Michigan Crime & Safety
Crime rates and safety scores for all 83 counties.
Avg Violent Crime Rate
315.0
per 100K
Avg Property Crime Rate
1057.0
per 100K
Avg Safety Score
47/100
State Overview
Crime & Safety in Michigan
National Context
Michigan Beats the National Safety Average
Michigan reports an average total crime rate of 1,371.8 per 100K residents, placing it well below the national average of 2,385.5. This significant margin positions the state as a safer-than-average choice for residents when compared to national trends. The state maintains this favorable ranking across all 83 reporting counties.
Violent vs. Property Crime
Property Crimes Lead But Stay Below Benchmarks
Property crime dominates the state's safety profile at 1,057.0 per 100K, though this remains nearly 50% lower than the national property crime rate. Violent crime also tracks below the national benchmark, sitting at 314.8 per 100K. Residents largely deal with theft and property issues rather than violent incidents.
Safest Counties
The Three Safest Corners of the Mitten
Dickinson, Lake, and Presque Isle counties represent the safest regions in the state, with Dickinson leading at just 212.0 crimes per 100K. Lake County follows closely with a rate of 227.9 per 100K. These areas offer some of the most secure environments in the Midwest, far outperforming state and national norms.
Crime Hotspots
Understanding Higher Crime in Urban Hubs
Clinton County reports the state's highest rate at 7,684.6 per 100K, followed by the more populous Kalamazoo and Wayne counties. While Wayne County reports 3,583.2 per 100K, these figures often reflect the complex challenges of dense urban centers and transit hubs. These higher-rate areas provide a sharp contrast to Michigan's otherwise low statewide average.
The Takeaway
A Strong Outlook for Michigan Safety
Michigan offers a compelling safety profile for residents, with a total crime rate that stays roughly 1,000 points below the national average. While specific urban hubs show elevated numbers, the majority of the state provides a secure environment for families and professionals. Prospective movers can find exceptional peace of mind in the state's numerous low-crime rural and suburban counties.
Safest Counties
All Michigan Counties
Crime rates per 100K population. — = data pending.
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Data Sources
Crime data sourced from the FBI Crime Data Explorer (UCR) and County Health Rankings. Safety scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Not legal or security advice. Coverage varies by county and reporting year.