Is Grand Rapids or Meridian Township Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Meridian Township is safer than Grand Rapids (Safety Score 44/100 vs 14/100), with a total crime rate of 1,883 per 100,000 versus 3,391 for Grand Rapids — 44% lower. Grand Rapids has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Meridian Township has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Grand Rapids is 4.5x 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
Meridian Township — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Grand Rapids, MI
Meridian Township, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Grand Rapids | Meridian Township | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,390.8 | 1,883.3 | +1,507.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.1 | 182.2 | +727.9 |
| Murder Rate | 6.1 | 0.0 | +6.1 |
| Rape Rate | 89.8 | 41.0 | +48.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 116.4 | 20.5 | +95.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 697.8 | 120.7 | +577.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,480.7 | 1,701.1 | +779.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 267.5 | 134.4 | +133.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,828.9 | 1,377.8 | +451.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 384.4 | 189.0 | +195.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grand Rapids or Meridian Township safer?
Meridian Township is safer with a total crime rate of 1,883 per 100K vs 3,391 for Grand Rapids — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Grand Rapids has a violent crime rate of 910.1 per 100K while Meridian Township has 182.2. Meridian Township 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 Meridian Township, MI
Meridian Township, home to Michigan State University's campus, is a suburban community in Ingham County. Its residents enjoy extensive parkland, including the historic Harris Nature Center. The township's population is diverse, with a significant number of students and professionals. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 43,912, Meridian Township has a total crime rate of 1,883.3 per 100,000 residents.