Ann Arbor, MI Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Ann Arbor, MI

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Ann Arbor is 12.9% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Ann Arbor, there were 371 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 308 per 100,000 individuals, 16.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 2069 property crimes, amounting to 1716 per 100,000 residents, 12.2% lower than the U.S. average.

When assessing the total crime rate in Ann Arbor per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Ann Arbor, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

Ann Arbor has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 1716 property crimes in Ann Arbor, while the national average was 1954 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Ann Arbor?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Ann Arbor residents. Out of the respondents (68 in total), 68% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Ann Arbor were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 32% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Ann Arbor a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Ann Arbor a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Ann Arbor crime rate is 13% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 6.68 crimes per day - 1.02 violent crimes and 5.67 property crimes.

Has Crime in Ann Arbor Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Ann Arbor crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Ann Arbor has increased by 17.9% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 7.5% and property crime has increased by 19.9%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Ann Arbor

In Ann Arbor, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.2%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Ann Arbor crime rates.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Ann Arbor, the cost of living is 11.02% higher than the national average.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Ann Arbor, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.24, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

Ann Arbor crime map