Is Grand Rapids or Norton Shores Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Norton Shores is safer than Grand Rapids (Safety Score 38/100 vs 14/100), with a total crime rate of 2,076 per 100,000 versus 3,391 for Grand Rapids — 39% lower. Grand Rapids has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Norton Shores has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Grand Rapids is 7.8x 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
Norton Shores — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Grand Rapids, MI
Norton Shores, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Grand Rapids | Norton Shores | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,390.8 | 2,075.9 | +1,314.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.1 | 192.0 | +718.1 |
| Murder Rate | 6.1 | 0.0 | +6.1 |
| Rape Rate | 89.8 | 40.0 | +49.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 116.4 | 4.0 | +112.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 697.8 | 148.0 | +549.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,480.7 | 1,883.9 | +596.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 267.5 | 172.0 | +95.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,828.9 | 1,507.9 | +320.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 384.4 | 204.0 | +180.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grand Rapids or Norton Shores safer?
Norton Shores is safer with a total crime rate of 2,076 per 100K vs 3,391 for Grand Rapids — a 39% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Grand Rapids has a violent crime rate of 910.1 per 100K while Norton Shores has 192.0. Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores, MI
Norton Shores, Michigan, a community named for early settler John Norton, extends along Lake Michigan's eastern shore near Muskegon. Its landscape is shaped by the lake and numerous inland waterways, attracting residents and visitors to its natural beauty. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 25,001, Norton Shores has a total crime rate of 2,075.9 per 100,000 residents.