Is Detroit or Madison Heights Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Madison Heights is safer than Detroit (Safety Score 48/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 1,735 per 100,000 versus 6,087 for Detroit — 71% lower. Detroit has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Madison Heights has a 85% lower rate.
Note: Detroit is 23.1x 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
Madison Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Detroit, MI
Madison Heights, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Detroit | Madison Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,086.9 | 1,734.8 | +4,352.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,781.6 | 276.7 | +1,504.9 |
| Murder Rate | 31.2 | 7.1 | +24.1 |
| Rape Rate | 92.9 | 21.3 | +71.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 183.5 | 28.4 | +155.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,473.7 | 220.0 | +1,253.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,305.3 | 1,458.1 | +2,847.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 703.0 | 113.5 | +589.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,343.9 | 1,096.2 | +1,247.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,258.4 | 248.3 | +1,010.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detroit or Madison Heights safer?
Madison Heights is safer with a total crime rate of 1,735 per 100K vs 6,087 for Detroit — a 71% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Detroit has a violent crime rate of 1,781.6 per 100K while Madison Heights has 276.7. Madison Heights 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 Madison Heights, MI
Madison Heights, a suburb of Detroit, was once known as the "City of Churches." It's a landlocked community in Oakland County, primarily residential with a significant commercial corridor along John R Road. With a safety score of 48/100 and a population coverage of 28,188, Madison Heights has a total crime rate of 1,734.8 per 100,000 residents.