Michigan is famous for its Great Lakes, automotive heritage, and small-town charm, but beneath the surface of some communities lies a troubling reality. Across the Wolverine State, certain small towns grapple with crime rates that far exceed state and national averages. From former industrial centers hit hard by economic decline to lakeside communities struggling with property crime, these places share a common thread: residents face daily safety concerns that would shock visitors expecting peaceful Midwestern life.
This list ranks the 28 most dangerous small towns in Michigan, based on the latest crime data from the FBI and state reporting agencies. Each community has a population under 100,000, yet their crime statistics rival or exceed those of major cities. The rankings consider both violent crimes like assault and robbery, and property crimes including theft and burglary. What emerges is a picture of communities where poverty, unemployment, and limited resources have created environments where crime thrives.
28. New Buffalo
Population: 1,865
Crime Rate: Violent – 0 per 100,000; Property – 1,100 per 100,000
New Buffalo reported zero violent crimes but faces property crime challenges typical of tourist areas. The lakeside location attracts seasonal visitors, creating opportunities for theft and burglary. Despite its small year-round population, the summer influx drives property crime rates above many similar-sized communities.
27. St. Louis
Population: 4,619
Crime Rate: Violent – 143 per 100,000; Property – 642 per 100,000
St. Louis maintains relatively moderate crime rates compared to other towns on this list. Property crimes like theft and burglary are the primary safety concerns. The central Michigan location provides some insulation from the higher crime rates seen in urban areas.
26. Bad Axe
Population: 2,967
Crime Rate: Violent – 200 per 100,000; Property – 900 per 100,000
Bad Axe experiences property crime rates above the state average, particularly theft and burglary. The Thumb region town faces economic pressures common to rural agricultural communities. Crime statistics reflect broader challenges in maintaining prosperity in Michigan’s farming areas.
25. East Jordan
Population: 2,343
Crime Rate: Violent – 310 per 100,000; Property – 800 per 100,000
East Jordan experiences higher violent crime rates than most small Michigan towns. Assault incidents occur more frequently than in comparable communities. The town’s location in northern Michigan hasn’t protected it from crime trends affecting rural areas statewide.
24. Birch Run
Population: 1,462
Crime Rate: Violent – 325 per 100,000; Property – 6,039 per 100,000
Known for its outlet mall and location on I-75, Birch Run experiences crime rates that exceed those in much larger cities. The village’s position as a shopping and travel stop creates opportunities for property crime. With only three violent crimes but 55 property crimes in recent reporting, residents face significant theft and burglary risks.
23. Oscoda
Population: 903
Crime Rate: Violent – 330 per 100,000; Property – 440 per 100,000
Oscoda’s violent crime rate significantly exceeds the national average for communities its size. The former Air Force base town struggles with economic challenges that contribute to criminal activity. Residents face a higher likelihood of experiencing violent crime than in most rural Michigan communities.
22. Three Rivers
Population: 7,709
Crime Rate: Violent – 450 per 100,000; Property – 1,200 per 100,000
Three Rivers posts violent crime rates well above Michigan averages for communities its size. Property crimes including motor vehicle theft create additional safety concerns. The southwestern Michigan town’s location near major highways may contribute to transient criminal activity.
21. Niles
Population: 11,208
Crime Rate: Violent – 520 per 100,000; Property – 1,600 per 100,000
Niles experiences elevated violent and property crime rates for a community its size. Assault and theft incidents occur more frequently than in comparable Michigan towns. The border location near Indiana creates additional law enforcement challenges.
20. Harper Woods
Population: 15,492
Crime Rate: Violent – 640 per 100,000; Property – 4,409 per 100,000
Harper Woods posts property crime rates significantly higher than the Michigan average. Motor vehicle theft occurs at alarming frequencies, with residents facing a 1 in 49 chance of vehicle theft. The Wayne County community’s proximity to Detroit contributes to regional crime spillover effects.
19. Redford
Population: 49,617
Crime Rate: Violent – 644 per 100,000; Property – 3,256 per 100,000
Redford Township has seen a 27% increase in crime rates recently, with five homicides representing a significant spike. The Detroit suburb faces challenges with both violent and property crime that exceed state and national averages. Economic pressures and proximity to high-crime areas contribute to persistent safety concerns.
18. South Haven
Population: 4,326
Crime Rate: Violent – 875 per 100,000; Property – 6,273 per 100,000
This popular Lake Michigan resort town experiences crime rates higher than Detroit during peak season. Property crimes surge with seasonal tourism, while the year-round violent crime rate remains concerning. South Haven’s status as a vacation destination creates opportunities for theft and burglary that far exceed what its small population would suggest.
17. Burton
Population: 29,500
Crime Rate: Violent – 878 per 100,000; Property – 3,111 per 100,000
The Flint suburb of Burton ranks as the 130th most dangerous small city in America. Crime rates significantly exceed state averages, with residents facing elevated risks of both violent and property crime. The city’s proximity to Flint and economic challenges contribute to persistent public safety concerns.
16. Kalamazoo
Population: 73,257
Crime Rate: Violent – 880 per 100,000; Property – 2,600 per 100,000
Kalamazoo’s violent crime rate significantly exceeds state averages, with assault cases particularly prevalent. The university city experiences property crime rates that affect both student and permanent populations. Economic disparities within the community contribute to ongoing safety challenges.
