Is Grand Rapids or Sterling Heights Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Sterling Heights is safer than Grand Rapids (Safety Score 64/100 vs 14/100), with a total crime rate of 1,273 per 100,000 versus 3,391 for Grand Rapids — 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.
Grand Rapids — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Sterling Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Grand Rapids, MI
Sterling Heights, MI
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 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grand Rapids or Sterling Heights safer?
Sterling Heights is safer with a total crime rate of 1,273 per 100K vs 3,391 for Grand Rapids — 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.