Is Detroit or Rochester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Rochester is safer than Detroit (Safety Score 95/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 401 per 100,000 versus 6,087 for Detroit — 93% lower. Detroit has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Rochester has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Detroit is 51.2x 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
Rochester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Detroit, MI
Rochester, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Detroit | Rochester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,086.9 | 401.4 | +5,685.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,781.6 | 23.6 | +1,758.0 |
| Murder Rate | 31.2 | 0.0 | +31.2 |
| Rape Rate | 92.9 | 0.0 | +92.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 183.5 | 0.0 | +183.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,473.7 | 23.6 | +1,450.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,305.3 | 377.8 | +3,927.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 703.0 | 7.9 | +695.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,343.9 | 330.6 | +2,013.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,258.4 | 39.4 | +1,219.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detroit or Rochester safer?
Rochester is safer with a total crime rate of 401 per 100K vs 6,087 for Detroit — a 93% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Detroit has a violent crime rate of 1,781.6 per 100K while Rochester has 23.6. Rochester 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 Rochester, MI
Rochester, Michigan, founded along the Clinton River, is a suburban community in Oakland County. This affluent area is known for its vibrant downtown and was home to Meadow Brook Hall, a historic estate. With a safety score of 95/100 and a population coverage of 12,706, Rochester has a total crime rate of 401.4 per 100,000 residents.