Detroit’s reputation for crime has been hard to shake—but the numbers tell a different story in 2024. The city recorded its lowest homicide count since 1965, a milestone that signals more than just progress—it signals a shift.
Across the country, violent crime is trending down, but Detroit’s drop has been faster and deeper than most. And with that, the question “Is Detroit safe?” is no longer met with a shrug or a scoff. The answer isn’t simple, but for the first time in decades, it’s no longer predictable.
Overview of Detroit’s Crime Rate Relative to the National Average
It’s no secret that the Detroit crime rate has long been a talking point—cited in reports, dissected in documentaries, and too often used as a shorthand for decline. As of 2024, the city reports around 66.3 crimes per 1,000 residents, according to data from NeighborhoodScout. That’s nearly triple the national median of 22.0. It’s a big number, yes—but reducing Detroit to a statistic misses the complexity underneath. Numbers can’t capture what it feels like to walk a block that’s been rebuilt or to see a community center buzzing on a weekday evening.
To understand the crime rate in Detroit today, you have to step back and look at the long arc of its history. This is a city that’s weathered industrial collapse, mass disinvestment, and decades of policy failure. A 1 in 15 chance of being a crime victim? Let’s just say that doesn’t materialize overnight. It’s the residue of broken systems and broken trust. But here’s the real headline: the trend is shifting. Violent crime is falling. Homicides are down. And the momentum—while uneven—is real…