Detroit is notorious for its crime challenges, but the reality is more complex than its reputation suggests. The city has seen meaningful shifts in recent years, with certain crime categories improving while others remain areas of concern. Understanding these trends is essential for anyone planning to visit, relocate, or simply get a clear picture of Detroitās current safety landscape.
In this guide, we dive into the Detroit crime rateĀ based on the latestĀ data, explore Detroitās crime level and compare it with other U.S. cities. We also break down the safest and highest-risk neighborhoods and offer practical, actionable tips for staying safe while living in or visiting Detroit. Dive in now!
What Is the Latest Detroit Crime Rate?
Is Detroit, Michigan, safe? The 2024 crime data shows that Detroit continues to face significant challenges, even as certain trends shift across large U.S. cities.
According to the 2024 dataset, Detroit recorded 11,599 violent crimes in a population of 651,171, producing a violent crime rate of 1,781 incidents per 100,000 residents. This places Detroit well above the national average and makes violent crime one of the cityās most pressing safety issues. The majority of these incidents come from aggravated assaults, which accounted for 9,596 cases, while the city also reported 203 homicides, 605 rapes, and 1,195 robberies.
Property crime also remains a persistent concern. Detroit recorded 28,035 property crimes, resulting in a property crime rate of 4,305 incidents per 100,000 residents. The largest category by far is larceny-theft, with 15,263 reported cases, followed by 8,194 motor-vehicle theftsāa figure that continues Detroitās long-standing struggle with auto-related crime. Burglary made up 4,578 incidents, while arson was reported 399 times, significantly higher than in many cities with comparable populations.
How Does Detroitās Crime Rate Compare to Other U.S. Cities?
In this section, we compare Detroitās crime rate with other U.S. cities, starting with those of similar population and then expanding to the national landscape to show where Detroit truly stands.
When compared with other U.S. cities of similar size, Detroit stands out for having some of the highest violent-crime numbers in the country. Cities like Louisville Metro, Boston, Portland, and Memphis share populations in the 600,000 range, but their crime levels vary widely. Among this group, Detroitās violent-crime rate is surpassed only by Memphis, which has the highest rate overall. Detroit records roughly 1,781 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, significantly more than Boston, Louisville, or Portland, all of which sit well below the 1,000-per-100k mark. Property crime shows a similar pattern: Detroitās rate is higher than that of Boston and Louisville but lower than Portland and Memphis, placing it near the upper-middle range for cities of comparable size.
In a national context, Detroit consistently ranks among the most violent major cities in America. While it may not always claim the top spot, Detroit still sits firmly in the upper tier. Its violentĀ crime rate is several times higher than thatĀ of major metro areas such as New York City, Los Angeles, or San Francisco. Even cities with reputations for rougher neighborhoods, like Chicago, often record lower crime rates per capita than Detroit. This places Detroit in a small group of large U.S. cities where violent crime remains a longstanding, deeply rooted challenge.
Which Detroit Neighborhoods Are the SafestĀ &Ā Which to Watch?
Detroit, Michigan crime rateĀ is very uneven from block to block, so where you stay matters a lot. Some neighborhoods consistently show much lower crime than the city average and are popular with families, professionals, and long-term residents. Others still struggle with high rates of violence, property crime, or both, and are better approached with caution, especially at night.
On the safer side, neighborhoods like Sherwood Forest, Palmer Woods, North Rosedale Park, and West VillageĀ regularly rank among Detroitās lowest-crime areas on major crime-mapping and analytics sites. Theyāre known for historic homes, strong homeowner associations, and an active community presence that helps keep streets watched and well maintained. Areas such asĀ Indian Village, Rivertown, and parts of Midtown and CorktownĀ also tend to appear on āsafest neighborhoods in Detroitā lists, combining revitalization, walkability, and comparatively lower crime than many surrounding districts.
At the other end of the spectrum, several neighborhoods stand out in rankings of Detroitās highest-crime areas. Recent analyses frequently put Lasalle College Park and BrightmoorĀ near the top of āmost dangerousā lists, reflecting very high rates of violent and property crime per resident. Parts of the far east side, including the so-called āRed Zoneā around ZIP code 48205, are also widely flagged for persistent gang activity, shootings, and drug-related incidents.
