Is Detroit or Seattle Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Seattle is safer than Detroit (Safety Score 2/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 5,783 per 100,000 versus 6,087 for Detroit — 5% lower. Detroit has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Seattle has a 78% lower rate.
Detroit — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Seattle — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Detroit, MI
Seattle, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Detroit | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,086.9 | 5,783.1 | +303.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,781.6 | 775.5 | +1,006.1 |
| Murder Rate | 31.2 | 6.8 | +24.3 |
| Rape Rate | 92.9 | 46.3 | +46.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 183.5 | 220.6 | -37.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,473.7 | 501.3 | +972.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,305.3 | 5,007.6 | -702.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 703.0 | 1,152.0 | -449.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,343.9 | 2,882.0 | -538.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,258.4 | 973.6 | +284.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detroit or Seattle safer?
Seattle is safer with a total crime rate of 5,783 per 100K vs 6,087 for Detroit — a 5% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Detroit has a violent crime rate of 1,781.6 per 100K while Seattle has 775.5. Seattle 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 Seattle, WA
Seattle, a major port city in the Pacific Northwest, is known for its vibrant music scene, particularly grunge, which emerged here. Situated on an isthmus between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, it’s home to a diverse population with a strong tech industry presence. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 760,058, Seattle has a total crime rate of 5,783.1 per 100,000 residents.