Michigan often gets a bad reputation for its abandoned buildings, depressed industrial areas, and high crime rates in cities like Detroit and Flint. However, it’s worth noting that not all parts of the state are like that. Some areas are stunningly beautiful, while others can be dangerous and best avoided. In this article, we’ll be focusing on the ten most dangerous cities in Michigan. These places are notorious for high murder rates, gang activity, urban decay, and poverty. Let’s take a closer look.
Top 10 Most Hazardous Cities in Michigan
1. Muskegon Heights
Muskegon Heights is known as the most dangerous city in Michigan due to its notoriously high crime rate, despite having a small population of 10,730. The amount of violent and property crimes in the city is grossly disproportionate to its size, with an overall crime rate of 5,390 in 2022, which is 330% higher than the national average. This means that each resident has a 1 in 19 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime. Moreover, incidents involving burglary and destruction of property are extremely high, with home invasions being a common occurrence in this city.
2. Detroit
Detroit, with a population of 635,000, is considered the second most dangerous city in Michigan. Known as the hub of the US car industry, it unfortunately has high rates of violent and property crimes. Detroit is also recognized as one of America’s most dangerous large cities, with a crime rate of 6,389 per 100k people, making it 248% more dangerous than the state average. In 2021, there were 330 reported murders, 1,850 robberies, and 11,565 assaults, resulting in a 1 in 44 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Gang activity is a significant contributor to the rampant gun violence in the city.
3. Benton Harbor
Benton Harbor, a city with a population of 8,892, is unfortunately one of the most hazardous cities in Michigan. The city’s crime rate of 6,365 per 100k people is 246% higher than the state average, making it a highly risky place to reside. Shockingly, the possibility of being a victim of violent crime in this city is 1 in 29. The year 2021 alone witnessed two murders, eleven robberies, and 285 assaults, indicating the high crime rate of the city. Property crime is also a significant problem, with 69 burglaries reported this year. With an annual resident income of $32,236 and few job opportunities, Benton Harbor has a high poverty rate.
4. Jackson
With a population of 32,188, Jackson has a high crime rate of 4,179 per 100k, which is 127% more dangerous than the Michigan average. The possibility of falling victim to violent crime is 1 in 84, as seven murders, 33 robberies, and 277 assaults were reported in 2021. The city also suffers from a high incidence of property crime, with residents facing a 1 in 31 chance of becoming a victim. In 2021, there were 178 cases of burglary, 736 incidents of personal theft, and 111 counts of motor vehicle theft.
5. Harper Woods
Harper Woods, situated in Wayne County, close to Detroit, is known for its high crime rate, which makes it one of the most unsafe places in Michigan. With a population of 15,492, the city has a crime rate of 4,057 per 100,000 individuals, making it 121% more dangerous than the typical city in Michigan. Sadly, the probability of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Harper Woods is 1 in 108. According to the latest statistics in 2021, there were 3 murders, 10 robberies, and 126 assaults reported.
6. Flint
Flint has been in the headlines for various reasons, one of which is its alarming crime rate. With a population of 98,762, the city’s crime rate stands at 2,752 per 100,000 people, making it 50% more dangerous than the state average. In 2021, Flint witnessed a significant surge in murders, reaching a nine-year peak. Last year, there were 60 recorded murders, marking a 21% increase from 2020. The chances of falling prey to violent crime in Flint are high, with a 1 in 78 chance of becoming a victim. On average, Flint experiences around 47 murders, 84 robberies, and 827 assaults annually. Property crime is also prevalent, with residents having a 1 in 49 chance of becoming victims.
7. Kalamazoo
With a population of 75,834, Kalamazoo has a crime rate that is 166% higher than the national average. Sadly, residents have a 1 in 17 chance of being a victim of any crime. Shockingly, in 2021, there were 14 murders, 137 robberies, and 873 assaults. This means that the probability of experiencing a violent crime is 1 in 67. Furthermore, there were more than 700 burglaries and home invasion incidents in the same year. It’s unfortunate that the city’s unemployment rate is 6.7%, and the high poverty rates are contributing factors to the high crime rate.
8. Albion
With a population of only 8,310, Albion has a crime rate that is 83% higher than the national average. Shockingly, in 2022, crime surged by 83%, with violent crime increasing by a staggering 205% compared to previous years. The year 2021 saw two murders, eight robberies, and 85 assaults within the town. However, the primary concern for residents of Albion is property crime, as they have a 1 in 28 chance of falling victim to it. Burglary and personal theft are the most widespread types of property crime in the area.
9. Highland Park
Highland Park, an enclave city within Detroit, is home to a population of 10,978. Unfortunately, the crime rate in this city is quite high, with 4,541 incidents per 100,000 people, making it 94% more dangerous than the national average. Shockingly, the overall chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime in Highland Park is 1 in 23. In 2022 alone, the city witnessed six murders, 25 robberies, and 164 assaults. Sadly, Highland Park has also suffered from urban decay, with many buildings left abandoned and in a state of disrepair.
10. Saginaw
With a population of 49,892, Saginaw is a city with a crime rate of 3,662 per 100,000 people, making it 99% more dangerous than other cities in Michigan. Unfortunately, the violent crime rate in Saginaw is 46% higher than the national average, and this has resulted in residents having a 1 in 28 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Shockingly, the city recorded 234 burglaries, 109 motor thefts, and 409 thefts in 2020. Moreover, Saginaw has a poverty rate of 34.85%, and the murder crime rate is 0.57 per 1,000 people, which is a cause for concern.
Read More:
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