A state full of history and nature, Michigan experiences thousands of visitors annually.
Whether they are flying into Detroit for business trips or taking advantage of the outdoors in one of the beautiful townships, there is a lot to see and explore.
Below are the safest cities and tips for those planning to travel to Michigan in the near future.
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10 Safest Cities in Michigan
If you are planning a trip to Michigan in the near future, it is essential that you keep the following 10 cities in mind so that you have the best and safest experience when traveling.
1. Iron Mountain
With nearly 8000 in population, Iron Mountain is small in terms of residents but offers big hospitality.
Many of those visiting the area come for museums and history that are still alive in the town.
With crime rates below one percent in terms of burglary and violence, many of the visitors openly walk around and enjoy what Iron Mountain has to offer without much concern for looking over their shoulders.
In terms of the safest cities, it is probably the safest in Northern Michigan.
2. Hamburg Township
One of the fastest-growing cities in Michigan is Hamburg Township.
With over 22,000 residents currently, that number is expected to grow substantially over the next decade.
What does not seem to be rising with the population is the crime rate.
Hamburg Township has always been an area that had lower crime areas, especially when it comes to violent crimes.
There are thousands of visitors to the city each year to take advantage of camping, local museums, and other opportunities that allow visitors a quick getaway for the weekend.
3. Thetford Township
Another small location in Michigan, Thetford Township is home to nearly 7000 permanent residents.
The demographics of the area have an average income o $60,000, allowing it to have a thriving economy.
There is essentially no crime committed on a regular basis in Thetford.
There is some crime that happens periodically, but it is not like other cities in the state that deal with it on a regular basis.
The community is very tight and accommodating to those who visit the area.
When you come to Thetford Township, it is a nice getaway for those looking to escape the bigger cities for a few days.
This tight-knit community embraces all the charm features that come with a small town and welcomes those who want to experience a slower pace of life.
4. Huntington Woods
Huntington Woods is another area in Michigan with a very high-income level, as it is a suburb outside of Detroit.
With an average income of over $100,000 in most of the homes, there is a different lifestyle in the area for those living there.
While the violence in the area is very low, there are periodic attacks of burglary and muggings.
This is due to those in the area who are aware that most of the residents are not living impoverished under any circumstances.
Those visiting this area are looking to take advantage of local golf courses and a portion of the Detroit Zoo.
5. Oakland Township
With just over 20,000 residents, Oakland Township is one of the safest cities in the entire state.
It can even be considered one of the safest cities in the Midwest region.
As a visitor to Oakland Township, you have a one in 1000 chance of being the victim of a violent crime where you are attacked.
In terms of being mugged, you would have a two in 1000 chance of experiencing a non-violent crime.
6. Grosse Ile Township
With half the population of other Michigan cities at 10,000 residents, Grosse Ile Township gives visitors a chance at island life at a slower pace.
The homesteads that are established are full of history with residents who have roots going back generations.
The nature trails, farms, and slow-paced shopping gives you an opportunity to relax and not focus so much on crime.
While it is not completely removed from the island, the chances of being victimized in either a violent or nonviolent crime are very slim when you are visiting Grosse Ile Township.
7. Adrian Township
While it is not one of the richest cities in Michigan, there is a lot of commitment to managing crime in Adrian Township.
Crime rates are higher for petty theft, but violent crimes are not as common.
Compared to the rest of the state, however, the crime is still relatively low, and you can enjoy the historic architecture at the local businesses throughout the township.
Many visitors are coming to visit the campuses of Adrian College and Siena Heights University.
8. Gaines Township
Settled just outside the big city of Grand Rapids, Gaines Township is a small township that has a historical background in farming and agriculture.
The history of this settlement is rich with pioneers who were looking to find a place where they could embrace the nature and freshwater resources around them.
When you visit the community of Gaines Township, there are morals and standards that are found throughout the business and the residents there that help with the crime rate.
9. Spring Arbor Township
Located just a few miles out of Jackson, Spring Arbor Township is a small city that has little crime but lots of fun opportunities for visitors.
It is a great place in the winter to visit and take advantage of the weather festivities without having to worry about violent crimes.
This is a working-class township and the area is continuing to grow because of its family environment.
10. Raisin Township
With a population of nearly 8000 residents, there is little room for crime among residents and those who are visiting Raisin Township.
If you have a family member involved in recreational sports and travel teams, chances are you will find yourself in Raisin Township at one point or the other.
The park complexes throughout the city offer residents and visitors an opportunity to get outside and embrace what the township has to offer.
5 Safety Tips For Traveling to Michigan
No matter where you are planning to travel in Michigan, there are five safety tips you need to keep in mind so that you keep yourself and your property safe from arrival to departure.
1. Secure Your Jewelry
One of the best things that you can do when traveling throughout Michigan is to secure your jewelry that is valuable.
Even if you are in areas that have minimal crime, there is always an opportunity to be mugged and have your items stolen.
If you are out strolling these Townships and other places to visit museums, make sure it is stored securely.
2. Carry a Crossbody Bag
Having a purse on your shoulder is very easy to snatch and an assailant will be gone in a matter of seconds.
With a cross-body bag or pocketbook, you are able to keep your items on your person and keep them from being taken.
You want to make sure that you do keep these bags closed and zipped.
Bags on your back are out of your eyesight and can be opened without you seeing.
3. Visit Indoor ATMs
If you need to get cash out or want to check your balance, make sure you are going inside a bank if you are out walking.
If it is after hours, try using an ATM inside a business.
If you need cashback, many of your chain merchants offer that as an option when you make a small purchase.
Avoid ATMs that are walk-up, especially if it is dark, and you cannot see your surroundings.
4. Avoid Local Scams
There are some residents in these cities that will try to take advantage of guests who are not local and aware of the environment they are in.
If you are getting a deal for tickets, transportation, or events that sound too good to be true, they might be.
Do not follow anyone down a road that has no traffic or into a secluded building.
You could be mugged or violently attacked in these situations.
5. Provide Hotel Information to Family
Any time you are traveling, it is critical to let your loved ones who are not with you know where you are staying and how to get in touch with you.
Leave them all of the information related to your hotel, cabin, or Airbnb that you have reserved.
Sources
- The History of Genesee County Cities Part Ten: Forest and Thetford Townships – My City Magazine
- Welcome to Huntington Woods, MI (Huntington-woods.mi.us)
- Oakland Township was named one of the safest places in the U.S. (candgnews.com)
- Grosse Ile, Michigan (michiganbackroads.com)
- Adrian Charter Township
- Welcome to Gaines Charter Township (gainestownship.org)
- Spring Arbor Township | Awarded best small town to raise children
Michigan Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Michigan Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most dangerous city in Michigan?
If you are wanting to avoid the most dangerous places in Michigan, make sure you stay away from Detroit, unless you have to travel to the capital.
If you are going to be in Detroit, you need to follow all the aforementioned travel safety tips.
When is the best time to travel to Michigan?
The weather in Michigan can get really cold off of the Great Lakes, so unless you are looking for winter activities, you may want to travel between April and October for optimal weather.
I had such a great experience visiting Traverse City! It’s not only beautiful but also incredibly safe. Definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a peaceful getaway.
Grand Rapids is definitely a gem in Michigan. It’s refreshing to explore a city with such a vibrant culture and low crime rates.