Detroit, a city that has long been at the heart of industrial America, still struggles with economic hardship and crime in certain neighborhoods. While some parts of the city are experiencing rejuvenation, there are areas where the challenges remain overwhelming.
In this post, we’re going to explore some of Detroit’s worst neighborhoods in 2024, where crime rates, poverty, and urban decay are sadly a daily reality.
You likely heard about Belmont, Van Steuban, or Fishkorn being some of the worst neighborhoods in Detroit and notorious for their crime, but there are layers to this, and other areas of the city are also worth mentioning.
Now, I’m not here to sensationalize or point fingers. I’ve spent time in Detroit and have seen firsthand how the city and its residents are resilient.
Still, some neighborhoods are facing difficulties that can’t be ignored. We’ll take a look at ten neighborhoods where life is tough, and safety is a real concern.
10. Poletown East
At the bottom of the list, we come to Poletown East, one of the smallest and most impoverished neighborhoods in Detroit. With such a low population, the crime rate is 307% higher than the state average.
People here have a 1 in 14 chance of being crime victims, and the poverty is intense. The median income is a meager $16,286, and homes are falling apart.
It’s one of the clearest examples of how poverty and crime can feed off each other, creating a cycle that’s incredibly difficult to break. Without significant help, Poletown East will remain stuck in this cycle.
- Violent Crime per 100.000 Residents: 2,818
High Crime Rate
Property Club emphasizes that Poletown East’s overall crime rate is 289% higher than the national average.
Specifically, violent crimes in the neighborhood are 662% higher than the national average. Residents face a 1 in 12 chance of becoming a victim of any crime.
9. The Eye
The Eye is one of those neighborhoods with a unique name but a familiar story. The neighborhood got its name from community watch groups formed in the 1980s, but unfortunately, crime is still a huge issue here.
With a population of 3,437 and a crime rate 479% higher than the Michigan average, safety is not a guarantee.
Residents here have a 1 in 10 chance of being victims of crime. It’s a place where walking around at night can feel like taking a serious risk. The lack of police presence and resources leaves many feeling vulnerable.
- Violent Crime per 100.000 Residents: 4,431
Property Crimes
Property crime is also a major issue in the neighborhood. The chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 14, which is significantly higher than many other neighborhoods in the city, as per AreaVibes.
8. Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald is another place where crime and economic hardship go hand in hand. With a population of 5,100, the crime rate here is 516% higher than the Michigan average.
People in this area have a 1 in 9 chance of being a victim of crime, which keeps many residents on edge.
Efforts have been made to revitalize Fitzgerald, but so far, progress has been slow. Poverty remains high, and with it comes the crime that has plagued the neighborhood for years.
For residents, there’s a feeling that things could change, but it’s still a long way off.
- Violent Crime per 100.000 Residents: 4,594
Overall Crime
Overall, crime rates in Fitzgerald are extremely high compared to national averages. The neighborhood ranks in the 3rd percentile for safety, meaning that 97% of U.S. neighborhoods are safer, Crime Grade reports.
The total crime rate is approximately 102 crimes per 1,000 residents annually.
Property Crime
Crime Grade statistics also show that property crime rates are also notably high in Fitzgerald. The property crime rate stands at 55.00 per 1,000 residents, encompassing theft (38.28), vehicle theft (7.877), and burglary (8.507).
This is much higher than many surrounding neighborhoods and well above national averages.
7. Franklin Park
Franklin Park has a population of just over 11,000 and crime rates that are 543% higher than the national average. With a 1 in 8 chance of becoming a crime victim, this neighborhood sees plenty of violence related to gangs and drugs.
The median income here is $29,235, Property Club reports, which is just another sign of the economic challenges residents face.
Homes in Franklin Park are priced around $30,264, but even that low price doesn’t make the area more desirable due to the constant threat of crime. The community is in need of help, but the resources are scarce.
- Violent Crime per 100.000 Residents: 4,866
Property Crime
According to Crime Grade, the neighborhood experiences a high rate of property crime, with 52.36 incidents per 1,000 residents.
The most frequent offenses include theft (36.88 per 1,000 residents), vehicle theft (7.737), and burglary (7.430).
6. Greensbriar
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Greensbriar may be one of Detroit’s smaller neighborhoods, with only about 2,500 people, but it’s one of the most dangerous.
The crime rate here is 549% higher than the national average. In a neighborhood where you have a 1 in 7 chance of being a crime victim, that small size doesn’t feel comforting.
Gang violence and drug activity are rampant, and economic hardship is everywhere. The median income here is just over $31,000, and home prices hover around $31,200.
It’s not enough to make life feel secure or prosperous. For the people living in Greensbriar, day-to-day survival often feels like the primary goal.
- Violent Crime per 100.000 Residents: 2,372
Property Crime
According to AreaVibes, property-related crimes, including theft and burglary, are also prevalent in Greensbriar, with the rate of such incidents being considerably higher than the national and state averages.
For instance, residents have a 1 in 20 chance of falling victim to property crime, such as vehicle theft.
5. Warrendale
Warrendale, with a population of 17,200, is another neighborhood where crime is a daily concern. With a total crime of 14,008 per 100,000 (as per AreaVibes statistics), residents here face a 1 in 8 chance of becoming victims.
It’s not just the crime that’s troubling; it’s the unemployment and lack of opportunities that keep many people stuck.
