Detroit’s got a reputation. It’s known for its powerhouse automotive history and unbeatable sports teams! But if you’re thinking of moving here or just planning a visit, you might wonder, “How safe is Detroit?”
In this blog, we will look at the crime rates, spotlight the neighborhoods where you can kick back without worry, and arm you with some essential safety tips.
Our research draws from trusted sources including the Detroit Police Department, FBI reports, local real estate experts, and legal professionals, to give you an accurate picture of Detroit’s safety landscape.
Whether you’re here for a quick trip or considering calling Detroit home, let’s set you up for a safe and enjoyable experience. Ready to roll? Let’s go!
Detroit crime statistics breakdown:
Detroit’s crime rates are higher than the national average, particularly concerning violent crimes such as homicide, assault, and robbery.
In 2018, Detroit was ranked the second most violent city!
In 2023 ..
Property Crime: Property crimes such as burglary and theft are also above national averages. The city’s property crime rate often exceeded 3,000 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of around 2,000 per 100,000.
Violent Crime: This category includes murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Detroit historically has had a high rate of violent crime. Theft is the most prevalent crime in Detroit, accounting for about 15,681 cases in 2023.
In 2023, Detroit Police Chief James White said at a press conference that Detroit saw a huge drop in violent crime. He says he has attended many meetings on crime statistics over the years, but he has never been prouder than of the previous year’s statistics!
The good news is ..
On June 10, 2024, the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program released the Quarterly Uniform Crime Report. The data shows :
- Violent crime (murder, rape, robbery, assault) dropped 15.2% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023.
- Property crime also saw a 15.1% decrease during the same period.
The report comes from 72% of law enforcement agencies and is highly reliable.
Jeff Asher, co-founder of AH Datalytics, which tracks and analyzes criminal justice data, says these months of unaudited crime data could be considered:
“often accurate, if imprecise, and we also have data from other sources that support this data!”
But …
Is Detroit safe for tourists?
The most significant indicator of a city’s safety is the number of visitors ready to explore the city!
Travel Lemming placed Detroit at #10 in its annual list of the 50 best travel destinations.
Popular tourist areas such as downtown Detroit, the Detroit Riverwalk, and attractions like the Detroit Institute of Arts generally have increased security and are considered relatively safe.
According to the Detroit Police Department, safety measures have been increased in tourist-heavy areas. They have also implemented community policing strategies to improve safety.
Travel experts and guides from Lonely Planet and TripAdvisor, say Detroit is considered a safe destination for tourists who take standard precautions.
Indiana Jo , first-time traveler shares his experience of visiting Detroit. He says:
“I’ve found along my travels that the people who have the least or have suffered the most give out the friendliest smiles and biggest, most welcoming arms. And this was absolutely true in Detroit.
Not a single person tried to rob, con, scam, or cheat me—things that have happened in other areas, some of which you’ve probably visited.”
He recommends sticking to well-populated areas, avoiding risky neighborhoods, and using reputable transportation options.
Is Detroit safe for residents?
So, you’re wondering if Detroit is safe for its residents? It’s a question that pops up often, and we know why —it’s essential to know if a place feels like home.
First, let’s talk numbers. According to the most recent data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, Detroit’s crime rates have been decreasing in recent years.
For instance, in 2023, Detroit saw a 10% decrease in violent crime compared to the previous year, marking the lowest number of homicides in 57 years. This is a significant sign of progress!
Dr. Sarah Anderson, a criminologist at Wayne State University, notes,
“Detroit has made substantial strides in improving public safety. Community policing and crime prevention programs have really started to show results,…Detroit is safer than many realize.”
The Detroit Police Department’s Community Relations Division highlights that proactive policing and community engagement have decreased crime.
What Locals Say?
Real talk from Detroit residents often paints a more nuanced picture. Roxolan Tonix, a long-time Detroit resident, shares,
“I’ve lived here for over a decade, and while I’m aware of the city’s challenges, I feel safe in my neighborhood. Some parts are nice, with big houses and beautiful places…one could take a walk or hang out even at night .
The schools aren’t that great, though. It’s a city trying to get better. There are cool, old buildings now hosting stores and restaurants, but still it’s not as exciting as some other big cities. Overall, Detroit is a mixture of good and bad things.”
Gretchen Stone, who has lived in Detroit for 50 years, says,
“I’ve lived in the same northwest Detroit home for nearly half a century and feel incredibly safe. The most serious incident I’ve experienced was a harmless trespasser.
The neighborhood is thriving, with increasing diversity and improved infrastructure. Public transportation is reliable, and downtown is experiencing a remarkable renaissance.”
Is Detroit a safe bet for businesses?
The Detroit Police Department has implemented specialized programs to protect business districts and deter crime. For instance, the Detroit Police Department’s Business Security Program focuses on safeguarding commercial properties through increased patrols and surveillance.
Michael Johnson, a local business owner and member of the Detroit Chamber of Commerce, shares, “The increased police presence and community initiatives have definitely helped in reducing crime around our area. I feel more confident about running my business here.”
According to a 2024 report by the Detroit Future City initiative, Detroit’s focus on improving safety, coupled with business incentives and support, has created a thriving atmosphere for both start-ups and established companies.
What is the government doing to make Detroit safe?
Court and bail reforms:
The city is fighting gun violence by making the processing of gun-related cases faster to accelerate justice and deter potential criminals, as well as keeping dangerous people off the streets.
