Kensington West Neighborhood, Traverse City
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
Is Kensington West Safe?
Kensington West in Traverse City, MI has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 149, which is 49% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Traverse City average (crime index 126), Kensington West is 23% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 196, 96% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 74). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Overall, Kensington West 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.
Kensington West 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
|
163 | +63% | High | |
|
Assault
|
116 | +16% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
105 | +5% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
74 | -26% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
196 | +96% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
177 | +77% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
149 | +49% | Moderate | |
How Kensington West Compares
Crime index by category: Kensington West vs Traverse City average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Kensington West Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Kensington West Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Kensington West, Traverse City?
Kensington West in Traverse City, MI has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 149, which is 49% above the national average. Compared to the Traverse City average, crime in Kensington West is 23% higher.
Is Kensington West a safe neighborhood in Traverse City?
Kensington West is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Traverse City, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 196), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 74).
How does Kensington West compare to the rest of Traverse City?
Kensington West's overall crime index is 149, compared to the Traverse City average of 126. This means crime in Kensington West is 23% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 115, and for property crime it is 174. 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 Kensington West?
The most prevalent crime type in Kensington West is Burglary, with a crime index of 196 (96% 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 Kensington West?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Traverse Heights, Traverse City Airport Industrial Park, Old Town and Oak Park. These areas are close to Kensington West and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Kensington West?
Kensington West has a population of approximately 36. The median household income is $44,150. The median home value is $189,729. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Kensington West crime compare to the national average?
Kensington West's overall crime rate is 49% above the national average (index 149 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.