Sterling Heights, MI Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Sterling Heights, MI

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Sterling Heights is 40.9% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 272 violent crimes reported in Sterling Heights, equivalent to 205 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 44.4%. Additionally, Sterling Heights recorded 1547 property crimes, amounting to 1168 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 40.2%.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Sterling Heights?

AreaVibes surveyed 31 local residents in Sterling Heights to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 77% of people answered that there was very little crime in Sterling Heights and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 23% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Sterling Heights a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Sterling Heights, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Sterling Heights presents a total crime rate that is 41% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Sterling Heights experiences an average of 4.98 daily crimes, comprising 0.75 violent incidents and 4.24 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Sterling Heights Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Sterling Heights. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Sterling Heights has increased by 34.2%. Violent crimes have increased by 13.3%, while property crimes have increased by 38.7%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Sterling Heights

In Sterling Heights, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.1%, 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 Sterling Heights crime rates.

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 Sterling Heights crime rates. The population density in Sterling Heights is 3629.8 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Sterling Heights has a median home price of $198,300, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Sterling Heights crime map