Is Detroit or Shelby Township Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Shelby Township is safer than Detroit (Safety Score 85/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 706 per 100,000 versus 6,087 for Detroit — 88% lower. Detroit has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Shelby Township has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Detroit is 8.1x 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
Shelby Township — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Detroit, MI
Shelby Township, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Detroit | Shelby Township | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,086.9 | 706.4 | +5,380.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,781.6 | 163.8 | +1,617.8 |
| Murder Rate | 31.2 | 0.0 | +31.2 |
| Rape Rate | 92.9 | 35.0 | +57.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 183.5 | 6.3 | +177.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,473.7 | 118.8 | +1,354.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,305.3 | 542.6 | +3,762.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 703.0 | 45.0 | +658.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,343.9 | 411.3 | +1,932.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,258.4 | 86.3 | +1,172.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detroit or Shelby Township safer?
Shelby Township is safer with a total crime rate of 706 per 100K vs 6,087 for Detroit — a 88% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Detroit has a violent crime rate of 1,781.6 per 100K while Shelby Township has 163.8. Shelby Township 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 Shelby Township, MI
Shelby Township, Michigan, a sprawling community north of Detroit, developed from a primarily agricultural area along the Clinton River. Its population has grown significantly, with many residents commuting to neighboring cities for work. With a safety score of 85/100 and a population coverage of 79,985, Shelby Township has a total crime rate of 706.4 per 100,000 residents.