48238 Zip Code, Detroit

Crime Rate & Statistics

C+

Moderate safety — crime is near or slightly above average

Safer than 37% of zip codes in Detroit

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 151 / 300 High
Violent Crime 119
19% above national avg
Property Crime 144
44% above national avg
City Ranking
37%
safer than other
Detroit zip codes

Check a specific address

in Detroit

Is 48238 a Safe Zip Code?

Somewhat — crime here is near the national average. Zip code 48238 in Detroit, MI has a safety grade of C+. The overall crime index is 151, which is 51% above the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 37% of zip codes in Detroit.

Compared to the Detroit average (crime index 141), zip code 48238 is 10% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.

Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 159, 59% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 95). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Highest Risk
Burglary · Index 159 (59% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Rape · Index 95 (5% below avg)

48238 Crime Breakdown

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

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
124 +24% Moderate
Assault
156 +56% High
Robbery
102 +2% Moderate
Rape
95 -5% Average
Property Crime
Burglary
159 +59% High
Larceny / Theft
138 +38% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
135 +35% Moderate

How 48238 Compares

Crime index by category: 48238 vs Detroit average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

48238 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

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48238 Demographics & Context

Population
30,508
Median Income
$36,929
Home Value
$50,747
Median Age
40
Pop. Density
5,653/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 6.6%
Graduate Degree 4%

Housing

41%
59%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 1.3%
Black 95%
Hispanic 0.8%
Asian 0.3%

Other Zip Codes in Detroit

48242 Index: 112
A-
48209 Index: 127
B
48210 Index: 133
B
48228 Index: 127
B
48217 Index: 132
B
48223 Index: 114
B
48224 Index: 116
B
48219 Index: 113
B
48205 Index: 121
B
48221 Index: 104
B
48238 Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this zip code
Detroit Crime Statistics
View all Detroit neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Zip code 48238, Detroit?

Zip code 48238 in Detroit, MI has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 151, which is 51% above the national average. Compared to the Detroit average, crime in Zip code 48238 is 10% higher. Zip code 48238 is safer than 37% of neighborhoods in Detroit.

Is Zip code 48238 a safe neighborhood in Detroit?

Zip code 48238 has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 159), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 95).

How does Zip code 48238 compare to the rest of Detroit?

Zip code 48238's overall crime index is 151, compared to the Detroit average of 141. This means crime in Zip code 48238 is 10% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 119, and for property crime it is 144. 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 Zip code 48238?

The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 48238 is Burglary, with a crime index of 159 (59% 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 Zip code 48238?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include 48242, 48209, 48210 and 48228. These areas are close to Zip code 48238 and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Zip code 48238?

Zip code 48238 has a population of approximately 30,508. The median household income is $36,929. The median home value is $50,747. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Zip code 48238 crime compare to the national average?

Zip code 48238's overall crime rate is 51% above the national average (index 151 vs 100). Within Detroit, it is safer than 37% 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.