How to Live or Visit Safely in Detroit
The elevatedĀ Detroit city crime rateĀ doesnāt mean you canāt live or travel here safely, butĀ you need to stay alert and take a few smart precautions. Whether youāre settling in long-term or visiting for a short stay, these tips will help you navigate the city with confidence.
Safely Living Tips
- Invest in Security Cameras
Installing reliable security cameras around entrances, driveways, and side yards gives you constant visibility. Devices like the eufyCam S4Ā offer long-range tracking, 4K clarity, and smart motion detection to catch important details.
If you want stronger, whole-home coverage, an NVR system is the superior choice. The eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 MaxĀ provides continuous 24/7 recording, multi-camera coverage, secure local storage, and unified monitoring that a single camera simply canāt match.
- Install Video Doorbells
A good video doorbellĀ lets you see who arrives at your home before opening the door, making it a great tool to strengthen entry points.
The eufy Video Doorbell E340Ā includes dual cameras, color night vision, and immediate two-way audio, making it ideal for porch safety.
- Add an Indoor Monitoring Option
Placing an indoor camera inside your home helps you keep an eye on hallways, living rooms, or entry points.
A great option is the eufy Indoor Cam S350. This model offers sharp 4K resolution, up to 8Ć zoom, and full 360Ā° pan-and-tilt capability. Its AI-powered tracking allows the camera to automatically follow subjects around the room, ensuring you never miss important activity.
- Improve Outdoor Lighting
Keeping porches, driveways, alleys, and walkways brightly lit removes hiding spots and increases visibility. Motion-activated floodlights are especially effective, startling potential intruders and instantly drawing attention to unusual activity around your property.
- Build a Connected Neighborhood Network
Staying in touch with neighbors creates an informal security layer that no device can replace. Sharing alerts, reporting suspicious behavior, and keeping an eye on each otherās homes strengthens the overall safety of the block and helps deter crime.
Safely Visiting Tips
- Stay in well-reviewed, well-lit neighborhoods and choose hotels or rentals with visible security features.
- Avoid walking long distances at night; use rideshare services instead.
- Keep valuables close, and avoid displaying phones or wallets in crowded areas.
- Stick to main roads, busy districts, and popular attractions during both day and night.
- Plan routes ahead of time and remain aware of unfamiliar surroundings.
Conclusion
As weāve seen, the Detroit crime rate remains higher than in many U.S. cities, so you need to get well prepared toĀ live or travel here safely. Understanding neighborhood differences, staying aware of your surroundings, and using smart safety habits all make a real impact. That said, the best option for complete peace of mind is a full security ecosystem,Ā from security cameras to a professionalĀ eufy ExpertSecure System, which allows youĀ comprehensive, whole-home protection whether youāre away on the go or at home.
FAQs
How does Detroit rank in crime?
Detroit consistently ranks among the U.S. cities with the highest violent-crime rates, driven mainly by aggravated assaults and motor-vehicle theft. While some crime categories have improved, the city remains in the upper tier nationally for both violent and property crime per capita.
Is it safe to walk in downtown Detroit?
Is downtown Detroit safe? Downtown Detroit is generally much safer than many of the cityās residential neighborhoods, especially during the day when foot traffic, security staff, and police presence are high. At night, itās still best to stay alert, stick to well-lit areas, and travel in groups.
Is Detroit one of the safest cities?
Is Detroit safe? No. Detroit is not considered one of the safest U.S. cities. Despite improvements in recent years, its violent-crime rate remains several times higher than the national average. However, safety varies greatly by neighborhood, and many areas are stable, walkable, and actively revitalizing.
How safe is Detroit now?
Detroit today is safer than it was in past decades, with notable reductions in homicides and steady policing improvements. Still, the overall crime rate remains high compared with other large U.S. cities, making awareness, neighborhood choice, and practical safety measures like security camerasĀ important for residents and visitors.
