Detroit, MI Crime Rate & Safety

Detroit, MI has a crime safety grade of D- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 209% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 97 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 17 chance for property crime. Detroit has higher crime than 99% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Detroit has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D-. Approximately 45% of the city's 186 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Belle Isle is one of the safest areas, while Douglass has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Detroit is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Detroit are Belle Isle, Sherwood Forest, Rosedale, McNichols Evergreen, and Belmont. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Detroit include Douglass, Northwest Goldberg, Elmwood Park, Herman Kiefer, and Jeffries. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Detroit is 1,033.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 172% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 97 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 13.8 per 100K (175% above average); aggravated assault at 780.6 per 100K (191% above average); robbery at 160.9 per 100K (118% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Detroit is 6,035.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 229% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 17 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 908.9 per 100K (237% above average); larceny/theft at 4,176.5 per 100K (198% above average); vehicle theft at 949.8 per 100K (198% above average).

Detroit's overall crime rate is 209% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is burglary (237% above average), while robbery is 118% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Detroit has higher crime than 99% of them.

Visitors to Detroit should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 229% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Belle Isle, Sherwood Forest, Rosedale.

Michigan as a whole has crime that is 7% above the national average. Detroit's crime rate is 209% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Michigan city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Detroit, with an estimated rate of 4,176.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 198% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (6,035 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (1,034 per 100K) in Detroit, which is consistent with national trends.