MediaNews Group
Six Oakland County communities are among Michigan’s 10 safest communities, according to an annual statewide ranking by Safewise.
In the safety research group’s 2025 report, Oakland (#2), Brandon (#6) and Lyon (#7) townships, along with Milford (#8), South Lyon (#9) and Berkley (#10) ranked among the state’s safest cities based on FBI violent and property crime data adjusted for population and responses from a national survey of 5,000 adults.
Kinross Township in Chippewa County in the eastern Upper Peninsula was ranked the sate’s safest city for the second year in a row.
According to the group’s researchers, Americans’ perceptions of crime and personal safety have become more optimistic over the past year. While 54% of survey respondents say crime has increased compared to last year, FBI data shows nationally that property and violent crime at its lowest point in years.
In Michigan, the violent crime rate increased slightly from an estimated 5.1 incidents per 1,000 people in 2024 to 5.57 in 2025 compared to the national average of 4.43. Property crime also increased from 15.7 incidents per 1,000 people in 2024 to 18.13 incidents in 2025, which is lower than the national average of 22.89.
Researchers said 50% of Michiganders surveyed said they feel safe, down from 52% in 2024’s report.
Among the group’s findings from rankings of 183 Michigan communities, only three showed decreases in both violent crime and property crime the past three years: Oakland and Lyon townships in Oakland County, and Argentine Township in Genesee County Also, none of the state’s 10 safest communities reported a murder or robbery. One community, Argentine Township, reported no motor vehicle thefts.
Other state findings:
23% of respondents reported experiences with property crime in the 12 months prior to the survey, down from 32% the previous year. The national average is 21%.
39% worried about property crime on a daily basis, down from 53% the previous year. The national average is 46%.
41% worried about package theft, down from 53% the previous year. The national average is 44%. Meanwhile 36% said they experienced package theft in the 12 months prior to our survey. The national average is 31%.
35% increased security measures in the 12 months prior to the survey, preferring to protect their safety and property with security cameras (47%), security systems (32%), and firearms (30%). Nationally respondents listed security cameras (49%), guard dogs (33%) and security systems (30%).
For more, visit: safewise.com/research/safest-cities/michigan/