Warrendale’s homes are some of the most affordable in the city, with a median price of just $17,650. But even in an affordable area, the poverty and danger can be overwhelming. Many residents are simply trying to survive day to day, with limited options for escape.
- Violent Crime per 100.000 Residents: 4,952
Property Crime
According to Niche, property crimes in Warrendale are also notably high, with a rate of 35.20 per 1,000 residents. Theft, vehicle theft, and burglary are major concerns, with theft being the most common at 19.76 per 1,000.
Home burglaries are a significant issue in Warrendale, with homes being 300% more likely to be robbed if they lack security systems.
4. Fishkorn
Fishkorn is infamous for its violent crime, but what’s more alarming is the number of pedestrian accidents.
Statistics provided by AreaVibes show that this neighborhood, with its crime rate of 13,720 per 100,000 people, has a dangerous mix of poor city planning and high traffic. Walking the streets here can be a real hazard.
With homes priced around $22,662, it’s one of the more affordable places in Detroit, but that affordability comes at a steep cost.
People living in Fishkorn face a 1 in 9 chance of being a crime victim. The incidents range from robberies to shootings, making it a tough place to feel safe, let alone thrive.
- Violent Crime per 100.000 Residents: 5,581
Property Crime
The property crime rate in Fishkorn is 33.12 per 1,000 residents. Vehicle theft is notably high, at 9.54 per 1,000 residents, while theft in general occurs at 15.82 per 1,000, as per Crime Grade.
3. Van Steuban
Up in North Detroit, Van Steuban faces similar struggles. The crime rate here sits at 14,408 per 100,000 people, which means a 1 in 7 chance of becoming a victim of crime.
That’s not a number anyone wants to live with. It’s a neighborhood where you’ll see boarded-up buildings, crumbling infrastructure, and a general sense that things have been left behind.
Economically, the situation is grim too. The median home price is around $30,738, and the median income sits just over $34,000.
That’s not a lot to live on, especially in a place where crime rates are so high. People here feel the pressure every day.
- Violent Crime per 100.000 Residents: 4,976
Property Crime
Crime Grade statistics highlight that property crimes are also prevalent, with a rate of 132.2 incidents per 1,000 residents.
Theft is the most common type of property crime, happening at a rate of 115.6 per 1,000 people.
2. Petosky-Otsego
Petosky-Otsego is another neighborhood grappling with high crime rates. Home to just over 7,000 people, it has a crime rate that’s 260% higher than the national average, as per AreaVibes.
The people here often feel under-protected by law enforcement, and it’s not uncommon to hear locals say they’ve lost hope. The chances of being a crime victim? One in eight. Like Belmont, gang activity is a big issue, but so is the lack of economic opportunity.
The median home price in Petosky-Otsego is a shockingly low $23,667, which is just another indicator of how tough things are.
Many homes are falling into disrepair, and the streets don’t feel safe. Residents often feel trapped in a cycle of poverty and crime.
- Violent Crime per 100.000 Residents: 2,611
Property Crime
Property crime is also prevalent, with 46.60 property crimes per 1,000 residents. The most frequent incidents include theft (27.80 per 1,000) and vehicle theft (6.405 per 1,000), as per Crime Grade.
1. Belmont – The Most Dangerous Area In Detroit
At the top of the list lies Belmont. To put it bluntly, it’s the most dangerous places in Detroit right now. The crime rate here? A staggering 14,048 incidents per 100,000 people. To give you some perspective, that’s six times the national average. Plus, Detroit is one of the most dangerous cities in the US, so these stats are even scarier.
For every eight people, at least one is likely to fall victim to crime. What’s causing this? Well, gang activity is a huge part of it. Robberies and assaults happen all the time, and drug-related violence is rampant.
The economic situation doesn’t help either—median home prices are just under $30,000. That low number reflects not only affordability but also a lack of investment.
It’s a place where many people struggle to make ends meet, and unfortunately, crime often follows poverty.
- Violent Crime per 100.000 Residents: 2,197
Assault: 13.24 per 1,000 residents
Robbery: 5.823 per 1,000 residents
Murder: 0.0951 per 1,000 residents
Detroit remains one of the cities in the United States with the highest murder rates.
Property Crime
Property crimes are also a significant issue in Belmont, with a rate of 83.83 per 1,000 residents. These include:
- Burglary: 13.01 per 1,000 residents
- Vehicle Theft: 10.06 per 1,000 residents
- Larceny (theft): 60.30 per 1,000 residents. The risk of burglary and theft in the area is high, so securing homes and vehicles is advised.
Methodology
- I analyzed crime statistics and socio-economic data for each neighborhood, ensuring the information was accurate and up-to-date for 2024.
- I drew from my personal experience from the years I spent living in Detroit.
Final Thoughts
Detroit has always been a city of contrasts—rich history and culture on one side, and neighborhoods gripped by poverty and crime on the other. The neighborhoods mentioned above represent some of the toughest challenges the city faces in 2024.
From rampant crime to crumbling infrastructure, life in these parts of Detroit is a constant struggle. It’s important to remember that behind these statistics are real people, many of whom are doing their best in extremely difficult circumstances.
While these neighborhoods might be some of the worst in terms of crime, they also serve as a reminder of the urgent need for investment, support, and systemic change in Detroit.
