49685 Zip Code, Traverse City
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest zip codes — significantly below-average crime
Safer than 75% of zip codes in Traverse City
Safety at a Glance
Is 49685 a Safe Zip Code?
Zip code 49685 in Traverse City, MI has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 97, which is 3% below the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 75% of zip codes in Traverse City.
Compared to the Traverse City average (crime index 126), zip code 49685 is 29% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 111, 11% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 77).
Overall, zip code 49685 is considered a safe area for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.
49685 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
|
101 | +1% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
77 | -23% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
108 | +8% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
102 | +2% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
111 | +11% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
100 | 0% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
92 | -8% | Average | |
How 49685 Compares
Crime index by category: 49685 vs Traverse City average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
49685 Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
49685 Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Other Zip Codes in Traverse City
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Zip code 49685, Traverse City?
Zip code 49685 in Traverse City, MI has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 97, which is 3% below the national average. Compared to the Traverse City average, crime in Zip code 49685 is 29% lower. Zip code 49685 is safer than 75% of neighborhoods in Traverse City.
Is Zip code 49685 a safe neighborhood in Traverse City?
Zip code 49685 is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Traverse City, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 111), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 77). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Traverse City.
How does Zip code 49685 compare to the rest of Traverse City?
Zip code 49685's overall crime index is 97, compared to the Traverse City average of 126. This means crime in Zip code 49685 is 29% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 97, and for property crime it is 101. 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 Zip code 49685?
The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 49685 is Burglary, with a crime index of 111 (11% 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 Zip code 49685?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include 49684, 49696 and 49686. These areas are close to Zip code 49685 and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Zip code 49685?
Zip code 49685 has a population of approximately 18,913. The median household income is $72,190. The median home value is $451,943. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Zip code 49685 crime compare to the national average?
Zip code 49685's overall crime rate is 3% below the national average (index 97 vs 100). Within Traverse City, it is safer than 75% 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.