Is Burton or Grand Rapids Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Burton is safer than Grand Rapids (Safety Score 18/100 vs 14/100), with a total crime rate of 3,098 per 100,000 versus 3,391 for Grand Rapids — 9% lower. Burton has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Burton has a 50% lower rate.
Note: Grand Rapids is 6.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Burton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Grand Rapids — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Burton, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Burton | Grand Rapids | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,097.7 | 3,390.8 | -293.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 765.0 | 910.1 | -145.1 |
| Murder Rate | 6.8 | 6.1 | +0.7 |
| Rape Rate | 75.1 | 89.8 | -14.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 58.1 | 116.4 | -58.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 625.0 | 697.8 | -72.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,332.7 | 2,480.7 | -148.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 331.3 | 267.5 | +63.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,735.0 | 1,828.9 | -93.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 266.4 | 384.4 | -118.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burton or Grand Rapids safer?
Burton is safer with a total crime rate of 3,098 per 100K vs 3,391 for Grand Rapids — a 9% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Burton has a violent crime rate of 765.0 per 100K while Grand Rapids has 910.1. Burton has lower violent crime.
About Burton, MI
Burton, Michigan, a Genesee County suburb, was once part of neighboring Flint. This working-class community, home to roughly 29,000 residents, retains a strong tie to its automotive industry past. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 29,280, Burton has a total crime rate of 3,097.7 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.