Closer monitoring of those being released on bail for gun-related offenses is also initiated to prevent recurrence and reduce future gun crimes. These measures are implemented to make Detroit a safer place to live in.
“It’s not about adding more police. It’s about how you deploy them to make a difference, reducing gun violence,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, touting the work that Chief James White and the Detroit Police Department have done.
FORCE Detroit:
Harvey-Quinn founded and runs FORCE Detroit, an organization focused on harm reduction in Cody Rouge, a majority-Black, low-income neighborhood on Detroit’s west side.
Shot Stoppers:
Another major piece of Detroit’s fight against violence and quest to ensure safety is its community violence intervention initiative—Shot Stoppers.
Each organization gets $175,000 every three months to carry out their prevention plans. They can earn more money if they do a better job reducing violence than other groups in the city.
If they cut violence by 10% more than others, they get an extra $87,500. If they cut it by 20% more, they get an additional $175,000.
Detroit safety map:
The above map indicates the distribution of crime across Detroit.
Darkly shaded areas indicate higher crime rates, while lightly shaded ones show the safest neighborhoods.
The contrast in crime levels across Detroit underlines the remarkable disparities in safety within this city.
It indicates that southern Detroit is the safe part, with businesses and residents experiencing a calmer environment.
You might be wondering, with crime hotspots throughout, is Detroit a safe place to live?
Well, let’s find out!
Detroit’s Safest Neighborhoods:
While Detroit is becoming safer, some neighborhoods have become way safer than others.
So how do we know if a neighborhood is safe?
Some things to think about when choosing a safe neighborhood:
- Check out the crime statistics of that neighborhood from authentic sources such as FBI data.
- The higher the property values, the more it indicates a stable and desirable neighborhood.
- Good access to schools, parks, public transport, and health facilities improves the standard of living.
- Community participation results in a higher level of safety. The key is staying informed and involved in community efforts in a particular neighborhood.
The property club gives us the following list of the safest neighborhoods in Detroit. Palmer woods Corktown, Rivertown and Downtown Detroit being among the safest places to live in Detroit.
| Neighborhood | Crime Rate (per 100,000 residents) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Palmer Woods | 2,059 | Safest neighborhood, near Woodward Avenue, close to Detroit Golf Club. |
| Corktown | 2602 | Older neighborhood, close to Downtown Detroit. |
| Rivertown | 2,165 (violent) | Tourist spot near Downtown Detroit, easy riverfront access. |
| Midtown | 2,156 | Lower than national average, mix of residential and commercial. |
| Downtown | N/A | Strong police presence, low crime rates. |
| Brush Park | 2,602 | Very low crime rate, close to parks and Comerica Park. |
| Millennium Village | 2,602 | Walkable neighborhood, affordable homes. |
The most dangerous neighborhood in Detroit:
Travelers are generally advised to avoid certain neighborhoods on both the east and west sides of Detroit.
These include, for example, Brightmoor, Oakwood Heights, and East English Village. These have always been areas known to retain a higher-than-normal level of criminal activities and other socioeconomically related issues.
Downtown Detroit and Midtown, however, are relatively safe and tourist-friendly. As with any major city, travelers should always be alert and aware of their surroundings—not to stray alone in unfamiliar areas after dark.
Ethan A Hayes, project manager, says Delray is the riskiest neighborhood:
Delray is a very dangerous and abandoned part of Detroit. It’s so bad, locals warn people to avoid it completely. The area is polluted, has no good schools, and is a target for crime. The city wants to turn it into an industrial zone, which would mean the end of the neighborhood. It’s a place to stay far away from.
The key to staying safe in Detroit?
Businesses are relying heavily on a multi-layered approach to security to stay safer in Detroit.
Live remote video monitoring enhances security through prompt detection and swift action to security breaches.
Top-notch security operations centers offer a suite of remote video monitoring and site management solutions combining expert operators and advanced video analytics for a highly reliable and tailored approach.
The highly customizable security solutions provide security for various industries, including shopping mall security, commercial building security, residential apartment security, construction site security, and automotive dealership security, among others.
Whether you live in Detroit or in neighboring areas such as Southgate, Highland Park, Lincoln Park and even Windsor, Canada, we got you covered!
Good reads:
- Best Security System For Apartment in 2024
- The benefits of video analytics for construction site security
- A Beginner guide to Remote Video Monitoring 2024
Key findings:
We have researched crime trends, expert opinions, and real-life experiences from residents and businesses. Yes, you can stay safe in Detroit, but with extra precautions. Here are our key findings:
- Detroit’s crime rates, especially violent ones, are higher than the national average.
- Detroit was once ranked the second most violent city in the US.
- Property crimes in Detroit are also above the national average.
- Detroit has historically had high rates of violent crime, but theft is the most common crime.
- Detroit saw a significant drop in violent crime in 2023.
- Both violent and property crime decreased in the first quarter of 2024.
- Downtown Detroit is a popular tourist area in Detroit.
- Violent crime in Detroit dropped by 10% in 2023.
- Detroit had its fewest homicides in 57 years in 2023.
- Palmer Woods is one of the safest neighborhoods in Detroit.
- Delray is considered the most dangerous neighborhood in Detroit.
Keep your business safe with our live remote video monitoring services in Detroit and nearby locations. Get 24/7 protection—contact us today for a free consultation!
