Skip to Search Skip to Live Player Skip to Content Skip to Footer

Michigan: This is the Most Common Crime in the State

By Anne Erickson June 8th
Generic police lights and crime scene tape

Like any state, Michigan has some areas that you have to be careful around. So, what’s the most common Michigan crime?

A new study lists the most commonly reported crimes in Michigan. The study, conducted by criminal defense law firm Jorge Vela Law, looked at the latest statistics from the United States Bureau of Justice to find out which crimes had the highest number of reported incidents in Michigan in 2021.

Discussing the data, Jorge Vela, who did the research, said in a statement, “This data provides a fascinating insight into crime in the U.S. While incidents and charges may vary from state to state based on demographics and local laws, it is important to know which crimes are most prevalent in one’s area in order to know what security measures to take.”

Michigan Crime

So, what’s No 1 in Michigan? The most commonly reported crime in Michigan is simple assault. In Michigan, there were 82,958 reported incidents in 2021 alone. As for the No. 2 most commonly reported crime in Michigan, that’s destruction, damage, and vandalism of property with 47,251 reported incidents. No. 3 is all other larceny, followed by aggravated assault (yikes!) and, to round out the top five, drugs & narcotics violations. The latter refers to crimes involving the use, possession, distribution, trafficking and manufacture/cultivation of controlled drugs. That’s quite a list of common crimes. It makes sense to me that these would top the list. Find more information via the website for criminal defense law firm Jorge Vela Law.

Michigan's Most Violent Cities - List

  • 56. Grand Rapids

    Grand Rapids is often considered one of Michigan’s nicest big cities, but it also has some dangerous spots. It’s actually Michigan’s second largest city, behind Detroit, but it is much smaller than the Motor City. The city’s “All Violent Crime” number is 1,929.

    Grand Rapids

    The young and the young at heart can Play Their Way in Grand Rapids - whether it's wandering the among thousands of butterflies in a tropical conservatory, meeting new spring babies at John Ball Zoo, discovering wondrous treasures at six cool museums or hitting the trails, fishing spots and golf courses ( ball and disc variety).

  • 50. Battle Creek

    Battle Creek often appears on these lists of the most violent cities in Michigan. The city is located in a beautiful area of Michigan on the west side of the state, not far from Kalamazoo, but has a few sketchy spots. The city’s “All Violent Crime” number is 614.

    Battle Creek

    Get ready for a whole new African adventure this summer in Battle Creek! Binder Park Zoo is now offering overnight stays in their African Tented Camp, where you wake up to the sounds of the African savanna. The zoo offers spectacular views of wild animals living in enclosures that mimic their real-world habitats as much as possible.

  • 48. Flint

    People often think that Flint is the most dangerous city in Michigan, but it’s far from it, according to this new report. It’s No. 48 in America. The city’s “All Violent Crime” number is 982.

    Flint

    Welcome to Flint & Genesee County, where up north meets down south, a place filled with discoveries. Explore the 11,000 acres of woods, water and trails of Michigan's largest county park system. Walk among the work of renowned artists in our galleries and museums. Broaden your view of the world at Flint's planetarium or hop on a historic ride down the tracks.

  • 44. Flint Township

    Flint and Flint Township are obviously close together, and both fall next to each other on the list of the most dangerous cities in Michigan and America. The city’s “All Violent Crime” number is 320. If you add that to Flint, you can see why the area is considered somewhere to be careful.

    Attractions & Events | Flint Charter Township, MI

    No Description

  • 42. Jackson

    Jackson has a massive state prison, and the city is often known for them when it’s brought up in conversations across Michigan. I personally really like Jackson and some of its rural areas. The city’s “All Violent Crime” number is 353.

    Jackson

    A visit to Jackson is one you won't forget. It strikes the perfect balance of downtown excitement, rich history, natural beauty, culture, outdoor fun and accommodations.Once you experience Jackson, you'll want to share the fun with you family and friends.

  • 32. Pontiac

    North of Detroit, Pontiac is considered an area to be careful in. It’s No. 32 in America for violent crime. The city’s “All Violent Crime” number is 712.

    Pontiac

    There is no shortage of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. In addition to our 30 city parks, there are 3 metroparks and 6 state parks within a short distance.Pontiac Power Week is a weeklong celebration of cars and music. Music and carshows are featured downtown mid-August, annually.

  • 17. Lansing

    I grew up in Lansing and and am surprised to to see it so high on this list. Then again, crime has been on the rise in the city. Lansing is considered the No. 17 most dangerous city in America and third most dangerous in Michigan. The city’s “All Violent Crime” number is 1,757.

    Lansing

    To get a feel of what Lansing is really about, visitors can visit the five favorite Downtown Lansing attractions or explore quaint Old Town Lansing where you can browse unique boutiques and galleries, and taste the flavor at great restaurants and breweries.

  • 10. Kalamazoo

    Kalamazoo, like Battle Creek, has always been known for having some rough areas. It’s a beautiful city, but you do have to be careful on the outskirts. The city’s “All Violent Crime” number is 1,211.

    Kalamazoo

    This place with the memorable name is also brimming with out of the ordinary things to see and do. World-class museums, colorful ethnic festivals, top-notch arts and entertainment, unique culinary flavors, charming wineries and microbreweries and vibrant downtown scenes minutes from expansive nature trails and sandy shores . . .

  • 5. Detroit

    People often think of Detroit as the most dangerous city in Michigan and one of the most violent in America, but it’s not No. 1 in Michigan. Detroit is the No. 5 most dangerous city in America, though, which isn’t a great look. The city’s “All Violent Crime” number is 14,509.

    Detroit

    Located in southeastern Michigan, Detroit is the largest city in the state, the 10th largest city in the United States and the eighth largest metropolitan area. Detroit has had a profound impact on the world - from being the automobile capital of the world to inventing the Motown sound - Detroit has crafted American culture.

  • 4. Saginaw

    It’s crazy to think, but Saginaw, Michigan, has been named the No. 4 most dangerous city in the entire country. It’s also the most dangerous city in Michigan. The city’s “All Violent Crime” number is 1,080.

    Saginaw

    Meet us in the historic heart of Saginaw and escape to someplace other-worldly. Saginaw is a place where the soft swoop of mature bald eagles overhead is the soundtrack to almost 10,000 acres of National Wildlife Refuge known only as "The Flats."

  • Source

    This list is via the FBI.

Anne Erickson's love for music drew her into radio. She started on the airwaves shortly after graduating from MSU. Anne has a passion for rock and metal, and she also fronts the band Upon Wings. Email Anne at erickson@WRIF.com, follow her on Instagram at @EricksonAnne and tweet at her @AnneErickson! Anne covers the Detroit, Philadelphia and Las Vegas markets and beyond.

Sign me up for the 94.7 WCSX email newsletter!

Stay connected to all things Classic Rock, join the WCSX Workforce- it’s free and you can win prizes, concert tickets and VIP experiences.

*
*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.