Is Detroit or Royal Oak Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Royal Oak is safer than Detroit (Safety Score 77/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 926 per 100,000 versus 6,087 for Detroit — 85% lower. Detroit has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Royal Oak has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Detroit is 11.4x 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
Royal Oak — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Detroit, MI
Royal Oak, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Detroit | Royal Oak | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,086.9 | 925.7 | +5,161.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,781.6 | 124.0 | +1,657.6 |
| Murder Rate | 31.2 | 0.0 | +31.2 |
| Rape Rate | 92.9 | 7.0 | +85.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 183.5 | 12.2 | +171.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,473.7 | 104.8 | +1,368.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,305.3 | 801.7 | +3,503.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 703.0 | 64.6 | +638.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,343.9 | 616.5 | +1,727.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,258.4 | 120.5 | +1,137.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detroit or Royal Oak safer?
Royal Oak is safer with a total crime rate of 926 per 100K vs 6,087 for Detroit — a 85% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Detroit has a violent crime rate of 1,781.6 per 100K while Royal Oak has 124.0. Royal Oak 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 Royal Oak, MI
Royal Oak, a vibrant Detroit suburb, boasts a rich arts scene with the landmark Emagine Theatre. Its dense population of young professionals and families enjoys a walkable downtown with diverse dining and entertainment. With a safety score of 77/100 and a population coverage of 57,257, Royal Oak has a total crime rate of 925.7 per 100,000 residents.