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D-

Is Traverse City, Michigan Safe?

Population 15,832 · Safer than 15% of US cities

Declining· 2023 FBI UCR data

With a violent crime rate close to the national average, Traverse City faces real safety challenges. It earns a D- grade and ranks below 85% of US cities. Property crime makes up the majority of offenses, with theft at 1,431 per 100K.

Traverse City Crime Rates vs State and National Averages

MetricTraverse CityMichigan AvgNational Avg
Violent Crime Rate415.3330.0363.8
Property Crime Rate2334.72014.41,832.3
Murder Rate6.0--5.7
Assault Rate313.0--268.2
Theft Rate1431.0--1,401.5
Vehicle Theft Rate368.0--318.3

All rates per 100,000 residents. 2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report + Census Bureau population estimates.

Overall SafetyD-

275 crimes per 1,000 residents

Violent CrimeD+

415/100K (national avg: 364)

Property CrimeD-

2335/100K (national avg: 1,832)

Key Crime Statistics for Traverse City

Violent crime in Traverse City is close to the national average. The rate of 415.3 per 100K exceeds the national 363.8.

Property crime is above the national average at 2334.7 per 100K vs. the national 1,832.3.

Theft is the most reported crime at 1,431 per 100K. The national average is 1,401.5.

Assault is notable at 313 per 100K, above the national 268.2.

Traverse City Crime Breakdown by Category

Murder6
01.1x national avgAvg: 5.7
Assault313
01.2x national avgAvg: 268.2
Robbery66
01.0x national avgAvg: 63.3
Burglary372
01.4x national avgAvg: 269.8
Theft1,431
01.0x national avgAvg: 1,401.5
Vehicle Theft368
01.2x national avgAvg: 318.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. Vertical marker = national average.

How Traverse City Compares

Violent Crime Rate (per 100K)

Traverse City
415.3
State
330.0
National
363.8

Property Crime Rate (per 100K)

Traverse City
2334.7
State
2014.4
National
1832.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. National averages from 2023 FBI UCR data.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traverse City Safety

Is Traverse City safe?
Not especially. Traverse City earns a D- with a crime rate of 275 per 1,000 residents, and violent crime runs close to the national average. Standard precautions apply, especially at night.
What is the crime rate in Traverse City?
275 per 1,000 residents. That breaks down to a violent crime rate of 415.3 per 100,000 (the national average is 363.8) and property crime at 2334.7 per 100,000 (national average: 1832.3).
Is Traverse City safe for tourists?
Exercise extra caution. Traverse City's D- grade reflects real risk, particularly for property crime. Theft (1,431 per 100K) is the biggest concern for visitors. Stay in well-lit, busy areas at night.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Traverse City?
Neighborhood-level data varies, but suburban residential areas in Traverse City generally report lower crime than downtown or commercial districts. For block-level detail, check the Traverse City police department's crime map.
Is crime increasing in Traverse City?
Yes, there's been an uptick. Traverse City's crime rates have moved in the wrong direction recently, though the city still holds a D- grade overall.
How does Traverse City compare to other cities in Michigan?
Below average for the state. Traverse City ranks behind about 79% of Michigan cities on safety, with property crime being the bigger issue at 1.3x the national rate.
How safe is Traverse City to live in?
Worth factoring into your decision. Violent crime is close to the national average. The upward trend in crime is concerning.
How bad is crime in Traverse City?
Bad. A D- grade and 275 per-thousand rate put Traverse City below 85% of US cities. Violent crime at 415 per 100K is the core problem.
What is the violent crime rate in Traverse City?
415.3 per 100,000, which is 14% above the national average of 363.8. That includes assault (313), robbery (66), and murder (6.0) per 100,000.

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View all Michigan city safety grades

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2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report data and Census Bureau population estimates. Safety grades calculated using national and state-level crime rate distributions. Not a substitute for local law enforcement guidance.

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