Lansing, the capital city of Michigan, is home to over 100,000 residents and a diverse cultural and economic landscape. However, like any urban area, Lansing also has its share of crime and safety issues.
According to NeighborhoodScout, Lansing has a crime rate of 39.27 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than 89% of the cities in the U.S. While some parts of Lansing are relatively safe and peaceful, others are more prone to violence and property crime.
Here are five neighborhoods that you should approach with caution in Lansing, based on crime data and statistics:
| Neighborhood | Crime rate (per 1,000 residents) |
| Downtown Lansing | 76.23 |
| Churchill Downs | 62.63 |
| Baker-Donora | 58.69 |
| Old Forest | 55.18 |
| Colonial Village | 51.69 |
- Downtown Lansing: Lansing’s downtown serves as the hub for business, government, and entertainment in the city. Nevertheless, it also stands out as the most densely populated and crime-prone district, exhibiting a crime rate of 76.23 incidents per 1,000 residents.
- Churchill Downs: Churchill Downs is situated in the south-central area of Lansing, with Waverly Road, Jolly Road, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and Holmes Road serving as its borders. The neighborhood exhibits a crime rate of 62.63 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the city average by a significant margin.
- Baker-Donora: Baker-Donora is situated in the southwest section of Lansing, bordered by Waverly Road, Mt. Hope Avenue, Pleasant Grove Road, and Holmes Road. The neighborhood exhibits a crime rate of 58.69 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the city average significantly.
- Old Forest: Old Forest is a neighborhood located in the northwest section of Lansing. It is bordered by Waverly Road, Grand River Avenue, W. Willow Street, and N. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The neighborhood has a crime rate of 55.18 incidents per 1,000 residents, which exceeds the city’s average.
- Colonial Village: Colonial Village, situated in the southern region of Lansing, is surrounded by Waverly Road, Mt. Hope Avenue, S. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and Victor Avenue. The neighborhood exhibits a crime rate of 51.69 per 1,000 residents, slightly exceeding the city’s average.
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Official’s Efforts to Reduce Crime in These Areas
Several official initiatives have been implemented to combat crime in Lansing, Michigan. These include:
1. The Safer America Plan, unveiled by President Biden in August 2022, aims to support law enforcement, enhance crime prosecution, and address family-related crimes.
The plan involves funding the recruitment, training, hiring, and supervision of 100,000 additional police officers, aligning with the standards outlined in the President’s Executive Order for advancing effective, accountable community policing to build trust and ensure public safety.
2. The Gun Violence: Prediction, Prevention, and Policy report, issued by the American Psychological Association in 2013, examines research-based evidence on the root causes of gun violence.
The report recommends interventions such as problem-oriented policing, also known as place-based initiatives or target policing. This approach shows promise, especially when applied to “hot spots” – areas with high crime rates.
3. The Mass Shootings in the United States essay, authored by RAND researchers in 2019, analyzes trends and patterns in mass shootings. The essay advocates for a focus on implementing public policies that address violence more broadly, rather than solely making decisions based on extreme forms of violence.
While not guaranteeing the elimination of mass shootings, these policies may reduce their frequency and lethality, ultimately saving lives.
To Conclude
Exercise caution when approaching these neighborhoods in Lansing, Michigan. Nonetheless, this doesn’t imply complete avoidance of these areas, nor does it guarantee safety in other parts of the city.
Crime can occur anywhere, so it’s crucial to remain vigilant, aware, and prepared when in any urban environment. Refer to trustworthy sources like the Lansing Police Department for the latest updates and alerts on crime and safety in Lansing. Stay safe and make the most of your time in the city!
