Breakwater Neighborhood, Traverse City
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safety at a Glance
Is Breakwater Safe?
Breakwater in Traverse City, MI has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 87, which is 13% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Traverse City average (crime index 126), Breakwater is 39% 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: 114, 14% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 6). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Overall, Breakwater 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.
Breakwater 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
|
64 | -36% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
107 | +7% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
6 | -94% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
32 | -68% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
113 | +13% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
114 | +14% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
103 | +3% | Moderate | |
How Breakwater Compares
Crime index by category: Breakwater vs Traverse City average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Breakwater Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Breakwater Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Breakwater, Traverse City?
Breakwater in Traverse City, MI has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 87, which is 13% below the national average. Compared to the Traverse City average, crime in Breakwater is 39% lower.
Is Breakwater a safe neighborhood in Traverse City?
Breakwater is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Traverse City, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 114), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 6).
How does Breakwater compare to the rest of Traverse City?
Breakwater's overall crime index is 87, compared to the Traverse City average of 126. This means crime in Breakwater is 39% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 52, and for property crime it is 110. 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 Breakwater?
The most prevalent crime type in Breakwater is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 114 (14% 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 Breakwater?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Downtown, Central, Old Town and Boardman. These areas are close to Breakwater and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Breakwater?
Breakwater has a population of approximately 4. The median household income is $74,725. The median home value is $228,814. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Breakwater crime compare to the national average?
Breakwater's overall crime rate is 13% below the national average (index 87 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.