton.

The Michigan cities on our most dangerous list could use some TLC. If you want to be that diamond in the ruff or are curious to see if your city made the list, look at the rankings below.

For more Michigan reading, check out:

The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Michigan For 2024

1. Benton

Source: Public Domain

Population: 14,081
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,683 (Sixth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,823 (Most dangerous)
Murders: 6
More on Benton:

When it comes to Michigan’s most dangerous places, it’s hard to top Benton Township.

The township had the highest property crime rate in Michigan for 2022, with residents facing a 1 in 17 chance of having their property stolen or damaged. In other words, make sure you still have all your valuables after a day out at Silver Beach.

Benton Township doesn’t exactly get a pass on violent crime either — in fact, the rate of rape cases here is sixth highest in Michigan.

Benton Township is located on Lake Michigan in southwestern part of the state.

Benton Harbor, MI

Source: Wikipedia User Humbles Art | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

2
/10

Population: 8,896
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 2,641 (Most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,709 (Eighth most dangerous)
Murders: 4
More on Benton Harbor: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

A neighbor of Benton Township, Benton Harbor comes in as the second most dangerous place to call home in the Wolverine State.

Benton Harbor is in the top ten statewide for all the wrong reasons – murder, rape, and burglary rates, not to mention unemployment. And with the median household income barely above the poverty line, it’s safe to say there’s a lot of work to be done in Benton Harbor.

But hey, at least the Silver Beach Carousel has a 5/5 rating.

Detroit, MI

Source: Wikipedia User User:AE at Quicken Loans | CC BY-SA 1.0

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 626,757
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 2,027 (Fourth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,478 (Fifth most dangerous)
Murders: 308
More on Detroit: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Between bankruptcy, a staggering 36% poverty rate, and an unemployment rate nearly five times higher than the national average, it’s no secret that Detroit has had its share of struggles. It’s also no wonder 10% of the population has fled the city in the past decade.

And with all those frustrations, it’s no surprise that crime is also a big issue in Detroit. Motown had the highest murder rate and second highest burglary rate in Michigan, for starters. On top of that, Detroit recorded 9,445 car thefts in 2022, so you want to be very picky about where you leave your car in the Motor City.

All that being said, Detroit is still a big city, so if you stick to Detroit’s safest neighborhoods, like the area around the Detroit Riverfront, you should be all right.

Highland Park, MI

Source: Wikipedia User Andrew Jameson (talk) at en.wikipedia | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

4
/10

Population: 8,802
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 2,033 (Third most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,726 (Seventh most dangerous)
Murders: 3
More on Highland Park: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Highland Park has been featured at the top of our list of the worst places in Michigan for a couple of years running now, and a big reason why is crime.

Of course, with a poverty rate of over 45% and the highest unemployment rate in Michigan, it isn’t hard to imagine why criminal activity is so prevalent here. All we’re saying is that if folks had slightly better odds than 1 in 49 of being attacked over

a year, we’d give a more favorable review.

Highland Park is surrounded by Detroit, but things are so bad here that the larger city doesn’t want to absorb it.

Kalamazoo, MI

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

4
/10

Population: 72,810
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,516 (Seventh most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,502 (Fourth most dangerous)
Murders: 10
More on Kalamazoo: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

The fifth most dangerous place in Michigan goes to Kalamazoo, a city of 72,810 in the southwestern part of the state.

Folks in Kalamazoo had a 1 in 22 chance of being the victim of a property crime in 2022, so you’ll want to be wary about your belongings here.

We just hope they have enough security at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum to stop a heist, seeing as Kalamazoo had the highest burglary rate in Michigan.

On top of that, 1,104 people in Kalamazoo were attacked, murdered, or raped in 2022.

Muskegon Heights, MI

Source: Flickr User dsrins_syb | CC BY 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 9,944
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,709 (Fifth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,278 (14th most dangerous)
Murders: 1
More on Muskegon Heights: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Muskegon Heights had the #5.0 spot on this list last year, so getting to the #6 spot represents a bit of progress in the crime department. Still, Muskegon Heights is the fifth most violent place in Michigan, according to the FBI data, and total crime rate was nearly four times higher than the statewide average.

The murder rate in Muskegon Heights was the 38th highest in Michigan for 2022 and residents had a 1 in 58 chance of being the victim of an attack. All the more reason to hurry home from P.J. Hoffmaster State Park before the sun goes down.

