Is Detroit or South Lyon Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South Lyon is safer than Detroit (Safety Score 97/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 350 per 100,000 versus 6,087 for Detroit — 94% lower. Detroit has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Lyon has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Detroit is 54.2x 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
South Lyon — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Detroit, MI
South Lyon, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Detroit | South Lyon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,086.9 | 349.7 | +5,737.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,781.6 | 58.3 | +1,723.3 |
| Murder Rate | 31.2 | 0.0 | +31.2 |
| Rape Rate | 92.9 | 33.3 | +59.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 183.5 | 0.0 | +183.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,473.7 | 25.0 | +1,448.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,305.3 | 291.4 | +4,013.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 703.0 | 25.0 | +678.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,343.9 | 208.2 | +2,135.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,258.4 | 58.3 | +1,200.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detroit or South Lyon safer?
South Lyon is safer with a total crime rate of 350 per 100K vs 6,087 for Detroit — a 94% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Detroit has a violent crime rate of 1,781.6 per 100K while South Lyon has 58.3. South Lyon 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 South Lyon, MI
South Lyon, once a stop on the Detroit, Lansing and Northern Railroad, is a small city in southwestern Oakland County. Its downtown features a historic clock tower, a testament to its tight-knit community of around 12,000 residents. With a safety score of 97/100 and a population coverage of 12,010, South Lyon has a total crime rate of 349.7 per 100,000 residents.