Detroit, MI vs Lancaster, CA

Lancaster is safer with a higher safety score by 11 points. Detroit, MI has a safety score of 48/100 while Lancaster, CA has 59/100, based on FBI Uniform Crime Report data.

Detroit, MI has a violent crime rate of 1781.3 per 100,000 residents, while Lancaster, CA has 834.7 per 100,000. Lower rates indicate safer communities. The national average is approximately 380 per 100,000.

Detroit, MI has a property crime rate of 4305.3 per 100,000, compared to 1920.6 per 100,000 in Lancaster, CA. Property crimes include burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.

Safety scores range from 0-100, combining violent crime rates, property crime rates, and population data from the FBI UCR. Higher scores mean safer cities. Grades: A (80+), B (65-79), C (50-64), D (40-49), F (below 40).

Based on crime data alone, Lancaster is safer. However, safety is just one factor — also consider cost of living, job market, schools, and quality of life. Visit our city pages for more details on each.