How Safer Streets Are Reshaping Detroit Property Investment

Do you think it’s “safe” to invest in Detroit?

Despite once being labeled as one of the most dangerous cities in America, the Motor City has made incredible strides in public safety in recent years. Thanks to the efforts of the city government, police and local residents, Detroit is now safer than ever before.

And, with violent crime down significantly in 2024, Detroit is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for real estate investors, too.

Here's why this matters and what it means for landlords looking to capitalize on the city's comeback.

Crime Rates Drop to Historic Lows

Homicides in Detroit dropped by 19% in 2024, marking the lowest levels the city has seen since 1965. Non-fatal shootings also plummeted by 25%.

These impressive gains aren’t accidental. They are the results of extensive collaboration between law enforcement, community organizations, and city officials.

This shift in public safety is reshaping the city, bolstering its image, and making Detroit a safer, more livable community.

For landlords, especially those managing or looking to acquire rental properties in the area, this is great news. Safer streets mean higher tenant demand, improved property values, and a chance to invest in neighborhoods on the rise.

Safety Still Varies By Neighborhood

Despite the positive trends, Detroit remains a city of contrasts.

Neighborhood conditions vary, sometimes drastically, from one block to the next. While some areas now experience a true renaissance, others still battle long-standing challenges.

Blighted properties are being torn down and replaced with community gardens or redeveloped homes in revitalized neighborhoods. On the flip side, certain blocks remain underdeveloped or struggle with higher crime.

Understanding this dynamic is essential for landlords. By zeroing in on areas experiencing rapid transformation, investors can find opportunities for both affordable entry points and long-term appreciation.

The Factors Behind Detroit's Comeback

Detroit’s crime reduction didn’t just happen—it was earned. Key strategies driving these improvements include sustained efforts from community programs, enhanced policing, and innovative collaborations.

Programs like ShotStoppers have led community-based interventions in crime hotspots. Federal support through initiatives like "One Detroit" has bolstered gun crime prevention.

Simultaneously, the city has invested in new technologies, such as police scanners and resources like mental health crisis intervention teams, to address underlying causes of crime rather than just its symptoms.

This comprehensive approach has triggered a ripple effect, with reductions in crime improving community morale and drawing in new residents. For investors, this kind of momentum signals a growing demand for cleaner, safer, and better-maintained housing.

Detroit’s Redevelopment Boom

Detroit's safety gains come hand-in-hand with its economic revival.

Many neighborhoods, such as Corktown and Brush Park, are undergoing massive redevelopment. Old industrial buildings are being transformed into trendy apartments and retail hubs, while wild spaces and empty lots are finding new futures as sought-after residential areas.

Midtown and Downtown have already become magnets for businesses and entrepreneurial ventures. The Hudson’s Site skyscraper, for instance, is set to bring more jobs and economic activity into the heart of the city. Additionally, the city's commitment to blight removal continues to turn abandoned areas into opportunities.

For landlords, every cleared lot or rehabbed home is a potential new investment project. Safer neighborhoods combined with these redevelopment efforts are creating ripe opportunities for a wide range of buyers and renters.

Why This Is Great News for Landlords

Improvements in safety and continued redevelopment make the city an increasingly appealing place to live and invest.

Here’s how landlords stand to benefit from these changes:

• Rising Demand: Detroit is attracting everyone from young professionals to remote workers searching for affordable alternatives to other expensive metros.
• Better Tenant Quality: Safer neighborhoods draw tenants who value stability and community, fostering higher tenant retention rates.
• Appreciating Property Values: With property values climbing 23% in 2023 and another 19% in 2024, houses in revitalizing areas are becoming prized assets.

That said, investors should approach with care. The city's improvements are happening block by block. Identifying the right streets to invest on is critical, so check out our Deep Dive series for a detailed analysis of each Detroit neighborhood.

A Bright Future for Detroit

Safety improvements, economic growth, and dynamic redevelopment projects are reshaping Detroit’s identity and future. From clearing abandoned properties to creating vibrant spaces for work and play, Detroit’s transformation is redefining the opportunities available to landlords.

If you’re ready to explore Detroit’s neighborhoods in detail, for a list of our off-market deals, in-depth guides for housing market trends, and more.