Is Cleveland or Detroit Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cleveland is safer than Detroit (Safety Score 2/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 5,987 per 100,000 versus 6,087 for Detroit — 2% lower. Cleveland has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Detroit has a 53% lower rate.
Cleveland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Detroit — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cleveland, OH
Detroit, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cleveland | Detroit | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,987.4 | 6,086.9 | -99.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,561.1 | 1,781.6 | -220.5 |
| Murder Rate | 30.1 | 31.2 | -1.1 |
| Rape Rate | 140.9 | 92.9 | +48.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 389.2 | 183.5 | +205.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,000.9 | 1,473.7 | -472.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,426.3 | 4,305.3 | +121.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 860.3 | 703.0 | +157.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,419.5 | 2,343.9 | +75.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,146.5 | 1,258.4 | -111.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleveland or Detroit safer?
Cleveland is safer with a total crime rate of 5,987 per 100K vs 6,087 for Detroit — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cleveland has a violent crime rate of 1,561.1 per 100K while Detroit has 1,781.6. Cleveland has lower violent crime.
About Cleveland, OH
Cleveland, a city on Lake Erie, boasts a rich industrial past and is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Its diverse population reflects a blend of historic European immigrant communities and growing newer populations. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 362,762, Cleveland has a total crime rate of 5,987.4 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.