Is Ann Arbor or Detroit Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ann Arbor is safer than Detroit (Safety Score 40/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 2,019 per 100,000 versus 6,087 for Detroit — 67% lower. Ann Arbor has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Ann Arbor has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Detroit is 5.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ann Arbor — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Detroit — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ann Arbor, MI
Detroit, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ann Arbor | Detroit | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,019.1 | 6,086.9 | -4,067.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 303.3 | 1,781.6 | -1,478.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 31.2 | -31.2 |
| Rape Rate | 49.1 | 92.9 | -43.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 20.3 | 183.5 | -163.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 233.0 | 1,473.7 | -1,240.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,715.7 | 4,305.3 | -2,589.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 156.8 | 703.0 | -546.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,471.7 | 2,343.9 | -872.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 87.3 | 1,258.4 | -1,171.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ann Arbor or Detroit safer?
Ann Arbor is safer with a total crime rate of 2,019 per 100K vs 6,087 for Detroit — a 67% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ann Arbor has a violent crime rate of 303.3 per 100K while Detroit has 1,781.6. Ann Arbor has lower violent crime.
About Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, is a city in southeastern Michigan known for its vibrant arts scene. Its population is approximately 123,000, with a significant portion being students and young professionals. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 118,025, Ann Arbor has a total crime rate of 2,019.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Detroit, MI
Detroit, once the "Motor City" and heart of the American auto industry, sits on the Detroit River, bordering Canada. This major Midwest city has a diverse population, with a significant African American heritage shaping its vibrant culture. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 651,171, Detroit has a total crime rate of 6,086.9 per 100,000 residents.