Houghton, MI Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Houghton, MI

The Houghton crime rates are 66.2% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 6 violent crimes in Houghton (78 per 100,000 people), which is 78.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 54 property crimes (706 per 100,000 residents) which is 63.9% lower than average.

Houghton has a crime rate of 785, which is considerably less than the national average of 2324. This results in Houghton being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.

Houghton has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 78 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Houghton ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Houghton stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Houghton, a total of 1 murders were reported, equating to 13 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Houghton?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Houghton residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 29 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 90% of Houghton residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 10% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Houghton a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Houghton 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 Houghton crime rate is 66% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.16 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.15 property crimes.

Has Crime in Houghton Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Houghton has decreased by 11.8% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Houghton is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 500%, while property crime has decreased by 19.4%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Houghton.

Potential Causes for Crime in Houghton

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Houghton crime rates. The population density in Houghton is 1770.6 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Houghton, 91.8% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Houghton, the cost of living is 11.51% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Houghton crime map