Detroit, nicknamed Motor City, has gained a reputation for its high crime rate. It frequently makes it to the list of the top ten cities with the highest levels of violence and crime. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss the ten most hazardous neighborhoods in Detroit.
10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Detroit
-
- Belmont
- Petosky-Otsego
- Van Steuben
- Fishkorn
- Warrendale
- Greensbriar
- Franklin Park
- Fitzgerald
- The Eye
- Poletown East
1. Belmont
Belmont is notorious for being the most perilous neighborhood in Detroit, with alarming rates of homicides and shootings recorded annually. Shockingly, the crime rate in Belmont is 664% higher than the national average, with 14,048 cases per 100,000 individuals. The odds of becoming a victim of any crime type in this neighborhood are 1 in 8, which is hugely concerning. Belmont is rife with gang activity, leading to frequent cases of robbery, assault, and drug-related offenses. Additionally, the median home price in Belmont is just $29,300.
2. Petosky-Otsego
Petosky-Otsego is considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Detroit. Its population of 7,177 is plagued by a crime rate that is 626% higher than the Michigan average. Shockingly, there are 13,342 crimes per 100,000 people, meaning that the chances of becoming a victim are 1 in 8. The area is also notorious for gang activity that often leaves residents feeling unprotected by law enforcement. Additionally, the median home price in Petosky-Otsego is $23,667, which is 81% lower than the Michigan average.
3. Van Steuban
Van Steuben, situated in North Detroit, is recognized as one of the hazardous areas in the city, with a population of 6,379. The crime rate in this neighborhood is 12,742 per 100,000, which is 593% higher than the national average. The residents living in Van Steuben have a high possibility of becoming crime victims, with a 1 in 8 chance. Unfortunately, Van Steuben is stricken with poverty, and many homes and buildings are deteriorating and unsafe. The median income in this area is $34,416, while the median home value is just $30,738.
4. Fishkorn
Fishkorn is known to be one of the most perilous neighborhoods in Detroit. With a crime rate of 12,451 per 100,000 people, it is 577% more hazardous than the Michigan average. Unfortunately, residents of Fishkorn have a 1 in 9 chance of falling prey to any form of crime. Furthermore, this neighborhood has one of the highest records of pedestrians being hit by vehicles, indicating a lack of proper policing and dysfunction in the area. The median home price in Fishkorn is only $22,662, which is 59% lower than the national average.
5. Warrendale
Warrendale, a small neighborhood in Detroit, is infamous for its high crime rate. With a population of only 17,200 people, the area has a staggering crime rate of 12,432 per 100,000 individuals. This is 576% higher than the Michigan average, and residents have a 1 in 9 likelihood of becoming a victim of crime. Sadly, the neighborhood has been struggling with urban decay and a decrease in population due to the lack of employment opportunities. As a result, the median home price in Warrendale is an incredibly low $17,650.
6. Greensbriar
Greensbriar, a neighborhood in Detroit, is known for its high crime rate and is considered one of the most dangerous areas in the city. Its population stands at 2,531, and the crime rate in 2022 was 549% higher than the national average. Shockingly, residents have a 1 in 7 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. Gang violence is rampant in Greensbriar, and this has led to shootings, robberies, and drug-related activities. The area is also plagued by poverty and unemployment, with the median income being $31,313 and the median home price at $31,200.
7. Franklin Park
Franklin Park, located in Detroit, is considered as one of the most perilous neighborhoods in the area. With a population of 11,290, it has a crime rate that is 543% higher than the national average. The residents of Franklin Park are at risk, with a 1 in 9 chance of being a victim of any crime. Due to the high incidence of gang and drug activity, Franklin Park has become a hub for robberies, homicides, and assaults. Moreover, the median income in Franklin Park is just $29,235, and the median home price is $30,264.
8. Fitzgerald
The population of Fitzgerald stands at 5,100, and the crime rate is alarmingly high at 11,236 per 100,000 people. Shockingly, this is 516% higher than the average crime rate in Michigan, which means that residents face a 1 in 9 chance of being the victim of a crime. Despite recent efforts to revitalize some parts of the neighborhood, urban decay and crime continue to persist. Fitzgerald is plagued by typical inner-city problems, such as poverty, unemployment, and underperforming schools.
9. The Eye
The Eye is a distinct neighborhood that earned its name from the watch groups created in the 1980s to deter burglaries. Despite these efforts, crime continues to be a prevalent issue in this area. The neighborhood, which has a population of 3,437, has a crime rate of 10,642 per 100,000 residents – a staggering 479% higher than the Michigan average. Unfortunately, individuals who reside in The Eye have a 1 in 10 chance of being a victim of any type of crime. It is not recommended to walk or drive through this neighborhood, especially at night.
10. Poletown East
Poletown East, a small neighborhood in Detroit with a population of only 517, is known to be one of the worst areas in the city. The crime rate in this neighborhood is a staggering 307% higher than the average rate in Michigan. With an average of 7,488 crimes per 100,000 people, the residents of Poletown East have a 1 in 14 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime. Along with high crime rates, Poletown East also has extremely high poverty rates, with an average income of just $16,286.
Most Dangerous Areas in Detroit Bottom Line
Detroit has a reputation for its abandoned buildings and urban decay. However, certain areas in the city are particularly hazardous, known for their remarkably high crime rates. If you reside or work in Detroit, it’s best to steer clear of these ten neighborhoods. Aside from the elevated rates of violent and property crimes, these regions have suffered from severe urban decay and a low standard of living for their inhabitants.
Read More: Top 9 Most Dangerous Cities in Florida (2023)
