10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Detroit
- Belmont
- Petosky-Otsego
- Van Steuben
- Fishkorn
- Warrendale
- Greensbriar
- Franklin Park
- Fitzgerald
- The Eye
- Poletown East
1. Belmont
The most dangerous neighborhood in Detroit is Belmont due to its high rates of murders and shootings per year. The crime rate in Belmont is 14,048 per 100,000 people, which is 664% higher than the national average. Residents have a 1 in 8 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. Gang activity is exceptionally high in Belmont, and associated crimes such as robberies, assaults, and drug activity are common. The median home price in Belmont is $29,300.
2. Petosky-Otsego
Another one of the worst neighborhoods in Detroit is Petosky-Otsego. This area has a population of 7,177 and a crime rate that is 626% higher than the Michigan average. There are 13,342 crimes per 100,000 people, making the chance of becoming a victim 1 in 8. Gang activity is prevalent in this neighborhood, and residents often report not feeling adequately protected by law enforcement. The median home price in this neighborhood is $23,667, which is 81% lower than the Michigan average.
3. Van Steuban
Van Steuben is another dangerous area in Detroit. This neighborhood is located in North Detroit and has a population of 6,379. The crime rate in Van Steuben is 12,742 per 100,000, which is 593% higher than the national average. Residents have a 1 in 8 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. Van Steuben has a high rate of poverty, with many buildings and homes being unsafe and falling into disrepair. The median income in this neighborhood is $34,416, and the median home price is just $30,738.
4. Fishkorn
Fishkorn is also one of the most dangerous Detroit neighborhoods. It has a crime rate of 12,451 per 100,000 people and is 577% more dangerous than the Michigan average. Residents have a 1 in 9 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. Fishkorn also has one of the highest rates of pedestrians being hit by vehicles. The high incidence of these types of crime speaks to the volume of dysfunction and lack of policing in this neighborhood. The median home price in Fishkorn is just $22,662, which is 59% lower than the national average.
5. Warrendale
Warrendale is also one of the worst areas in Detroit for crime. With a population of just 17,200, Warrendale has a crime rate of 12,432 per 100,000 people. The crime rate is 576% higher than the Michigan average and residents have a 1 in 9 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. Warrendale has suffered greatly from urban decay and population decline due to a lack of opportunities and jobs. The median home price in Warrendale is a mere $17,650.
6. Greensbriar
Another one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Detroit is Greensbriar. This area has a population of 2,531, and in 2022, the crime rate was 549% higher than the national average. Residents have a 1 in 7 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. In Greensbriar, gang violence is common with associated shootings, robberies, and drug activity. Greensbriar suffers from massive unemployment and poverty, with the median income being $31,313. The current median home price is $31,200.
7. Franklin Park
Franklin Park is also one of the most dangerous Detroit neighborhoods. It has a population of 11,290 and a crime rate that is 543% higher than the national average. Residents in Franklin Park have a 1 in 9 chance of becoming the victim of any crime. Franklin Park has a high incidence of gang and drug activity, making the area a hotspot for robberies, homicides, and assaults. The median income in Franklin Park is just $29,235, with a median home price of $30,264.
8. Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald has a population of 5,100 and a crime rate of 11,236 per 100,000 people. With a crime rate that is 516% higher than the Michigan average, residents have a 1 in 9 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. Efforts have been made recently to revitalize parts of the neighborhood, but urban decay and crime remain persistent. Fitzgerald suffers from many common inner-city problems, such as unemployment, poverty, and poor schools.
9. The Eye
A neighborhood with a unique name, The Eye gets its name from community watch groups that formed in the 1980s to prevent break-ins. Unfortunately, crime is still high in this neighborhood. With a population of 3,437, The Eye has a crime rate of 10,642 per 100,000- which is 479% higher than the Michigan average. Residents have a 1 in 10 chance of becoming the victim of any type of crime. Walking or driving through this neighborhood, especially at night, is not advised.
10. Poletown East
Poletown East is also one of the worst neighborhoods in Detroit. Poletown East is a small and dangerous Detroit neighborhood with a population of only 517. The local crime rate is 307% higher than the Michigan average. Poletown has an average of 7,488 crimes per 100,000 people, with residents having a 1 in 14 chance of becoming the victim of any type of crime. Poletown East has extremely high poverty rates, with the average income being just $16,286.
Most Dangerous Areas in Detroit Bottom Line
Detroit is well known for its urban decay and abandoned buildings. However, some parts of the city are especially dangerous and known for having unusually high crime rates. Whether you live or work in the Detroit area, these are ten neighborhoods you want to avoid. Besides high violent and property crime rates, these neighborhoods have experienced severe urban decay and low quality of life for residents.