Is Grand Rapids or Melvindale Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Melvindale is safer than Grand Rapids (Safety Score 57/100 vs 14/100), with a total crime rate of 1,467 per 100,000 versus 3,391 for Grand Rapids — 57% lower. Grand Rapids has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Melvindale has a 72% lower rate.
Note: Grand Rapids is 16.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Grand Rapids — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Melvindale — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Grand Rapids, MI
Melvindale, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Grand Rapids | Melvindale | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,390.8 | 1,467.4 | +1,923.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.1 | 301.6 | +608.5 |
| Murder Rate | 6.1 | 16.3 | -10.2 |
| Rape Rate | 89.8 | 32.6 | +57.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 116.4 | 32.6 | +83.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 697.8 | 220.1 | +477.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,480.7 | 1,165.7 | +1,315.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 267.5 | 203.8 | +63.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,828.9 | 709.2 | +1,119.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 384.4 | 252.7 | +131.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grand Rapids or Melvindale safer?
Melvindale is safer with a total crime rate of 1,467 per 100K vs 3,391 for Grand Rapids — a 57% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Grand Rapids has a violent crime rate of 910.1 per 100K while Melvindale has 301.6. Melvindale has lower violent crime.
About Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids, Michigan, a city on the Grand River, is known as "Furniture City" due to its rich manufacturing history. It's the second-largest city in Michigan, with a diverse population. With a safety score of 14/100 and a population coverage of 195,913, Grand Rapids has a total crime rate of 3,390.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Melvindale, MI
Melvindale, a Downriver community, was once home to a large Ford stamping plant. Situated just southwest of Detroit, it's a small, densely populated city with a strong working-class heritage. With a safety score of 57/100 and a population coverage of 12,267, Melvindale has a total crime rate of 1,467.4 per 100,000 residents.