Is it Safe to Visit Detroit?

Are you concerned about the safety of Detroit for your trip? This blog post is all about guiding you on whether it is safe to visit Detroit or not.

Detroit is the largest city in the state of Michigan in the United States. The city has a nickname, ”Motor City.” This nickname is given as the first automobile in the US was made here in Detroit. Apart from the strong ties to the auto industry, Detroit is also the birthplace of the famous American Record Label company called ”Motown Records.” It is a good tourist spot however it does not receive as many tourists as other cities in the United States such as New York or San Francisco. The main concern while traveling to Detroit is the safety issues. Here in this article, let’s dive deep into the fact that how safe is Detroit and how can you travel wisely here.

How Safe is Detroit to Visit in 2023?

Detroit is not considered completely safe as violent and property crimes are common here. These crimes are prevalent in certain neighborhoods. Most tourist areas are considered safe. However, it is important to do your research before going anywhere in Detroit. The tourist areas are mostly safe although some petty crimes exist here as well. By staying alert and taking a few precautions, you can visit Detroit safely.

Tourists should prefer to explore only the safe neighborhoods. Scams are also common here. Make sure to stay alert of compromised ATMs, strange cab drivers, and other disreputable vendors. It is advised to read online reviews of the areas where you are planning to stay and visit beforehand to avoid any troubles during your trip.

Crimes in Detroit

No city is completely safe, crimes are common everywhere. There are high rates of crimes in certain areas and others are comparatively safe. Detroit has had a bad reputation when it comes to safety. It is not considered the safest city in the United States. The most common crimes in Detroit are property crime, violent crime, and petty crime.

Property Crime

Of all the crimes in Detroit, property crimes are the most common. Valuable accessories such as watches, necklaces, rings, etc. are often stolen from the property. It is advised to keep your valuable items locked somewhere safe. Property crime in Detroit has increased by 6.7% over the years. The property crime rate is twice higher than the national average crime rate.

There have been 22,607 property crimes reported in 2020 in Detroit. The crime rate is 3,432.89 per 100,000 people. One in thirty people becomes the target of property crime. According to this rate, 530,000 people out of 15.9 million people who visit Detroit annually become victims of property crimes.

Violent Crime

Visitors should stay alert for violent crimes as it is another most common type of crime in Detroit. Manslaughter, murder, and assault are the most common types of violent crimes that are frequent in the city. It is advised to avoid the areas which are known for high violent crime rates and prefer to stay in waterfront areas. Tourists are not the target of these crimes which usually take place among the gang members. However, tourists can become the collateral damage of such violent crimes.

According to the FBI’s most recent crime data, there have been 13,000 violent crimes reported in Detroit. The violent crime rate in Detroit is five times higher than the national average. In 2021, 14,509 violent crimes were reported in Detroit. The violent crime rate is 47.91 per 100,000 people in Detroit. In 2011, violent crimes peaked with 15,254 cases reported.

Petty Crime

Petty crimes are almost everywhere in the world. The robbery rate is three times high in Detroit than in other states. Usually, distracted tourists are the target of mugging, pickpockets, and scams. It is suggested to stay alert to the surroundings. Walk confidently, as if you know where you are going. Nobody should suspect that you are a tourist. Keep your valuables in a hidden pocket or the front pocket. If you become the victim of a petty crime, it is advised not to resist or fight back, just give them what they want.

Safe Neighborhoods in Detroit

Most tourist places are considered safe. Following are the safest neighborhoods in Detroit:

• Downtown
• Greek Town
• Mid-Town
• Corktown
• Belle Isle

The famous sites for tourists include the Ford Family Estate. Their gardens, education centers, restaurants, and homes are where tourists can learn about Ford’s family influence and automotive history. To experience the birthplace of the Ford vehicles, visitors come to visit the Model T Automotive Heritage Complex and Ford Piquette Avenue Plant.

Tourists can learn about the musical history of Motown at the Motown Museum. There are several other museums of art and culture including the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Arab American National Museum, the Holocaust Memorial Zekelman Family Campus, and the Polish Art Center.

