8 Safest Neighborhoods in Detroit
- Palmer Woods
- Corktown
- Marina District
- Rivertown
- Midtown
- Downtown
- West Side Industrial
- New Center
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 2022, 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.
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 and 2022 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.