Houghton County Crime & Safety

Houghton County, Michigan

Safety Score

70/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Safe

Total Crime Rate

700.3

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

106.9

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

593.4

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

70/100

Higher = safer

State avg 47/100

State Safety Rank

#15

of 83 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Houghton County, Michigan

Houghton County: One of the Nation's Safest

Houghton County features an incredibly low crime rate of 700.3 per 100,000, far below the national average of 2,385.5. It earns a top-tier safety score of 98.9. This makes it one of the most secure counties in the entire United States.

A Safety Leader in Michigan

Houghton County’s safety score of 98.9 is well above the Michigan average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 700.3 is roughly half the state average of 1,371.8. Seven reporting agencies contribute to this high level of community safety.

Comparing Houghton to the Region

Houghton County is even safer than its neighbor Gogebic County, which has a rate of 753.6. It is one of the safest areas in the Upper Peninsula and the state at large. The low population density and active community help maintain these impressive numbers.

Understanding the Low Crime Numbers

Violent crime is extremely rare here, at just 106.9 per 100,000 residents compared to 369.8 nationally. Property crime is also minimal at 593.4, a fraction of the national 2,015.7 rate. These statistics highlight a exceptionally low risk for all residents.

Keep Houghton Safe

While crime is minimal, maintaining good habits like locking cars and homes helps preserve this environment. Community-led initiatives and doorbell cameras can further discourage any opportunistic theft. Residents should continue to support the seven agencies keeping the county secure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Houghton County, MI?

Houghton County has a total crime rate of 700.3 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (106.9 per 100K) and property crimes (593.4 per 100K).

Is Houghton County, MI safe?

Houghton County has a safety score of 70/100, rated "Safe". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #15 out of 83 counties in Michigan for safety (1 = safest).

How does Houghton County crime compare to the Michigan average?

What types of crime are most common in Houghton County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Houghton County?

Crime data for Houghton County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

Why is Houghton County safer than the Michigan average?

Houghton County has a safety score of 70/100, which is above the Michigan average of 47/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.