Is Detroit or Midland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Midland is safer than Detroit (Safety Score 82/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 780 per 100,000 versus 6,087 for Detroit — 87% lower. Detroit has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Midland has a 99% lower rate.
Note: Detroit is 15.2x 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
Midland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Detroit, MI
Midland, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Detroit | Midland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,086.9 | 779.6 | +5,307.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,781.6 | 124.1 | +1,657.5 |
| Murder Rate | 31.2 | 2.3 | +28.8 |
| Rape Rate | 92.9 | 39.8 | +53.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 183.5 | 2.3 | +181.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,473.7 | 77.3 | +1,396.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,305.3 | 655.6 | +3,649.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 703.0 | 51.5 | +651.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,343.9 | 580.6 | +1,763.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,258.4 | 23.4 | +1,234.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detroit or Midland safer?
Midland is safer with a total crime rate of 780 per 100K vs 6,087 for Detroit — a 87% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Detroit has a violent crime rate of 1,781.6 per 100K while Midland has 124.1. Midland 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 Midland, MI
Midland, home to Dow Chemical since 1897, is a city in Michigan's Lower Peninsula with a predominantly white population. It sits at the confluence of the Tittabawassee and Chippewa rivers. With a safety score of 82/100 and a population coverage of 42,712, Midland has a total crime rate of 779.6 per 100,000 residents.