Grand Rapids, MI vs Kalamazoo, MI

Grand Rapids is safer with a higher safety score by 5 points. Grand Rapids, MI has a safety score of 57/100 while Kalamazoo, MI has 52/100, based on FBI Uniform Crime Report data.

Grand Rapids, MI has a violent crime rate of 910.1 per 100,000 residents, while Kalamazoo, MI has 1283.5 per 100,000. Lower rates indicate safer communities. The national average is approximately 380 per 100,000.

Grand Rapids, MI has a property crime rate of 2480.7 per 100,000, compared to 3447.9 per 100,000 in Kalamazoo, MI. 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, Grand Rapids 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.