According to Propertyclub, When people think about Michigan, they often associate it with abandoned buildings, struggling industrial areas, and high crime rates in cities like Detroit and Flint. Although Michigan does have its fair share of beautiful places, there are also areas that have unfortunately gained a reputation for being dangerous and should be approached with caution. In this article, we will explore the ten cities in Michigan that are considered to be the most dangerous.
10 Most Dangerous Cities in Michigan
This Article Includes
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- Muskegon Heights
- Detroit
- Benton Harbor
- Jackson
- Harper Woods
- Flint
- Kalamazoo
- Albion
- Highland Park
- Saginaw
1. Muskegon Heights
Muskegon Heights, a city in Michigan, has gained a reputation as the most dangerous city in the state due to its alarming rate of gun violence. Despite its small population of 10,730, the city faces an excessively high crime rate. The prevalence of violent and property crimes in Muskegon Heights is disproportionately high compared to its size. In 2022, the overall crime rate soared to 330% above the national average, reaching 5,390 incidents. This staggering statistic translates to a 1 in 19 chance for each resident to fall victim to any type of crime. Moreover, Muskegon Heights experiences a significant number of burglaries and property destruction, with home invasions being a disturbingly common occurrence.
2. Detroit
Detroit, Michigan, holds the unfortunate distinction of being the second most dangerous city in the state. With a population of 635,000, Detroit was once a thriving hub of the US car industry. However, the city now grapples with alarmingly high rates of violent and property crimes. In fact, Detroit is widely recognized as one of America’s most dangerous large cities. Its crime rate stands at 6,389 incidents per 100,000 people, making it 248% more dangerous than the state average. The likelihood of falling victim to a violent crime in Detroit is 1 in 44. Shockingly, the city reported 330 murders, 1,850 robberies, and 11,565 assaults in 2021 alone. Gun violence is pervasive in Detroit, and much of the crime can be attributed to gang activity.
3. Benton Harbor
Benton Harbor, a city in Michigan, has gained notoriety for its high crime rates. With a population of 8,892, the city has a staggering crime rate of 6,365 per 100,000 people, surpassing the state average by 246%. This means that Benton Harbor is significantly more dangerous compared to other cities in Michigan. Residents of Benton Harbor face a 1 in 29 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. In 2021 alone, the city witnessed two murders, eleven robberies, and 285 assaults. Property crime is also a prevalent issue, with 69 burglaries reported during the same year. Unfortunately, Benton Harbor suffers from a high poverty rate, and its residents have an annual income of $32,236, coupled with limited employment opportunities.
4. Jackson
Jackson, Michigan is known for its high rate of violent crime, making it one of the worst cities in the state. With a population of 32,188, the city has a crime rate of 4,179 per 100,000 people, surpassing the Michigan average by 127%. The likelihood of falling victim to a violent crime in Jackson is 1 in 84, with alarming statistics in 2021 including seven murders, 33 robberies, and 277 assaults. Property crime is also a significant concern, with residents facing a 1 in 31 chance of becoming victims. In the same year, there were 178 incidents of burglary, 736 cases of personal theft, and 111 instances of motor vehicle theft.
5. Harper Woods
Harper Woods, situated near Detroit in Wayne County, is notorious for being one of the most perilous areas in Michigan. With a population of 15,492, the crime rate in Harper Woods stands at 4,057 per 100,000 people, making it 121% more hazardous compared to the average city in Michigan. The likelihood of falling victim to a violent crime in this city is 1 in 108. In 2021 alone, Harper Woods witnessed 3 murders, 10 robberies, and 126 assaults.
6. Flint
Flint has been in the news for various reasons, one of which is its high crime rate. With a population of 98,762, the city has a crime rate of 2,752 per 100,000 people, making it 50% more dangerous than the state average. In 2021, Flint experienced a significant increase in the number of murders, reaching a 9-year high. There were 60 reported murders, representing a 21% increase from 2020 to 2021. The overall likelihood of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Flint is 1 in 78. On average, the city sees around 47 murders, 84 robberies, and 827 assaults per year. Property crime is also a concern, with residents having a 1 in 49 chance of falling victim to it.
7. Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo, with a population of 75,834, experiences a crime rate that is 166% higher than the national average. Residents face a 1 in 17 chance of falling victim to any type of crime. In 2021 alone, there were 14 reported murders, 137 robberies, and 873 assaults. This means that the risk of becoming a victim of a violent crime stands at 1 in 67. Additionally, there were over 700 incidents of burglary and home invasion during the same year. The city’s unemployment rate is 6.7%, and the prevalence of high poverty contributes to the elevated crime rate.
8. Albion
Albion, with a population of just 8,310, is grappling with a crime rate that is 83% higher than the national average. In 2022, the city witnessed a staggering 83% surge in overall crime, with violent crime soaring by 205% compared to previous years. The year 2021 saw two murders, eight robberies, and 85 assaults. However, it is property crime that poses the greatest concern for Albion’s residents, as they face a 1 in 28 chance of falling victim to such incidents. Among property crimes, burglary and personal theft remain the most prevalent.
9. Highland Park
Highland Park, an enclave city within Detroit, has a population of 10,978. The crime rate in Highland Park is 4,541 per 100,000 people, making it 94% more dangerous than the national average. The chances of becoming a victim of any type of crime in this city is 1 in 23. In 2022 alone, there were six murders, 25 robberies, and 164 assaults. Highland Park is plagued by urban decay, with numerous abandoned and dilapidated buildings scattered throughout the area.
10. Saginaw
Saginaw, a city in Michigan, is notorious for its high crime rates. With a population of 49,892, the city has an alarming crime rate of 3,662 per 100,000 people. This statistic highlights that Saginaw is 99% more dangerous than other cities in Michigan. Shockingly, the rate of violent crimes surpasses the national average by 46%. This means that residents of Saginaw face a 1 in 28 chance of falling victim to a violent crime. In the year 2020 alone, there were 234 reported burglaries, 109 motor thefts, and 409 thefts in the city. To compound matters, the poverty rate in Saginaw stands at 34.85%. Furthermore, the murder crime rate is 0.57 per 1,000 people, adding to the city’s troubling crime statistics.
