49686 Zip Code, Traverse City
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe zip code — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 0% of zip codes in Traverse City
Safety at a Glance
Is 49686 a Safe Zip Code?
Zip code 49686 in Traverse City, MI has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 125, which is 25% above the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 0% of zip codes in Traverse City.
Compared to the Traverse City average (crime index 126), zip code 49686 is 1% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 141, 41% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 77).
Overall, zip code 49686 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.
49686 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
|
123 | +23% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
141 | +41% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
77 | -23% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
115 | +15% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
109 | +9% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
134 | +34% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
139 | +39% | Moderate | |
How 49686 Compares
Crime index by category: 49686 vs Traverse City average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
49686 Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
49686 Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Other Zip Codes in Traverse City
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Zip code 49686, Traverse City?
Zip code 49686 in Traverse City, MI has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 125, which is 25% above the national average. Compared to the Traverse City average, crime in Zip code 49686 is 1% lower. Zip code 49686 is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Traverse City.
Is Zip code 49686 a safe neighborhood in Traverse City?
Zip code 49686 is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Traverse City, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Assault (index: 141), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 77). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Traverse City.
How does Zip code 49686 compare to the rest of Traverse City?
Zip code 49686's overall crime index is 125, compared to the Traverse City average of 126. This means crime in Zip code 49686 is 1% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 114, and for property crime it is 127. 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 49686?
The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 49686 is Assault, with a crime index of 141 (41% 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 49686?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include 49685, 49684 and 49696. These areas are close to Zip code 49686 and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Zip code 49686?
Zip code 49686 has a population of approximately 21,013. The median household income is $66,887. The median home value is $554,215. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Zip code 49686 crime compare to the national average?
Zip code 49686's overall crime rate is 25% above the national average (index 125 vs 100). Within Traverse City, it is safer than 0% 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.