Nelson Neighborhood, Muskegon
Crime Rate & Statistics
Moderate safety — crime is near or slightly above average
Safer than 20% of neighborhoods in Muskegon
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Muskegon
Is Nelson Safe?
Somewhat — crime here is near the national average. Nelson in Muskegon, MI has a safety grade of C+. The overall crime index is 158, which is 58% above the national average of 100. Nelson is safer than 20% of neighborhoods in Muskegon.
Compared to the Muskegon average (crime index 134), Nelson is 24% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 168, 68% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 128).
Nelson Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Muskegon city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
147 | +47% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
143 | +43% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
166 | +66% | High | |
|
Rape
|
156 | +56% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
168 | +68% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
163 | +63% | High | |
How Nelson Compares
Crime index by category: Nelson vs Muskegon average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Nelson Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Nelson Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Nelson, Muskegon?
Nelson in Muskegon, MI has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 158, which is 58% above the national average. Compared to the Muskegon average, crime in Nelson is 24% higher. Nelson is safer than 20% of neighborhoods in Muskegon.
Is Nelson a safe neighborhood in Muskegon?
Nelson has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 168), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 128).
How does Nelson compare to the rest of Muskegon?
Nelson's overall crime index is 158, compared to the Muskegon average of 134. This means crime in Nelson is 24% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 153, and for property crime it is 153. 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 Nelson?
The most prevalent crime type in Nelson is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 168 (68% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Nelson?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Nims, Marsh Field, Campbell Field and Steele. These areas are close to Nelson and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Nelson?
Nelson has a population of approximately 3,554. The median household income is $29,429. The median home value is $131,381. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Nelson crime compare to the national average?
Nelson's overall crime rate is 58% above the national average (index 158 vs 100). Within Muskegon, it is safer than 20% 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.