You also want to make sure you’re religious about locking your doors here because Muskegon Heights also has the 11th highest burglary rate in Michigan.

Albion, MI

Source: Wikipedia User kennethaw88 | CC BY 4.0

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 7,940
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,095 (14th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,664 (Ninth most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Albion: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Albion sits in the middle of the state, along I-94 on the route between Detroit and Battle Creek. One of the most prominent features of the community: the Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum, a great place to amuse your family on a boring Sunday afternoon.

But not every part of this town has a family-friendly air. Some areas get R-rated scary. As such, this ranks as the number 7 most dangerous spot in Michigan. You’ll find high rates of burglary and larceny.

In addition, the number of arsons is particularly high — 2 such events in a population of 7,940 people. That’s enough for the number 27 highest rate of arson in the entire state. Maybe that’s not a surprise — kids love fire, don’t they?

Jackson, MI

Source: Wikipedia User Lane Montgomery from Jackson, MI, United States | CC BY 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 31,206
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,076 (15th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,557 (12th most dangerous)
Murders: 4
More on Jackson: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Located 40 miles west of Ann Arbor and 35 miles south of Lansing, Jackson is a bit of an outlier on our list — one of the few places not near Lake Michigan or Detroit.

Apparently, too many of Jackson’s residents became enamored with the local Cell Block 7 museum and decided they’d like to become permanent residents.

Seriously, though, Jackson averaged about one violent crime a day, nearly four property crimes a day, and one rape a week in 2022, so it’s not a good place to let your guard down.

Lansing, MI

Source: Wikipedia User Subterranean | CC BY 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

4
/10

Population: 112,567
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,279 (Eighth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,690 (21st most dangerous)
Murders: 15
More on Lansing: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Lansing, the capital city of Michigan, is located in the central part of the state. Besides being the center of government, it also happens to suffer a massive crime rate — making it the number 9 most dangerous cities in Michigan.

Yes, yes, we know the jokes. Any city with that many politicians in residence is bound to have a lot of crime. But here, violations like bribery and influence peddling aren’t the main problems. Rather, the community endures the number 8 highest rate of violent crime in the state. That includes 15 murders and 99 sexual assaults.

Harper Woods, MI

Source: Wikipedia User Arbitrarily0 | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 15,100
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 635 (29th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,741 (Third most dangerous)
Murders: 6
More on Harper Woods: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Harper Woods, a city in Wayne County, has earned the unfortunate distinction of being ranked as the tenth most dangerous place to live in the state for 2024. This ranking is based on crime statistics, including a high violent crime and property crime rate. With a population of 15,100, Harper Woods has experienced 96 violent crimes and 716 property crimes. While there have been no reported murders in the city, the prevalence of crimes such as robbery and aggravated assault contribute to its overall dangerous reputation.

By prioritizing community safety and implementing effective police strategies, Harper Woods has the potential to become a safer place to live. its location as an inner-ring suburb of Detroit presents an opportunity for collaboration and support from neighboring areas.

