Is Detroit or Grand Rapids Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Grand Rapids is safer than Detroit (Safety Score 14/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 3,391 per 100,000 versus 6,087 for Detroit — 44% lower. Detroit has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Grand Rapids has a 80% lower rate.
Note: Detroit is 3.3x 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
Grand Rapids — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Detroit, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Detroit | Grand Rapids | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,086.9 | 3,390.8 | +2,696.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,781.6 | 910.1 | +871.5 |
| Murder Rate | 31.2 | 6.1 | +25.0 |
| Rape Rate | 92.9 | 89.8 | +3.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 183.5 | 116.4 | +67.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,473.7 | 697.8 | +775.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,305.3 | 2,480.7 | +1,824.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 703.0 | 267.5 | +435.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,343.9 | 1,828.9 | +515.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,258.4 | 384.4 | +874.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detroit or Grand Rapids safer?
Grand Rapids is safer with a total crime rate of 3,391 per 100K vs 6,087 for Detroit — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Detroit has a violent crime rate of 1,781.6 per 100K while Grand Rapids has 910.1. Grand Rapids 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 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.