Is Detroit or Sault Ste. Marie Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Sault Ste. Marie is safer than Detroit (Safety Score 56/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 1,510 per 100,000 versus 6,087 for Detroit — 75% lower. Detroit has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Sault Ste. Marie has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Detroit is 48.9x 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
Sault Ste. Marie — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Detroit, MI
Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Detroit | Sault Ste. Marie | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,086.9 | 1,510.1 | +4,576.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,781.6 | 405.7 | +1,375.9 |
| Murder Rate | 31.2 | 0.0 | +31.2 |
| Rape Rate | 92.9 | 150.3 | -57.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 183.5 | 7.5 | +176.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,473.7 | 247.9 | +1,225.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,305.3 | 1,104.4 | +3,200.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 703.0 | 67.6 | +635.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,343.9 | 991.7 | +1,352.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,258.4 | 45.1 | +1,213.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detroit or Sault Ste. Marie safer?
Sault Ste. Marie is safer with a total crime rate of 1,510 per 100K vs 6,087 for Detroit — a 75% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Detroit has a violent crime rate of 1,781.6 per 100K while Sault Ste. Marie has 405.7. Sault Ste. Marie 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 Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the oldest city in Michigan, sits on the St. Marys River across from its Canadian twin. Home to the Soo Locks, a major shipping thoroughfare, its population is around 13,000. With a safety score of 56/100 and a population coverage of 13,310, Sault Ste. Marie has a total crime rate of 1,510.1 per 100,000 residents.