Is Birmingham or Grand Rapids Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Birmingham is safer than Grand Rapids (Safety Score 85/100 vs 14/100), with a total crime rate of 699 per 100,000 versus 3,391 for Grand Rapids — 79% lower. Birmingham has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Birmingham has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Grand Rapids is 9.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Birmingham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Grand Rapids — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Birmingham, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Birmingham | Grand Rapids | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 698.7 | 3,390.8 | -2,692.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 56.3 | 910.1 | -853.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 6.1 | -6.1 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 89.8 | -89.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 9.4 | 116.4 | -107.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 46.9 | 697.8 | -650.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 642.4 | 2,480.7 | -1,838.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 46.9 | 267.5 | -220.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 553.3 | 1,828.9 | -1,275.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 42.2 | 384.4 | -342.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Birmingham or Grand Rapids safer?
Birmingham is safer with a total crime rate of 699 per 100K vs 3,391 for Grand Rapids — a 79% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Birmingham has a violent crime rate of 56.3 per 100K while Grand Rapids has 910.1. Birmingham has lower violent crime.
About Birmingham, MI
Birmingham, Michigan, a affluent Detroit suburb, boasts a vibrant downtown with a rich history, once home to the Baldwin family. Its tree-lined streets and upscale boutiques define its character. With a safety score of 85/100 and a population coverage of 21,326, Birmingham has a total crime rate of 698.7 per 100,000 residents.
About Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids, Michigan, a city on the Grand River, is known as "Furniture City" due to its rich manufacturing history. It's the second-largest city in Michigan, with a diverse population. With a safety score of 14/100 and a population coverage of 195,913, Grand Rapids has a total crime rate of 3,390.8 per 100,000 residents.