Birchwood Neighborhood, Traverse City
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safety at a Glance
Is Birchwood Safe?
Birchwood in Traverse City, MI has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 80, which is 20% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Traverse City average (crime index 126), Birchwood is 46% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Traverse 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: 179, 79% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 99).
Overall, Birchwood is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.
Birchwood Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Traverse City city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
124 | +24% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
99 | -1% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
114 | +14% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
169 | +69% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
105 | +5% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
179 | +79% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
156 | +56% | High | |
How Birchwood Compares
Crime index by category: Birchwood vs Traverse City average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Birchwood Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Birchwood Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Birchwood, Traverse City?
Birchwood in Traverse City, MI has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 80, which is 20% below the national average. Compared to the Traverse City average, crime in Birchwood is 46% lower.
Is Birchwood a safe neighborhood in Traverse City?
Birchwood is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Traverse City, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 179), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 99).
How does Birchwood compare to the rest of Traverse City?
Birchwood's overall crime index is 80, compared to the Traverse City average of 126. This means crime in Birchwood is 46% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 127, and for property crime it is 147. 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 Birchwood?
The most prevalent crime type in Birchwood is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 179 (79% 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 Birchwood?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse City Airport Industrial Park, Oak Park and Traverse Heights. These areas are close to Birchwood and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Birchwood?
Birchwood has a population of approximately 48. The median household income is $65,958. The median home value is $762,653. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Birchwood crime compare to the national average?
Birchwood's overall crime rate is 20% below the national average (index 80 vs 100). 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 March 2026.