Otsego County Crime & Safety

Otsego County, Michigan

Safety Score

53/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

1066.5

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

245.8

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

820.7

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

53/100

Higher = safer

State avg 47/100

State Safety Rank

#35

of 83 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Otsego County, Michigan

Otsego County Maintains Strong Safety Record

Otsego County reports a total crime rate of 1066.5 per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 98.3. These statistics reflect a community where public safety is a visible priority.

Outperforming Michigan Average Safety Scores

Otsego’s safety score of 98.3 sits comfortably above the Michigan average of 97.8. Furthermore, its total crime rate of 1066.5 is roughly 22% lower than the state average of 1371.8. This makes it one of the safer places to live and work in the state.

Otsego vs. Nearby Michigan Counties

Otsego County is safer than Roscommon County, which has a rate of 1171.6 per 100K. However, it sees slightly more activity than Oscoda County at 955.9. Overall, Otsego provides a very secure environment compared to the broader regional trend.

Violent Crime Rates Remain Low

With only 245.8 violent crimes per 100K, Otsego is much safer than the national violent crime average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 820.7 incidents per 100K, illustrating that most local crimes are non-confrontational. These numbers point toward a very stable social climate.

Vigilance Enhances Local Safety

The majority of local crime involves property, so residents should secure sheds and outbuildings where tools are stored. Simple measures like high-quality locks and motion sensors can effectively discourage theft. Home security awareness helps keep Otsego's safety score among the best in Michigan.

SimpliSafe Home Security

Professional 24/7 monitoring for Otsego County. No long-term contracts.

Get Protected →

ADT Security Systems

Trusted home security for Otsego County residents since 1874.

Get a Quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Otsego County, MI?

Otsego County has a total crime rate of 1066.5 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (245.8 per 100K) and property crimes (820.7 per 100K).

Is Otsego County, MI safe?

Otsego County has a safety score of 53/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #35 out of 83 counties in Michigan for safety (1 = safest).

How does Otsego County crime compare to the Michigan average?

What types of crime are most common in Otsego County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Otsego County?

Crime data for Otsego 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 Otsego County safer than the Michigan average?

Otsego County has a safety score of 53/100, 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.