Central Neighborhood, Traverse City

Crime Rate & Statistics

A+

One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime

Safer than 80% of neighborhoods in Traverse City

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate

Low 123 / 300 High

Violent Crime 100

0% below national avg

Property Crime 138

38% above national avg

City Ranking

80%

safer than other

Traverse City neighborhoods

Is Central Safe?

Central in Traverse City, MI has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 123, which is 23% above the national average of 100. Central is safer than 80% of neighborhoods in Traverse City.

Compared to the Traverse City average (crime index 126), Central is 3% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 151, 51% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 38). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Overall, Central 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.

Highest Risk

Larceny / Theft · Index 151 (51% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Robbery · Index 38 (62% below avg)

Central Crime Breakdown

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

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Traverse City	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	120	+20%	-16%	Moderate
Assault	116	+16%	-17%	Moderate
Robbery	38	-62%	-39%	Low
Rape	127	+27%	N/A	Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary	125	+25%	+4%	Moderate
Larceny / Theft	151	+51%	-15%	High
Vehicle Theft	137	+37%	-19%	Moderate

How Central Compares

Crime index by category: Central vs Traverse City average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Central 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

Central Demographics & Context

Population

1,484

Median Income

$74,124

Home Value

$502,122

Median Age

Pop. Density

4,043/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 34.6%

Graduate Degree 13.1%

Housing

61%

39%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 94.1%

Black 0.3%

Hispanic 1.7%

Asian 1%

Nearby Neighborhoods

A+

A+

A+

Traverse Heights Index: 145

Northwestern Michigan College Index: 80

A+

Central Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Traverse City Crime Statistics

View all Traverse City neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Central, Traverse City?

Central in Traverse City, MI has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 123, which is 23% above the national average. Compared to the Traverse City average, crime in Central is 3% lower. Central is safer than 80% of neighborhoods in Traverse City.

Is Central a safe neighborhood in Traverse City?

Central is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Traverse City, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 151), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 38). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Traverse City.

How does Central compare to the rest of Traverse City?

Central's overall crime index is 123, compared to the Traverse City average of 126. This means crime in Central is 3% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 100, and for property crime it is 138. 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 Central?

The most prevalent crime type in Central is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 151 (51% 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 Central?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Old Town, Downtown, Kids Creek and Boardman. These areas are close to Central and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Central?

Central has a population of approximately 1,484. The median household income is $74,124. The median home value is $502,122. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Central crime compare to the national average?

Central's overall crime rate is 23% above the national average (index 123 vs 100). Within Traverse City, it is safer than 80% 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 March 2026.