Is Detroit or East Lansing Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, East Lansing is safer than Detroit (Safety Score 58/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 1,440 per 100,000 versus 6,087 for Detroit — 76% lower. Detroit has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where East Lansing has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Detroit is 12.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Detroit — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
East Lansing — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Detroit, MI
East Lansing, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Detroit | East Lansing | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,086.9 | 1,440.4 | +4,646.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,781.6 | 219.9 | +1,561.6 |
| Murder Rate | 31.2 | 4.0 | +27.2 |
| Rape Rate | 92.9 | 37.6 | +55.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 183.5 | 13.9 | +169.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,473.7 | 164.5 | +1,309.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,305.3 | 1,220.5 | +3,084.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 703.0 | 63.4 | +639.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,343.9 | 984.7 | +1,359.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,258.4 | 172.4 | +1,086.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detroit or East Lansing safer?
East Lansing is safer with a total crime rate of 1,440 per 100K vs 6,087 for Detroit — a 76% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Detroit has a violent crime rate of 1,781.6 per 100K while East Lansing has 219.9. East Lansing has lower violent crime.
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.
About East Lansing, MI
East Lansing, Michigan, home to Michigan State University, is a vibrant college town in the southern Lower Peninsula. Its population is largely young adults, and the city's culture is deeply intertwined with university life, including the Spartans' athletic traditions. With a safety score of 58/100 and a population coverage of 50,472, East Lansing has a total crime rate of 1,440.4 per 100,000 residents.