Dangerous Neighborhoods in Detroit

There are certain neighborhoods in Detroit where additional precautionary measures are required. Following dangerous neighborhoods should be avoided while visiting Detroit.

• Belmont – The crime rate is 500% higher than the national average.
• Fiskhorn – The crime rate is 431% higher than the national average.
• Von Steuben – The crime rate is 443% higher than the national average.
• Warrendale – The crime rate is 430% higher than the national average.
• Franklin Park – The crime rate is 400% higher than the national average.

Other areas which are comparatively safe to visit but require some special caution include University South, Mack, North Corktown, Brush Park, McDougall Hunt East, Eastern Market, and Foch.

Risk of Natural Disasters in Detroit

The risk of natural disasters in Detroit is medium. Winters are harsh here in Detroit. Tornadoes are common during the Spring and the Midwest region in the South experiences great storms. There is also some risk of flooding in Detroit. Keep an eye on the local news to stay updated on the weather.

Is Transport Safe in Detroit?

There are many transport options in Detroit including street cars, buses, shuttles, trains, etc. You can go anywhere using public transport. Parking spots are hard to find in Detroit, so it is advised to book parking spots in advance to save yourself from any hassle. Thefts are common in public transport, so it is advised to stay cautious if you are sharing a ride. In 2021, car thefts increased by up to 24%. There were 216 cases of carjackings in the same year. Make your traveling experience in Detroit easier by visiting the website ” VisitDetroit.com.” This website has mentioned all the possible transport options, routes, and prices of public transport.

Is it Safe to Walk Around in Detroit?

Walking around in safe neighborhoods such as Downtown during the day is considered to be safe. Petty crimes including pickpockets and mugging are common even in the safest regions. Visitors should keep their valuables at home while going on the streets. If you have to carry anything valuable then stay alert of the surroundings, and don’t get distracted by the locals who might target you for scams. Special caution is required while walking at night. Avoid walking alone at night and avoid going to secluded areas. Prefer to walk in groups at night and stay in busy areas.

What is the Risk for Women Solo Travelers?

The risk for solo women travelers is medium. The sexual assault rate is 3 times higher than the national average. Men can also become the victim of sexual assault. Avoid walking alone on the streets. Make sure to report anything suspicious around you. Ask the local police to walk you to your car or hotel at night.

The Do’s and Don’ts While Visiting Detroit

While visiting Detroit there are some important things to consider for a smooth trip. The do’s and don’ts are mentioned here.

Do’s

• Visit Detroit during the Spring. During the winter, there is a risk of motor accidents, and walking in snow can be quite difficult. While during the Summer, the hot temperature does not allow us to enjoy outdoor activities. Thus, spring is the ideal time to visit Detroit.
• It is advised to get travel insurance while visiting Detroit. Petty crimes are common in tourist areas and travel insurance can save you from a lot of trouble on your trip.
• Avoid attracting the locals with your valuable items. Try to hide them at the place where you stay, instead of taking them with you wherever you go.
• Do your research before moving around anywhere in Detroit. Check the routes and neighborhoods before going anywhere. Avoid visiting bad neighborhoods.

Don’ts

• Don’t socialize with strangers. Avoid any unnecessary conversations on the streets as someone might distract you and try to steal your belongings. Stay alert while walking through the busy streets.
• Don’t travel alone at night, especially on foot. Try to walk in groups or stay in busy areas at night. Avoid using cabs alone, try to get a shared ride with a reliable cab service.
• Don’t go to areas with a bad reputation. Although most tourist places are safe, make sure to check the reviews from the locals while going anywhere. Some areas are more dangerous than others.

Conclusion

Detroit is a famous city in Michigan, United States. It is known for its spectacular art, culture, and history. Specifically, it is known for its automobile industry and the Motown record label company. The crime rate is high in Detroit, violent crimes and property crimes are more prevalent. Most tourist places are considered safe, however, precautions are necessary while going anywhere in the city. The safest places include Downtown, Greek Town, Mid-Town, Corktown, and Belle Isle. The neighborhoods which should be avoided are Belmont, Fiskhorn, Von Steuben, Warrendale, and Franklin Park. We hope that by following our instructions and tips, you can have a safe and smooth trip to Detroit.