Is Detroit or Waterford Township Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Waterford Township is safer than Detroit (Safety Score 70/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 1,109 per 100,000 versus 6,087 for Detroit — 82% lower. Detroit has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Waterford Township has a 95% lower rate.
Note: Detroit is 9.4x 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
Waterford Township — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Detroit, MI
Waterford Township, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Detroit | Waterford Township | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,086.9 | 1,109.1 | +4,977.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,781.6 | 279.4 | +1,502.1 |
| Murder Rate | 31.2 | 1.5 | +29.7 |
| Rape Rate | 92.9 | 31.9 | +61.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 183.5 | 8.7 | +174.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,473.7 | 237.5 | +1,236.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,305.3 | 829.6 | +3,475.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 703.0 | 183.9 | +519.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,343.9 | 496.6 | +1,847.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,258.4 | 149.1 | +1,109.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detroit or Waterford Township safer?
Waterford Township is safer with a total crime rate of 1,109 per 100K vs 6,087 for Detroit — a 82% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Detroit has a violent crime rate of 1,781.6 per 100K while Waterford Township has 279.4. Waterford 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 Waterford Township, MI
Waterford Township, Michigan, a large charter township in Oakland County, encompasses over 20 named lakes, providing a significant recreational draw. Historically, it was a major lumbering center in the 19th century. With a safety score of 70/100 and a population coverage of 69,066, Waterford Township has a total crime rate of 1,109.1 per 100,000 residents.
More Crime Rate Comparisons
Compare Detroit
Compare Waterford Township
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