Safest and Most Dangerous Places in East Lansing MI You Must Know

Located in Ingham County and the home of Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, attracts thousands of international students and young professionals every year. The major landmark of the city, the Spartan Stadium, is also home to the MSU Spartans football team. Known for its youthful, academic, student-friendly, and sports-oriented vibe, the city is more diverse and international than other cities in the U.S.  As per the recent census, it has a population of 47,741. At Michigan State University in East Lansing, around 28,450 MSU students live in East Lansing or nearby accommodations and rentals, forming a large part of the community. 

When people talk about East Lansing, the conversation never sounds the same. One person will talk about affordable housing, cafes, transportation,  lively nightlife, and student events, while other people will mention robbery, theft, assaults, and property crimes. Students who intend to attend Michigan State University or nearby institutions frequently worry about the safest and most dangerous places in East Lansing MI. This college town feels like it was designed for students, but like every other place, some areas are the safest, and some are the most dangerous for students. This blog breaks down all the necessary information you need on the safest areas and places where you need to be extra careful.

Understanding the Crimes in East Lansing MI 

The total crime rate in East Lansing is approximately 26 to 27 per 1000 residents. It can appear higher than average in a property crime rate, which is 24.0 to 3.0 per thousand residents. Primarily, there are three types of crime: larceny theft, liquor law violations, and disorderly conduct. Unlawful entry cases of someone entering unlocked apartments that occur frequently in student-dense areas.

Here are a few things worth knowing about East Lancing crime :

1. Violent crime is low - Most of the incidents are property crimes like theft, vehicle break-ins, and valuables stolen from cars. Areas with high student populations experience higher non-violent crime

2. Bike theft is the most frequent - It is one of the most reported crimes in East Lansing. Thieves are highly experienced and quick, particularly around universities and student housing. Around 90% of reported bike thefts involved bikes that only had a cable lock or were completely unlocked.

3. Most thefts are preventable - As thieves usually target unlocked doors, unsecured bikes, and valuables left in cars, taking necessary precautions can reduce this risk.

Safest Places in East Lansing, MI 

East Lancing has several neighborhoods that are safe and have a great quality of life. Some areas stand out for their safety and residential neighborhoods and are popular among students and faculty. When the topic of safest and most dangerous places in East Lansing MI comes up, communities like Okemos and White Hills are often brought up.

Here are some of the safest neighborhoods in East Lansing, MI  

1. White hills 

Safety Index: 18-20 incidents per 1000 residents

Safety Measures: High police patrol, residential streets

 If you need a place near Michigan State University, with a lower crime rate, with active neighborhoods, family-centred housing, and a peaceful environment, white hills is the perfect place. Due to high police patrolling and the use of safety apps and alert systems, crimes are tracked and reported immediately.  

2. Okesmos 

Safety Index: 0.9 per 1000 residents

Safety Measures: Dedicated Maridian Township police force, secured surveillance

Okemos is a suburban community that has a well-planned layout and convenient access to major roads. Okemos is primarily filled with family homes and long-term residents; it is far from student-dense zones, leading to low crime rates with very few incidents.

3.  North East Lansing 

Safety Index: 0.18 per 1000 residents Safe and crime rates are lower

Safety Measures: Police patrol, Traffic calming initiatives

 North East Lansing is peaceful and ideal for students who want a calm environment and proximity to campuses. As it has low student density, minimal nightlife, and long-term residents, it naturally creates a safer environment for students who want to focus and want to enjoy a quieter life. Various traffic calming initiatives are adopted as a safety measure.

4. West East lancing 

Safety statistics: mostly safe, but rare motor vehicle thefts have been seen

Safety Measures: Lansing Police Department real-time crime center.

Among the students, West East Lansing is considered a “quiet living” zone. It prioritizes long-term stays and long-term rentals. Police patrolling is regular, and traffic safety initiatives are implemented in this area. It has easily accessible public transport routes to Michigan State University, Lansing Community College, and Thomas M Cooley Law School. It is less bustling than the areas near universities, making it a popular housing for many international students. 

The prime reason that attracts students to these safer places is their low crime rates, high connectivity to universities, smaller student population, calm living environment, and affordability. It has everything international students will need to easily adjust to the daily life of East Lancing.

Here are 5 safe neighborhoods in East Lansing MI

Most Dangerous Places in East Lansing, MI 

East Lansing is ranked as a top college town in the Midwest; however, specific places report higher crime rates than others. It is necessary to be aware of these places. 

1. South and Southeast Lansing

Crime rate: 42.7 per 1000 residents

Crime statistics: High frequency of motor vehicle theft, violent, and property crime is high 

The south neighborhoods of East Lansing report a higher total crime rate than other parts of the city. Violent crimes like robbery and assaults are reported frequently in this area. Commercial places have more thefts and assaults because more people and students pass through. Property crimes are higher in this part. 

2. SouthWest East Lansing 

Crime rate: 27 per 1000 residents 

Crime statistics: Larceny and alcohol related offenses are common

 The Southwest area has bus routes, lively nightlife, and student housing intersect. Lansing has a higher crime rate than East Lansing. Criminal activity tends to be more prevalent in commercial areas. Opportunity crimes like vehicle break-ins and retail fraud are higher in this area.

3. Downtown East Lansing 

Crime rate: 219.9 per 100,000 residents, with a 133 crime index

Crime statistics: Mostly violent crimes are reported, like robbery and aggravated assaults

 Downtown East Lansing's common incidents are reported vehicle theft, larceny, and disorderly conduct during events at night. Due to the large population of students, theft and non-violent crimes are seen frequently.

4. Eastside Lansing  

Crime rate:49.6 crimes per 1000

Crime statistics: Violent crime at 7.4 per 1000 residents and property crime at 29.4 per 1000 residents.

 Eastside Lansing has close access to main roads and commercial places, which increases opportunistic crimes such as vehicle theft and street-level crime. The crime rate of Eastside Lansing is D/D+, which means crime is more frequent than in U.S. neighborhoods. It also has a lower police presence than other places in East Lansing. 

Best and Safe Student Accommodations in East Lancing 

Knowing the safest and most dangerous places in East Lansing MI gives international students more self-assurance when they relocate. Finding the right place to live is really important when you move to a new city or country. East Lancing has a lot of safer places for students. If you are moving to East Lansing for studies amber can make things easier for you. Amber helps you find the right and affordable place with flexible booking options and end-to-end support. It makes your move stress-free and easy. Through amber, student can explore trusted accommodations and hassle-free booking.

Below are some popular student accommodations in East Lancing MI.

1. The Lodges, East Lansing- Large student-oriented community with pool, study lounges, fitness area, and shuttle access near MSU.The property cost starts from $909

2. University Edge - Modern apartments with resort-style pool, coffee bar, fitness center, and social spaces close to campus.The property cost starts from $989 

3. Landmark On Grand River- Spacious apartments with in-unit laundry, fitness, study lounges, and communal outdoor areas .The property cost starts from $1279

If compared to many other cities in the U.S., East Lansing is a safer and student-friendly city. The safest places that are mentioned in this blog are highly preferred by students, young professionals, faculty, and families.  The higher risk category of safest and most dangerous places in East Lansing, MI, typically includes areas close to downtown and nightlife. Comparisons of the safest and most dangerous places in East Lansing, MI, typically include those close to downtown and nightlife. The city has academic and cultural advantages for international students, which make it a good place to live, study, and work

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