Is Grand Rapids or Van Buren Township Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Van Buren Township is safer than Grand Rapids (Safety Score 31/100 vs 14/100), with a total crime rate of 2,396 per 100,000 versus 3,391 for Grand Rapids — 29% lower. Grand Rapids has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Van Buren Township has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Grand Rapids is 6.6x 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
Van Buren Township — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Grand Rapids, MI
Van Buren Township, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Grand Rapids | Van Buren Township | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,390.8 | 2,396.0 | +994.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.1 | 327.8 | +582.3 |
| Murder Rate | 6.1 | 0.0 | +6.1 |
| Rape Rate | 89.8 | 40.6 | +49.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 116.4 | 0.0 | +116.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 697.8 | 287.3 | +410.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,480.7 | 2,068.2 | +412.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 267.5 | 138.6 | +128.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,828.9 | 1,696.5 | +132.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 384.4 | 233.2 | +151.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grand Rapids or Van Buren Township safer?
Van Buren Township is safer with a total crime rate of 2,396 per 100K vs 3,391 for Grand Rapids — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Grand Rapids has a violent crime rate of 910.1 per 100K while Van Buren Township has 327.8. Van Buren 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 Van Buren Township, MI
Van Buren Township, Michigan, named for President Martin Van Buren, is a diverse community in Wayne County. Situated southwest of Detroit, it encompasses Belleville Lake and boasts a significant industrial presence alongside residential areas. With a safety score of 31/100 and a population coverage of 29,591, Van Buren Township has a total crime rate of 2,396.0 per 100,000 residents.
More Crime Rate Comparisons
Compare Grand Rapids
Compare Van Buren Township
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