Why Crime Rates “Plummeted” in Detroit in 2024 (& Why It’s Great News for Landlords)
Detroit is making headlines for all the right reasons. The city, once stigmatized for its high crime rates, recorded a historic drop in violent crime in 2024.
Homicides fell by 19%—marking the lowest levels since 1965—while non-fatal shootings plummeted by 25%.
These statistics showcase a city undergoing meaningful transformation, driven by collaborations between law enforcement, local government, community groups, and federal agencies.
For landlords, the implications are clear—Detroit is becoming a safer, more livable place.
A Block-by-Block Reality
Though headlines have long painted Detroit as one of the “most dangerous cities,” the truth is more nuanced.
Safety in Detroit has always been block-by-block. Some neighborhoods are thriving hubs of growth and security, while a few streets over, others may still struggle with challenges associated with crime or neglect.
This decline in violent crime is changing perceptions.
Blighted homes are being replaced with freshly renovated properties, and empty lots are transforming into community gardens or new developments.
Improvements like these not only increase the appeal of living in specific pockets of Detroit, but they also create opportunities for landlords to invest in emerging neighborhoods while the market is still accessible.
The Factors Behind the Decline
The significant reduction in crime didn’t happen overnight.
It’s the result of deliberate partnerships and strategies uniting city agencies, law enforcement, and community organizations.
Programs like ShotStoppers—community-led violence intervention groups—have played a critical role in hotspot areas. Meanwhile, federal initiatives such as “One Detroit” have targeted gun crimes, reducing incidents in historically higher-risk zones.
Law enforcement has bolstered its presence and technological resources, from adding over 300 police officers to implementing cutting-edge tools like Evolv scanners at public gatherings. Mental health initiatives, like the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network’s partnership with law enforcement, ensure that support extends beyond arrests, addressing root causes of violence.
These combined efforts have a ripple effect.
Reducing crime increases community morale, boosts property values, and attracts new residents, further setting the stage for neighborhood revitalization.
A City on the Comeback Trail
Detroit’s declining crime rates parallel other significant strides toward its broader resurgence.
The city’s focus on redevelopment is visible in places like Brush Park and Corktown, where old structures have been repurposed into trendy apartments and bustling commercial spaces. Downtown and Midtown are teeming with new businesses, and projects like the Hudson’s Site skyscraper promise economic growth and job creation.
Blight removal remains an ongoing priority, with the city clearing abandoned properties and transforming spaces that were once seen as liabilities. Each demolition or rehab project represents an opportunity for landlords to step in and cater to a rising demand for updated, quality housing.
The Implications for Landlords
For current and prospective landlords, Detroit’s trajectory presents an enticing opportunity. With safety improving, livability on the rise, and certain neighborhoods experiencing rapid revitalization, now is the time to reconsider Detroit as a destination for property investments.
Consider this:
- Rising Demand: Safer streets are attracting young professionals, families, and even remote workers seeking more affordable housing options compared to other major cities.
- Improved Tenant Quality: Neighborhood improvements often draw tenants who prioritize stability and are willing to invest in their communities as much as landlords are.
- Property Appreciation: Coupled with rising property values (up 23% in 2023 and another 19% in 2024), areas that were once seen as “sketchy” are quickly evolving into highly demanded hot spots.
That said, it’s essential for landlords to do their homework.
Crime declines don’t mean every neighborhood is safe overnight; rather, it signifies a shift that is occurring block by block. The time is right to identify pockets where city initiatives and community efforts are actively creating positive change.
What’s Next for Detroit?
Detroit’s comeback isn’t just a story about declining crime; it’s about the rebirth of a city. With new jobs spurred by infrastructure and development investments, cultural attractions like the Detroit Institute of Arts thriving, and the gradual removal of once-abandoned spaces—Detroit is resetting its narrative.
For landlords, this new chapter is a signal.
It’s a chance to move beyond surface-level perceptions and capitalize on an emerging market. Remember, the key to success in Detroit is understanding the micro-differences between neighborhoods.
Want to explore Detroit’s neighborhoods in detail? Check out our Deep Dives for housing market data, planned developments, and example investment properties in the city’s top areas.