15. Lincoln Park
Population: 37,185
Crime Rate: Violent – 920 per 100,000; Property – 2,800 per 100,000
Lincoln Park faces elevated violent and property crime rates typical of downriver communities. Motor vehicle theft and burglary create ongoing safety concerns for residents. The community’s location between Detroit and other high-crime areas contributes to regional crime patterns.
14. Battle Creek
Population: 51,084
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,108 per 100,000; Property – 3,164 per 100,000
Battle Creek posts property crime rates significantly above state and national averages. The Cereal City faces ongoing challenges with theft, burglary, and motor vehicle crimes. Economic restructuring following industrial decline has contributed to persistent crime issues.
13. Ypsilanti
Population: 21,018
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,155 per 100,000; Property – 3,599 per 100,000
Ypsilanti’s crime rates exceed those of many larger Michigan cities. Property crimes like burglary and theft create ongoing safety concerns for residents. The university town’s transient population and economic pressures contribute to higher crime levels than expected.
12. River Rouge
Population: 7,465
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,200 per 100,000; Property – 3,800 per 100,000
River Rouge faces violent crime rates double the state average alongside severe property crime challenges. The industrial community struggles with economic decline that contributes to criminal activity. Limited resources for law enforcement compound the community’s safety challenges.
11. Pontiac
Population: 61,606
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,009 per 100,000; Property – 1,852 per 100,000
Pontiac experiences violent crime rates 177% higher than the national average. Property crimes create additional safety concerns throughout the Oakland County community. Economic challenges following automotive industry decline have contributed to persistent crime issues affecting residents’ daily lives.
10. Albion
Population: 8,310
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,168 per 100,000; Property – 3,910 per 100,000
Albion’s violent crime rate is 196% higher than the national average despite its small size. Property crimes including burglary and theft occur at rates that make the community safer than only 2% of U.S. cities. Economic instability and limited resources contribute to ongoing safety challenges.
9. Hamtramck
Population: 28,433
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,400 per 100,000; Property – 3,200 per 100,000
Hamtramck’s location as an enclave within Detroit contributes to elevated crime rates. Violent crimes including assault and robbery occur at frequencies that significantly impact quality of life. The densely populated community faces ongoing challenges in maintaining public safety.
8. Ecorse
Population: 9,512
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,500 per 100,000; Property – 3,500 per 100,000
Ecorse posts crime rates significantly higher than communities of similar size nationwide. Drug-related violence and gang activity contribute to elevated assault and robbery rates. The downriver community’s economic struggles have created an environment where criminal activity persists.
7. Inkster
Population: 24,122
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,650 per 100,000; Property – 3,800 per 100,000
Inkster experiences murder rates approaching those of major cities despite its modest size. Property crimes including motor vehicle theft create widespread safety concerns. The Wayne County community faces ongoing economic challenges that contribute to elevated crime levels across all categories.
6. Flint
Population: 95,999
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,422 per 100,000; Property – 2,100 per 100,000
Flint’s violent crime rate is 211% higher than the Michigan average. The water crisis and economic decline have contributed to ongoing safety challenges. Residents face a 1 in 70 chance of becoming victims of violent crime, reflecting systemic issues affecting community well-being.
5. Jackson
Population: 32,188
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,600 per 100,000; Property – 3,800 per 100,000
Jackson’s crime rates place it among Michigan’s most dangerous communities. Murder, robbery, and assault occur at frequencies that significantly impact residents’ sense of security. Property crimes including daytime break-ins create additional safety concerns throughout the community.
4. Muskegon Heights
Population: 10,730
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,779 per 100,000; Property – 3,674 per 100,000
Muskegon Heights experiences crime rates 330% higher than the national average. Burglary and home invasions occur at alarming frequencies. The small community faces a 1 in 19 chance of residents becoming crime victims, making it one of the most dangerous places in Michigan.
3. Highland Park
Population: 10,818
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,900 per 100,000; Property – 3,200 per 100,000
Highland Park faces violent crime rates 434% above the national average. Urban decay with abandoned buildings creates environments where criminal activity thrives. The small city’s economic challenges and limited resources make it one of Michigan’s most dangerous communities per capita.
2. Saginaw
Population: 48,407
Crime Rate: Violent – 2,264 per 100,000; Property – 2,300 per 100,000
Saginaw’s violent crime rate is 395% higher than the Michigan average. The city posted a homicide rate of 50.2 per 100,000 in recent years, rivaling major metropolitan areas. Economic decline following industrial restructuring has contributed to persistent crime issues affecting community safety.
1. Benton Harbor
Population: 9,806
Crime Rate: Violent – 2,300 per 100,000; Property – 3,812 per 100,000
Benton Harbor tops Michigan’s most dangerous small towns with violent crime rates 403% higher than state averages. Residents face a 1 in 29 chance of experiencing violent crime annually. The lakeside community’s 44% poverty rate and limited economic opportunities have created conditions where crime dominates daily life.
References
- NeighborhoodScout – Michigan Crime Rates and Statistics
- AreaVibes – Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Michigan
- AreaVibes – Safest Cities In Michigan
- SafeHome – The Safest and Most Dangerous Cities in Michigan
- Express Legal Funding – 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Michigan: City Crime Rates 2024
- Freedom for All Americans – Most Dangerous Cities in Michigan in 2025
- Southwest Journal – 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Michigan 2024
- NY Rent Own Sell – 16 Most Dangerous Cities in Michigan
- Council on Criminal Justice – Crime Trends in U.S. Cities: Year-End 2024 Update
- SafeWise – Michigan’s Safest Cities of 2025
