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Grand Rapids, MI vs Sterling Heights, MI Crime Comparison

Side-by-side crime rates, safety scores, and trends based on FBI data.

Full report: Grand Rapids crime rate · Sterling Heights crime rate

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Is Grand Rapids, MI or Sterling Heights, MI Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Sterling Heights, MI is safer than Grand Rapids, MI (Safety Score 64/100 vs 14/100), with a total crime rate of 1,273 per 100,000 versus 3,391 for Grand Rapids, MI — 62% lower. Grand Rapids has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in murder, where Sterling Heights has a 88% lower rate.

Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Grand Rapids, MI?

Grand Rapids — 5-Year Trend

Increasing Violent Increasing Property Increasing Total

Sterling Heights — 5-Year Trend

Increasing Violent Increasing Property Increasing Total

Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids, MI
Safety Score 14/100
Coverage 195,913
Total Crime Rate 3,390.8
Category Wins 0/7

Sterling Heights, MI

Sterling Heights, MI
Safety Score 64/100
Coverage 133,058
Total Crime Rate 1,273.1
Category Wins 7/7

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Grand Rapids Sterling Heights Difference
Total Crime Rate 3,390.8 1,273.1 +2,117.7
Violent Crime Rate 910.1 230.7 +679.4
Murder Rate 6.1 0.8 +5.4
Rape Rate 89.8 30.8 +59.0
Robbery Rate 116.4 15.0 +101.4
Aggravated Assault Rate 697.8 182.6 +515.1
Property Crime Rate 2,480.7 1,042.4 +1,438.3
Burglary Rate 267.5 76.7 +190.8
Larceny-Theft Rate 1,828.9 789.1 +1,039.7
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 384.4 176.6 +207.7

All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.

Moving from Grand Rapids, MI to Sterling Heights, MI?

The Moving Checklist Planner turns your move-in date into a dated checklist, packing inventory and budget — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Grand Rapids or Sterling Heights safer?

Sterling Heights, MI is safer with a total crime rate of 1,273 per 100K vs 3,391 for Grand Rapids, MI — a 62% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Grand Rapids has a violent crime rate of 910.1 per 100K while Sterling Heights has 230.7. Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights, MI

Sterling Heights, Michigan, a Detroit suburb, is the second-largest city in Macomb County. Once a farming community known for its rhubarb, it now boasts a diverse population exceeding 130,000 residents. With a safety score of 64/100 and a population coverage of 133,058, Sterling Heights has a total crime rate of 1,273.1 per 100,000 residents.

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