Crime By City In Michigan

RankCityPopulationTotal Crimes Per 100KViolent Crimes Per 100KProperty Crimes Per 100KMurders
1Benton14,0817,5061,6835,8236
2Benton Harbor8,8966,3512,6413,7094
3Detroit626,7576,5062,0274,478308
4Highland Park8,8025,7602,0333,7263
5Kalamazoo72,8106,0181,5164,50210
6Muskegon Heights9,9444,9871,7093,2781
7Albion7,9404,7601,0953,6640
8Jackson31,2064,6331,0763,5574
9Lansing112,5673,9701,2792,69015
10Harper Woods15,1005,3776354,7416
11Battle Creek61,3473,8531,1732,67910
12Dowagiac5,5914,3997863,6120
13Grand Rapids196,6623,9859793,00619
14Ypsilanti19,8723,8741,0562,8182
15Three Rivers7,9114,7406194,1200
16Ecorse9,1133,7851,1852,6004
17Saginaw43,6514,1692,1192,05020
18Muskegon37,6153,5278502,6777
19Roseville46,7194,1715323,6384
20Romulus25,0713,4509652,4842
21Burton29,3733,3468232,5224
22Wayne17,2843,1581,0472,1112
23Eastpointe33,8293,2167332,4836
24Buena Vista7,5883,0571,1861,8712
25Emmett11,6076,1513615,7890
26Niles11,7562,9435862,3561
27Inkster25,4472,9741,0961,87811
28Southfield75,4323,1375022,6352
29Port Huron28,6752,7167211,9941
30Redford48,2672,8175112,3051
31Pontiac60,5812,7921,0231,76913
32Cadillac10,4132,5445282,0160
33Lincoln Park39,1892,5105921,9180
34Greenville9,3032,6554622,1920
35Portage48,8113,6323173,3148
36Kentwood53,9772,6754462,2282
37Taylor61,9012,4476231,8230
38Adrian20,4072,3915781,8130
39Coldwater13,9302,8423582,4830
40Hamtramck27,6692,2266571,5682
41Wyoming76,7262,2415131,72811
42Flint80,0592,5381,2301,30713
43Oak Park29,1152,5623602,2013
44Southgate29,7692,3274131,9143
45Owosso14,5812,1327881,3440
46Eaton Rapids5,1842,1795011,6781
47Manistee6,3352,9202682,6511
48Auburn Hills25,0812,3643741,9890
49Charlotte9,1752,2994031,8960
50Van Buren30,1032,4013322,0690

Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous cities in Michigan for 2024?

Every year the FBI release two crime datasets on cities in Michigan. First a preliminary dataset limited to the biggest cities in Michigan, followed by a more detailed release at the end of the year.

For our analysis, we focused on the 2022 data, specifically the 2022 Crime In The United States Report for Michigan.

So what criteria did we use? Have a look:

  • Violent Crimes Per Capita
  • Property Crimes Per Capita

In order to make the analysis as apples to apples as possible, we only considered Michigan cities over 5,000 in population. That left us with 205 cities in Michigan.

We then ranked each city from 1 to 205 for the two criteria with a #1 ranking being the most dangerous for the particular criteria.

Next, we averaged the two rankings into one “Dangerous Index”.

Finally, we ranked every city on the “Dangerous Index” with the lowest index being the most dangerous in Michigan — Benton. Any ties went to the smaller city.

This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. It is our tenth time ranking the most dangerous places to live in Michigan and is updated for 2024.

Most Dangerous Places To Live In Michigan FAQs

No, Michigan is not a dangerous state as it ranks as the #25 safest state in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. The violent crime rate in Michigan ranks tenth most dangerous in the United States — 29.26% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the Wolverine State ranks 43rd most dangerous in the United States — 30.37% better than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022.

Yes, Detroit is a dangerous city. Detroit ranks as the #13 most dangerous out of 328 major cities over 100,000 people in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though Detroit might be considered dangerous you still need to be aware of where you are. For example, West Side Industrial is the safest in Detroit, while Greensbriar is considered dangerous by many based on recent crime stats.

Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Detroit ranks second highest in America — 266.36% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks 3highest in the United States — 64.11% worse than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022 and that no city in America is ‘dangerous’. Despite the uptick in murders, it’s nothing like you’d see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city.

Graphing The Most Dangerous And Safest Places In Michigan

Most Dangerous Cities In Michigan Graph

Click To Enlarge

Summary: Locking It All Up In Michigan

So what is the most dangerous city in Michigan? After analyzing 205 cities in Michigan, Benton takes the top spot as the most dangerous city in Michigan based on the most recently reported FBI data — 2022.

The latest FBI crime data shows that Benton ranks as the most dangerous city in Michigan for 2024.

The most dangerous cities in Michigan are .

We want to point out again that there’s still safes places in Benton and that this isn’t a comment on the people that live there. So please don’t beat us up.

What is the most dangerous city in Michigan? According to the most recent FBI data, the most dangerous city in Michigan is Benton.

The Michigan cities on our most dangerous list could use some TLC. If you want to be that diamond in the ruff or are curious to see if your city made the list, look at the rankings below.

Learn more about the safest places in Michigan.

If you’re looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America.

Here are the safest cities in Michigan:

  1. New Baltimore (Pop. 11,995)
  2. Green Oak (Pop. 19,764)
  3. River Rouge (Pop. 7,319)
  4. Addison (Pop. 6,223)
  5. Gaines (Pop. 6,103)
  6. Grosse Ile (Pop. 10,550)
  7. Oakland (Pop. 20,234)
  8. Kinross (Pop. 5,986)
  9. Thetford (Pop. 6,605)
  10. Iron Mountain (Pop. 7,274)

For more Michigan reading, check out:

References

About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.

