Southwest Neighborhood, Grand Rapids

Crime Rate & Statistics

C+

Moderate safety — crime is near or slightly above average

Safer than 14% of neighborhoods in Grand Rapids

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate

Low 138 / 300 High

Violent Crime 128

28% above national avg

Property Crime 155

55% above national avg

City Ranking

14%

safer than other

Grand Rapids neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Grand Rapids

Is Southwest Safe?

Somewhat — crime here is near the national average. Southwest in Grand Rapids, MI has a safety grade of C+. The overall crime index is 138, which is 38% above the national average of 100. Southwest is safer than 14% of neighborhoods in Grand Rapids.

Compared to the Grand Rapids average (crime index 126), Southwest is 12% higher in overall crime.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 159, 59% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 116). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Highest Risk

Larceny / Theft · Index 159 (59% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Robbery · Index 116 (16% above avg)

Southwest Crime Breakdown

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

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Grand Rapids	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	123	+23%	-3%	Moderate
Assault	124	+24%	-9%	Moderate
Robbery	116	+16%	+2%	Moderate
Rape	148	+48%	N/A	Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary	149	+49%	+34%	Moderate
Larceny / Theft	159	+59%	+17%	High
Vehicle Theft	157	+57%	+18%	High

How Southwest Compares

Crime index by category: Southwest vs Grand Rapids average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Southwest 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

Southwest Demographics & Context

Population

2,027

Median Income

$26,075

Home Value

$100,601

Median Age

Pop. Density

3,485/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 3.9%

Graduate Degree 0%

Housing

31%

69%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 17.7%

Black 44.8%

Hispanic 43.7%

Asian 0.8%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Grandville Index: 144

B-

Southeast Community / SECA Index: 163

Heartside Index: 186

C+

Roosevelt Park Index: 111

B+

Heritage Hill Index: 170

Black Hills Index: 189

Baxter Index: 173

C-

Downtown Index: 198

B+

Southwest Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Grand Rapids Crime Statistics

View all Grand Rapids neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Southwest, Grand Rapids?

Southwest in Grand Rapids, MI has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 138, which is 38% above the national average. Compared to the Grand Rapids average, crime in Southwest is 12% higher. Southwest is safer than 14% of neighborhoods in Grand Rapids.

Is Southwest a safe neighborhood in Grand Rapids?

Southwest has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 159), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 116).

How does Southwest compare to the rest of Grand Rapids?

Southwest's overall crime index is 138, compared to the Grand Rapids average of 126. This means crime in Southwest is 12% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 128, and for property crime it is 155. 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 Southwest?

The most prevalent crime type in Southwest is Larceny / Theft, 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 Southwest?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Grandville, Roosevelt Park, Heritage Hill and Downtown. These areas are close to Southwest and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Southwest?

Southwest has a population of approximately 2,027. The median household income is $26,075. The median home value is $100,601. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Southwest crime compare to the national average?

Southwest's overall crime rate is 38% above the national average (index 138 vs 100). Within Grand Rapids, it is safer than 14% 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.