Michigan is an incredible place to live. We’re lucky to have such a beautiful state full of world-class attractions and stunning natural beauty. But every rose has its thorns, and Michigan is certainly not a state without crime – in other words, there are some dangerous places to avoid in Michigan. Need some convincing? Here are some grim statistics about a few of the most dangerous places in Michigan — places you might not want to wander through after dark. Welcome to the most dangerous cities in Michigan.

1. Detroit
Detroit, MI, USA
Nuhman Paramban/Google
While Detroit is a city on the mend after its devastating financial crises in recent years, it still tops the list in terms of crime. A crime study by the FBI states that Detroit had the highest rate per capita of violent crime (defined as murder, aggravated assault, and robbery, among others) in the entire country.
2. Flint
Flint, MI, USA
Flint/Google Maps
Unfortunately, Flint holds its longtime spot as America’s second most violent city, ranking just below Detroit in the same FBI study listed above. From 2014 to 2015, the number of murders in Flint increased from 30 to 45 — a sad statistic for a city already facing a number of struggles.

Take a closer look at some decaying neighborhoods in Flint:

3. Saginaw
Saginaw, MI, USA
Skowalski Hughes/Google
Saginaw was recently ranked the fourth most violent city in America by an FBI investigation — which is actually an improvement for the city, which once held the number three spot. With continued efforts to reduce crime in the area, perhaps Saginaw will slip further down the list before the publication of next year’s study.
4. Lansing
Lansing, MI, USA
Szilvia Fáczányi/Google
While Lansing is a safe haven compared to some of the state’s larger cities, it still saw over 450 reports of violent crime during 2015. The good news? This is a marked decrease from 2014 when an FBI Uniform Crime Report listed 537 such reports in the Lansing area.

Take a drive through downtown Lansing:

5. Benton Harbor
Benton Harbor, MI, USA
Flickr/Michigan Municipal League
Benton Harbor is also one of Michigan’s most criminally active cities, with an average rate of 2500 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents. In all, the city’s average is 167% higher than the national average for crime. Yikes.

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6. Muskegon Heights
Muskegon Heights, MI 49444, USA
Flickr/larrysphatpage
In 2013, Muskegon Heights was actually ranked more dangerous than Flint in terms of violent crimes, though it has since dropped a few pegs in the listings. Nonetheless, Muskegon Heights maintains a much higher-than-average level of violent crimes per 100,000 people.
7. Jackson
Jackson, MI, USA
Jackson/Google Maps
The city of Jackson holds a crime index of 5, meaning that Jackson is safer than just 5% of cities in the United States. This grim statistic is illustrated further by the fact that Jackson sees, on average, 162 crimes per square mile on an annual basis. Michigan’s overall average is 30.
8. Battle Creek
Battle Creek, MI, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
A 2014 FBI crime study ranked Battle Creek as the 9th most dangerous metro area in the Midwest, with a national rank of 44. Its violent crime rate per 100,000 people was 450 at the time of the study — certainly not ideal.

Get some aerial views of Battle Creek:

9. Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo, MI, USA
Kalamazoo/Gooogle Maps
Just next to Battle Creek is Kalamazoo, which struggles with its own less-than-savory crime statistics. The city has seen massive numbers of property crimes and thefts in recent years: 3,824 and 2,683 reports per 100,000 people, respectively.
10. Inkster
Inkster, MI 48141, USA
Flickr/Barbara Eckstein
The lesser-known city of Inkster has a handful of rough statistics to examine, as its crime rate is 46% higher than the national average. Inkster’s rates of violent crime and burglary are more than double those of Michigan as a whole. But it’s not all bad news: the city has seen a 25% decrease in crime over the past few years.

While Michigan’s most dangerous cities might be frightening to look at, it’s important to remember that no city in the world is without its difficulties. These spots might be among the most dangerous cities in Michigan, but each offers a plethora of positive points to be celebrated. As we work together to reduce the crime rate in our state, let’s remember that the places we live are worth more than any statistic can say.

So, what do you think? Are these the most dangerous places in Michigan? Were you surprised to see some spots on this list of the top crime cities in Michigan? What are some other dangerous places to avoid in Michigan? Tell us in the comments!

Now that we’ve examined the most dangerous places in Michigan, let’s switch gears and take a look at the safest places in Michigan.

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Most Dangerous Places In Michigan

Daniella DiRienzo | July 28, 2022

What are the best things about living in Michigan?

The best things about living in Michigan include:

  • Low cost of living
  • Grand Rapids

 

Don’t let the most dangerous places in Michigan change your opinion of the Great Lake State. There are so many wonderful things about living in Michigan including the low cost of living. The cost of utilities alone is well below the national average. Another great thing about life in Michigan is Grand Rapids. Not only is it the state’s second-largest city, but it’s been ranked one of the best places to live in the U.S. – and it is easy to see why! The city boasts welcoming, artsy vibes, along with affordable housing and a lot of opportunities for recreational activities.

What are the worst things about living in Michigan?

The worst things about living in Michigan include:

  • Expensive education
  • Harsh winters

 

The dangerous cities in Michigan aren’t the only cons that come along with life in the Great Lake State. There are a few other bad things about living in Michigan, such as the high cost of education. The state ranks among the highest as far as student debt at the time of graduation goes. The state’s soaring tuition costs are also among the highest in the nation. Harsh winters are another downside of life in Michigan. Sure, lots of states are cold and snowy; however, in Michigan, the winter season means an utter lack of sunshine, which can be difficult to get used to.

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