Is Sterling Heights, MI Safe? 2026 Crime Rates & Safety Report
Key facts
- 01
Sterling Heights, Michigan reported 8.24 robbery offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 0.17 times the national reference of 48.24 per 100,000 and 40.00 per 100,000 below that reference, with 11 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
- 02
Sterling Heights, Michigan reported 65.18 burglary offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 0.35 times the national reference of 188.15 per 100,000 and 122.97 per 100,000 below that reference, with 87 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
- 03
Sterling Heights, Michigan reported 177.56 aggravated assault offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 0.77 times the national reference of 229.56 per 100,000 and 52.00 per 100,000 below that reference, with 237 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
- 04
Sterling Heights, Michigan reported 157.34 motor vehicle theft offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 0.82 times the national reference of 193.00 per 100,000 and 35.66 per 100,000 below that reference, with 210 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
- 05
Sterling Heights, Michigan reported 936.52 larceny-theft offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 0.85 times the national reference of 1,106.97 per 100,000 and 170.45 per 100,000 below that reference, with 1,250 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
Quick answer
In the Safety Atlas 2026 public safety index, Sterling Heights, MI has an adjusted safety score of 68.15 out of 100. It ranks #1 in this comparison set out of the 6 jurisdictions in the current scored comparison set in Michigan. Its overall crime trajectory is currently classified as stable.
Jump to Section
2026 edition, FBI source year 2025.
Every number on this page ships in the Michigan workbook.
Key Public Safety Indicators
Reported rates per 100,000 residents; national references shown alongside.
| Offense Class | Annual Count | Rate per 100K | National Avg | vs National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | 11 | 8.24 | 48.24 | 0.17× national |
| Aggravated Assault | 237 | 177.56 | 229.56 | 0.77× national |
| Burglary | 87 | 65.18 | 188.15 | 0.35× national |
| Larceny-theft | 1250 | 936.52 | 1106.97 | 0.85× national |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 210 | 157.34 | 193.0 | 0.82× national |
Monthly trend: not shown for Sterling Heights
Monthly detail is not shown for Sterling Heights: monthly reporting for 2024-2025 is incomplete, so a monthly trend would mislead. The annual scores and tables above use reported annual figures.
Comparing Sterling Heights to somewhere else? Take the file with you.
What drives Sterling Heights's safety score?
Sterling Heights ranks in the top quarter of the 6 jurisdictions in the current scored comparison set in Michigan, ahead of approximately 83% of that scored set. The profile uses a reporting population of 133,473 and source-year data through 2025; it is a citywide agency-level comparison, not a neighborhood forecast.
The strongest of the three score components is Personal Safety at 81.63, while Community Order is lowest at 48.8. The 32.83-point spread shows why the composite should be read by component instead of as a single absolute claim about safety.
Among the five public offense indicators, Larceny-theft is highest relative to its national reference at 936.52 per 100,000 (0.85× the national rate). Robbery is lowest on the same relative basis at 8.24 per 100,000 (0.17× national).
Coverage check: 18 of 18 tracked offense classes have reportable values in this profile. Missing values are not converted to zero.
Public indicator mix
Sterling Heights, Michigan recorded 1,250 larceny-theft offenses in 2025, 69.6% of the 1,795 reports across its five public indicators, compared with 11 robbery reports (0.6%); this share covers only those five indicators, excluding other offense classes.
Sterling Heights, Michigan recorded 237 aggravated assault offenses in 2025, 13.2% of the 1,795 reports across its five public indicators, compared with 11 robbery reports (0.6%); this share covers only those five indicators, excluding other offense classes.
Sterling Heights, Michigan recorded 210 motor vehicle theft offenses in 2025, 11.7% of the 1,795 reports across its five public indicators, compared with 11 robbery reports (0.6%); this share covers only those five indicators, excluding other offense classes.
Sterling Heights, Michigan uses a reporting population of 133,473 residents and has values for 18 of the 18 tracked offense classes (100.0%) in its 2025 profile; coverage describes available classes rather than the share of residents reporting crime.
Sterling Heights, Michigan has an adjusted score of 68.15 points out of 100 versus 61.81 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, a difference of 6.34 points above that displayed state peer in the 2025 source-year profile; Sterling Heights ranks 1 of 6 scored jurisdictions in the published state comparison set.
Sterling Heights, Michigan has an adjusted score of 68.15 points out of 100 versus 40.52 in Warren, Michigan, a difference of 27.63 points above that displayed state peer in the 2025 source-year profile; Sterling Heights ranks 1 of 6 scored jurisdictions in the published state comparison set.
Detailed Crime Class Breakdown
Additional tracked offense classes
- Homicide
- Rape
- Kidnapping/Abduction
- Human Trafficking
- Arson
- Theft From Building
- Theft From Motor Vehicle
- Simple Assault
- Intimidation
- Stolen Property Offenses
- Vandalism
- Weapon Law Violations
- Drug/Narcotic Violations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sterling Heights safe compared to other places in Michigan?
Sterling Heights is classified as having moderate relative safety in the 2026 Safety Atlas Index. It has an adjusted safety score of 68.15 out of 100 and ranks #1 in this comparison set out of the 6 jurisdictions in the current scored comparison set in Michigan.
What is the crime rate in Sterling Heights?
Public offense rates are listed above.
What is Sterling Heights's safety rating?
Sterling Heights's safety rating in the 2026 Safety Atlas Index is 68.15 out of 100, which ranks #1 in this comparison set out of the 6 jurisdictions in the current scored comparison set in Michigan. Its overall crime trajectory is currently classified as stable, using source-year data through 2025.
What is the safest neighborhood in Sterling Heights?
This profile covers the reporting jurisdiction; consult local sources for neighborhood detail.
Why are some crime statistics locked for Sterling Heights?
Full offense series: state workbook.
Why is there no monthly crime chart for Sterling Heights?
Monthly detail is not shown for Sterling Heights: monthly reporting for 2024-2025 is incomplete, so a monthly trend would mislead. The annual scores and tables above use reported annual figures.
Reading notes
Safety Atlas methodology · 2026 coverage report
Cite This Public Safety Profile
Citation formats:
Primary Source Data Integrity
- Crime Counts: FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) database.
- Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimate boundaries.
- Methodology: Adjusted per-capita normalization with small-sample relief controls. View our complete Methodology Documentation.