19 thoughts on “The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Michigan

  1. I believe there is a flaw in your analysis that has thrown Fruitport under the bus. The Village of Fruitport does indeed have 1,090 people. However, I’m certain that not all of those crime statistics fell within the Village limits. More likely they also included Fruitport Charter Township which has 12,500 citizens. The photo from Google maps is not in the Village of Fruitport, but in the edge of Fruitport township where there are a large number of big-box stores surrounding the shopping mall that serves the greater Muskegon area. Muskegon county has a population of over 170,000 and I’m going to guess that the vast majority of the property crimes listed were for the mall and big-box stores for shoplifting or damaged vehicles in the parking lots of the stores. It certainly does not reflect the character of Fruitport Charter Township or the Village of Fruitport when ‘Fruitport’ is listed as the ‘Most Dangerous Place’ in Michigan.

  2. I live in the Village of Fruitport and I wonder how accurate this info is. The article mentions the village but the picture is of the township. The township and village boast more people than the number shared. Many people confuse the 2. I wonder if the number reported are all crimes ONLY from the Village of Fruitport or does it include Fruitport Township too? Crime is not something to take lightly, but when reporting on these crimes, fact should be.

  3. It would be nice if police would go after these criminals instead of focusing so much on writing a ticket for traffic violations get out and stop the real crime and we would not be in the top ten !

  4. No Hamtramck on this list? Seriously? The *entire town* is red/orange on Trulia’s crime map, the whole thing! I can only conclude this report is inaccurate, to say the least.

  5. , that is not always a bad thing. When I was a boy, my faehtr owned two handguns, and it never occurred to me to pick one up. If I wanted to shoot, I asked my faehtr and we went shooting. But those guns were my faehtr’s, they could hurt people, and they didn’t belong to me. When I was very small they were out of reach, of course. When I was older, my faehtr taught me how to use them safely.We live in a very different society now. The only reason I suggest mandatory sentencing for crimes committed with firearms is that the stigma of committing crimes with firearms seems to be quite low nowadays. An ethical framework begins at home, but not very many parents seem concerned with that at present…though I am finding more and more parents who do care about more than their salary or the newest fancy car to drive. Some of the poorest parents (in terms of money) are among the best of parents (in terms of parenting), if you will excuse the world play.I could be wrong, of course. Most posters to websites don’t admit to that kind of possibility, but I do. Yet the facts remain. It is certainly true that crimes committed using firearms have increased greatly in number. I am happy to hear other, better solutions.”Bobh” makes a great point, and it illustrates why my Libertarian friends don’t seem to respect me much. On the one hand, I think it is strange that we require testing and licensure for drivers—along with mandatory insurance in the several states in which I have lived—but not for firearms. On the other hand, there is no mention of automobiles in the Constitution. I am reminded of the old science-fiction story where the motto goes: “The right to buy find weapons is the right to be free.”But we don’t live in that world, sadly. I am willing to compromise a bit. To me, it all comes down to personal responsibility. If I carry a firearm, I am 100% responsible for it. But most governmental entities do not agree. So they try to institute controls. I am trying to find a compromise (according to Ambrose Bierce, that is defined by a solution which angers everyone).I don’t mean to trivialize the firearm issue, but I do tend to see it in light of the automobile issue. It costs money to get “drivers’ education,” to take the test, and to get the license. Ditto the insurance required most places. Does that discriminate against the poor? How about older people who lose the ability to drive safely. Yup. But notice that most places have “workarounds” for that in many cases.But “Bobh” makes good points. Playing Devil’s advocate, I would say that drivers’ licensure is not the same as firearm licensure due to safety issues of the license holder, and their ability to protect themselves.Yet, as Larry Niven once wrote: freedom multiplied by security equals a constant. The more freedom, the less security. The more security, the less freedom.Again, just my thoughts and I appreciate the responses. “Eric Blair”

