10 Safest Neighborhoods in Detroit
- Palmer Woods
- Corktown
- Marina District
- Rivertown
- Midtown
- Downtown
- West Side Industrial
- New Center
- Brush Park
- Millennium Village
1. Palmer Woods
The safest neighborhood in Detroit is Palmer Woods. It is a historic neighborhood located near Woodward Avenue. Palmer Woods is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has close access to the Detroit Golf Club. Many of the city's professionals live in this neighborhood. As of 2023, the crime rate in Palmer Woods is 2,059 per 100,000, which is 10% lower than the national average. This makes Palmer Woods the safest place to live in Detroit.
2. Corktown
Corktown is also one of the safest Detroit neighborhoods. It has a population of 592 and is 8% safer than the US average. Corktown is the oldest extant neighborhood in the city and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Corktown has seen numerous renovation projects since 2005, including Tiger Stadium, UIS Irish Plana, and multiple other multi-use complexes. Corktown is located just a short drive from Downtown Detroit.
3. Marina District
The Marina District is a very safe community just outside of the heart of Detroit. It has a population of 386, and crime in this neighborhood is quite low, with violent crime rarely occurring. The median home price in Marina District is $168,200, which is much higher than the Detroit average. However, this safe Detroit neighborhood is still more affordable than the state average. As the name implies, the community is located near several local marinas with multiple dining options in the surrounding area.
4. Rivertown
Rivertown is another one of the safest areas in Detroit. Located along the Detroit International Riverfront, Rivertown has a population of 925. The violent crime rate is 871, and the property crime rate is 1,294 per 100,000 people. Rivertown is a common tourist spot and has easy access to Downtown Detroit. The Riverfront encompasses a cruise ship dock, a marina, parks, restaurants, and a variety of shops.
5. Midtown
Midtown Detroit has a population of 8,324 and is located along the east and west sides of Woodward Avenue. Midtown is both a residential and commercial district with close proximity to downtown. Midtown has a crime rate of 2,156 per 100,000 which is lower than the national average. Midtown is generally considered safe by residents, with some property crime occurring.
6. Downtown
Downtown Detroit is the city's central business district. It has a strong police presence and is one of the safest neighborhoods in Detroit. Downtown Detroit has a population of 4,983, and crime rates are very low compared to other areas in the city. Residents in Downtown Detroit have a 1 in 48 chance of becoming the victim of any type of crime, which is 5% lower than the US average. Downtown contains much of the city's historic architecture and skyline. Other noteworthy locations include the Renaissance Center, the Penobscot Building, and multiple turn-of-the-century style theatres.
7. West Side Industrial
West Side has a population of 399 and is located next to downtown Detroit. The violent crime rate in the West Side is one of the lowest in Detroit. Property crime is also quite low at 1,208 per 100,000, making this one of the safest areas in Detroit. As the name implies, West Side has an industrial past that makes for some interesting sightseeing. The neighborhood has undergone several renovation efforts in recent years, with many homes and apartments being built.
8. New Center
New Center is another one of the safest places to live in Detroit. New Center is a commercial and residential neighborhood near Midtown. It has a population of 1,038. New Center is a historic neighborhood that was originally built as a business hub in the 1920s, with much of the neighborhood architecture reflecting that time period. New Center's economy is mostly centered around the local College for Creative Studies and the Henry Ford Health System.
9. Brush Park
Brush Park is another one of the safest neighborhoods in Detroit. It’s a historic neighborhood located just north of Downtown Detroit, encompassing about 24 blocks between Mack Avenue and Fisher Freeway. It’s also close to several parks and green spaces, such as Comerica Park, and features a very low crime rate compared to the rest of the city. The total crime rate in Brush Park is 2,602 crimes per 100,000 residents, making it 60% safer than the rest of Detroit. Violent crime is also 86% lower than the rest of the city, and your odds of being the victim of a crime in the neighborhood are 1 in 39.
10. Millennium Village
Millennium Village is also a very safe Detroit neighborhood. Located south of the Fisher Freeway, north of Newark Street, Millennium Village is a walkable neighborhood full of friendly neighbors and affordable homes. It’s home to just under 1,000 residents. The total crime rate in Millennium Village is 2,602 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it 60% safer than the rest of Detroit. The property crime rate is also about 8% lower than the national average, and the community is safer than 77% of cities in Michigan.
Is Detroit Safe?
Detroit has a reputation for being dangerous and is one of the worst cities in the US due to its high crime rate that is significantly higher than the national average. The total crime rate in Detroit is 6,389 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 170% higher than the rest of the country. The violent crime rate is also 448% higher than the rest of the US, and the property crime rate is 129% higher.
Your odds of being the victim of a crime in Detroit are 1 in 16. That being said, large urban areas tend to feature higher crime rates compared to the rest of the country. Much of the violent crime tends to be targeted and contained in certain areas, and there are plenty of neighborhoods in Detroit that are perfectly safe.
Tips for Staying Safe in Detroit
- Downtown Detroit and the surrounding neighborhoods tend to be the safest parts of the city, so if you are visiting, stay in that area.
- The area between 7 and 8 Mile Road on the East Side of Detroit is known as the Red Zone and is infamous for gang activity. So, steer clear if you aren’t from that area.
- Make sure to lock your car because the city has a high auto theft rate.
Safest Places to Live in Detroit Methodology
To determine the safest Detroit neighborhoods, we analyzed local crime stats. We used data from the city for 2021, 2022, and 2023 as well as from the most recent. FBI violent crime report.
While safety is always important, you'll also want to consider the cost of living, and quality of life, to help you identify the best places to live in Detroit.