Center Avenue Neighborhood, Bay City

Crime Rate & Statistics

A+

One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime

Safer than 86% of neighborhoods in Bay City

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Low

Low 74 / 300 High

Violent Crime 98

2% below national avg

Property Crime 106

6% above national avg

City Ranking

86%

safer than other

Bay City neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Bay City

Is Center Avenue Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Center Avenue in Bay City, MI has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 74, which is 26% below the national average of 100. Center Avenue is safer than 86% of neighborhoods in Bay City.

Compared to the Bay City average (crime index 114), Center Avenue is 40% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Bay City as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 122, 22% above average), while murder is the lowest risk (index: 77).

Highest Risk

Larceny / Theft · Index 122 (22% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Murder · Index 77 (23% below avg)

Center Avenue Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Bay City city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Bay City	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	77	-23%	-37%	Low
Assault	107	+7%	-20%	Moderate
Robbery	101	+1%	+4%	Moderate
Rape	105	+5%	N/A	Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary	80	-20%	-30%	Low
Larceny / Theft	122	+22%	-25%	Moderate
Vehicle Theft	115	+15%	-23%	Moderate

How Center Avenue Compares

Crime index by category: Center Avenue vs Bay City average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Center Avenue Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map

Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Center Avenue Demographics & Context

Population

2,992

Median Income

$75,460

Home Value

$145,248

Median Age

Pop. Density

2,692/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 20.6%

Graduate Degree 18.4%

Housing

72%

28%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 92.3%

Black 2.9%

Hispanic 6.2%

Asian 1%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Johnson Street Index: 124

Columbus Avenue Index: 150

South End Index: 120

Southwest Index: 107

Midland Street Index: 126

Banks Index: 100

A+

Center Avenue Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Bay City Crime Statistics

View all Bay City neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Center Avenue, Bay City?

Center Avenue in Bay City, MI has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 74, which is 26% below the national average. Compared to the Bay City average, crime in Center Avenue is 40% lower. Center Avenue is safer than 86% of neighborhoods in Bay City.

Is Center Avenue a safe neighborhood in Bay City?

Center Avenue is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Bay City, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 122), while Murder is the lowest risk (index: 77). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Bay City.

How does Center Avenue compare to the rest of Bay City?

Center Avenue's overall crime index is 74, compared to the Bay City average of 114. This means crime in Center Avenue is 40% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 98, and for property crime it is 106. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.

What type of crime is most common in Center Avenue?

The most prevalent crime type in Center Avenue is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 122 (22% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.

What are safer neighborhoods near Center Avenue?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Johnson Street, Columbus Avenue, South End and Southwest. These areas are close to Center Avenue and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Center Avenue?

Center Avenue has a population of approximately 2,992. The median household income is $75,460. The median home value is $145,248. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Center Avenue crime compare to the national average?

Center Avenue's overall crime rate is 26% below the national average (index 74 vs 100). Within Bay City, it is safer than 86% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.

Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.