  6. I have never understood the Left’s haterd of firearms.I don’t mind registration. I love the idea of a proficiency/safety test before being allowed to own a firearm (heck, the NRA can run the program!). I particularly approve of making people 100% responsible for the misuse of their firearms. And I am 200% behind mandatory sentencing for firearm related crimes.To me, it is obvious that making firearms illegal doesn’t much faze criminals. Unless the goal is to take away ALL firearms, no matter what, everywhere. Until you do that, the only result of such laws will be criminals with firearms and citizens without.But saying that it will make the world safer to take away firearms…well, sure. But why stop *there* in particular? Let’s make everyone travel by mass transit. Let’s truly make alcohol illegal. Car accidents and alcohol-related deaths tote up to what number, per year? Much more than firearms.The list of endless…and it is all predicated that Government, not the individual, knows best.Personally, I think the Left hates firearms because they hate individualism. Just my belief, of course. But a government that doesn’t trust its own citizens to have the ability to defend itself….well, that isn’t much of a government.The evil within our souls is always there—it doesn’t flow out of a firearm or a knife or a baseball bat. It seems that we are blaming the weapon, instead of who wields the weapon.Again, just my opinion. The Leftists don’t like my opinions for obvious reasons, the Rightists don’t think I go far enough, and the Libertarians think I go too far. Oh well.”Eric Blair”

  7. Seriously? No mention of Redford or Inkster or Delray? No mention of Dearborn Heights? No mention of Southfield? Ypsitucky is pretty bad for its size, too.

  8. I’ve been to Jackson had homies who lived there. When you put Jackson on the list, I couldn’t take you seriously, Muskegon Heights is a little rough and violent to for it’s size it’s dangerous but it shouldn’t rank no.2. Flint is far more dangerous than Muskegon Heights, it just taht Muskegon Heights doesn’t have a ,”Good side” and Flint does. Detroit is also more dangerous than Muskegon Heights again, Detroit may not have many good sides but pretty much if you’re not in a violent area you’re in a depressing area too. Pontiac is pretty dangerous also, only thing is state cops locked up most of the criminals and doing a good job but with that being said it’s still more dangerous than Ypsilanti.

    1. Jaron, you are 100% correct about Jackson. I have lived there for 35 years. Saw ups and downs, but by no means is it a “violent” town. Currently its seeing a rebirth in downtown development that has been under way for at least 8 years. Its a great place to be, to shop and especially to live. Granted, in a city of 30k plus you will see areas of economical stress, but that is almost a rule in a city not the exception. Thanks for sticking up for my town.

  9. The picture of Fruitport is actually down town Muskegon. Also Fruitport is probably listed as Dangerous because it borders Muskegon Heights. Fruitport probabally has alot of vandalism ad property stolen from the People that reside in the heights.

  10. This idiot must be from WEST MICHIGAN to post some flaws like this. Clearly every other statistic shows Flint, Detroit, even Pontiac and even Lansing or saginaw is worst than Muskegon. And Flint and Detroit is definitely worst than Muskegon Heights.

  11. The whole Michigan has been turned into one big ghetto!
    The politicians don’t spend money to upgrade the roads in cities and small towns, and the poisonous waters are killing us in Michigan.
    Michigan cities and small town reads are very dangerous. the screws
    of your car will fall off your car! Very irritating to drive any were in Michigan. Michigan is the worse state! The street in my neighborhood was never maintained for 50 years. when it rains a small child can drown in the street waters. Out politicians are liars!

    1. Your an idiot. I doubt you have ever been through all of Michigan, or lived in Michigan at all. I think your just a hateful moron. Most of the state isn’t even bad, it’s dumbasses like you that assume because Michigan has bad parts it all sucks.

  12. Am I supposed to pretend that it’s not a coincidence that all the dangerous cities and areas are in black neighborhoods? Just glanced over that and not a mention of it whatsoever huh

  13. You wrote Flint Township is slightly less dangerous than Flint yet Flint isn’t on your list.

    Saginaw is also missing

  14. i live in burton and i could not believe when it wasnt on this list one day i was walking up my street with my buddy and a homeless man popped out of the woods and was acusing us of stealing his money and his life and me and my buddy both ran as if a killer was after us he was chasing us but than he ran out of breath and also one day i was on my couch and heard this loud bang on my glass door but thankfully there was another door behind it just a standard door but it still scares me to this day thinking if that door hadnt been there and couldve killed me or robbed me

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *