Is Detroit or Harper Woods Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Harper Woods is safer than Detroit (Safety Score 4/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 5,042 per 100,000 versus 6,087 for Detroit — 17% lower. Detroit has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Harper Woods has a 78% lower rate.
Note: Detroit is 44.2x 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
Harper Woods — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Detroit, MI
Harper Woods, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Detroit | Harper Woods | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,086.9 | 5,041.8 | +1,045.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,781.6 | 774.6 | +1,007.0 |
| Murder Rate | 31.2 | 6.8 | +24.4 |
| Rape Rate | 92.9 | 27.2 | +65.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 183.5 | 95.1 | +88.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,473.7 | 645.5 | +828.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,305.3 | 4,267.2 | +38.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 703.0 | 326.2 | +376.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,343.9 | 2,473.3 | -129.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,258.4 | 1,467.7 | -209.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detroit or Harper Woods safer?
Harper Woods is safer with a total crime rate of 5,042 per 100K vs 6,087 for Detroit — a 17% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Detroit has a violent crime rate of 1,781.6 per 100K while Harper Woods has 774.6. Harper Woods 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 Harper Woods, MI
Harper Woods is a small suburb bordering Detroit, known for its mid-century housing stock. It's home to Eastland Center, one of the nation's pioneering post-war shopping malls, reflecting its development during the auto industry's boom. The city is geographically compact, primarily residential with a diverse population. With a safety score of 4/100 and a population coverage of 14,717, Harper Woods has a total crime rate of 5,041.8 per 100,000 residents.