Top most dangerous cities in Ohio based on crime data

Are you thinking about visiting or moving to Ohio? How safe is Ohio in 2025?

We’ve got you covered! Our blog gives you an in-depth analysis of Ohio’s safety statistics, including a closer look at the cities with the highest crime rates and what these figures mean for residents and visitors.

Ohio’s safety data highlights progress in certain areas while emphasizing ongoing challenges in some cities.

By examining statewide crime trends and the cities identified as the most dangerous based on recent crime data, you can make informed decisions about where to live, work, or visit.

Our findings are rooted in reliable insights from Ohio law enforcement agencies, FBI reports, local housing experts, and legal analysts.

These trusted sources provide a comprehensive perspective on Ohio’s safety climate and the factors contributing to higher crime rates in specific cities.

Safety comparison: Ohio vs. cities in other states

Ohio boasts a lower overall violent crime rate compared to cities such as Memphis, Detroit, and Little Rock, making it one of the safest states for workplace safety.

Comprehensive breakdown of Ohio’s 2023 crime statistics:

Ohio’s safety ranking: 

Ohio ranks 29th out of all 50 states for violent crime, which is impressive for the seventh most populated state in the U.S. 

Ohio’s violent crime rate:

Ohio’s violent crime rate is 2.9 incidents per 1,000 people, which is lower than the national average of 4.8. 

Violent crime rates, including assaults, robberies, and homicides, make up a significant portion of this total, though property crimes like theft and burglary are more prevalent. For example, the theft rate in Ohio is 16.45 per 1,000 people

You can see how violent crime rates in Ohio cities stack up against state and national averages in 2023:

Ohio car thefts: 

• U.S. Peak (June 2023): 31.28 per 100,000
• Ohio Peak (July 2023): 31.09 per 100,000

Ohio homicide rate:

Ohio’s homicide rate reached its highest point in decades in 2020, surpassing the national average. Columbus, in particular, saw a record 175 homicides, driven in part by socio-economic changes from the pandemic.

Crime statistics for Ohio 2023 vs 2024:

A recent report by Amanda Hernández, a journalist who covers criminal justice, highlights significant decreases in violent and property crimes in early 2024 compared to 2023. 

The crime statistics for Ohio from 2023 to 2024 show a mixed picture, influenced by both national and local trends.

According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, the overall crime rates in Ohio reflect broader trends across the U.S. for the year.

In 2023, violent crime rates remained steady, with minor fluctuations in property crime rates across urban and rural areas. 

The National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) indicates that while violent crime rates in Ohio and the U.S. remained relatively constant in 2023, some urban areas saw increases in property crime victimization, particularly with motor vehicle thefts.

Moreover, the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) reports on trends in violent victimization, noting a decline in certain categories, like robbery, but with firearms still involved in a significant portion of violent crimes.

At the state level, Ohio’s Department of Public Safety releases crime data that mirrors these national statistics, providing specific numbers for regional crime trends.

Crime map Ohio 2024:

The crime map illustrates a diverse mix of safe and dangerous areas across Ohio. Some neighborhoods are perfectly safe for walking or living a peaceful life with your children, while other areas are significantly less secure.

Northern Ohio:

According to an FBI report, Cleveland stands out in the northern region as one of Ohio’s most dangerous cities, consistently reporting high rates of violent crimes such as homicides, aggravated assault, and robbery. Cleveland frequently ranks high in national crime statistics​. 

Southern Ohio:

Cincinnati, located in the southern part of the state near the Kentucky border, is another city with notable crime concerns.

While Cincinnati is known for its cultural attractions, some neighborhoods, particularly in the southern and eastern parts, experience higher-than-average rates of violent crime, including shootings and robberies. 

Eastern Ohio:

Youngstown, a city in the eastern part of Ohio near the Pennsylvania border, often reports high crime rates. Known for its post-industrial struggles, Youngstown has faced challenges in economic recovery, leading to higher rates of violent crime, including shootings and aggravated assault.

The city is frequently listed among the most dangerous in Ohio due to its ongoing issues with crime​.

Western Ohio:

Dayton, situated in western Ohio, faces significant crime challenges, particularly with property crime. While Dayton doesn’t consistently rank as high as Cleveland or Youngstown in terms of violent crime, certain neighborhoods experience higher crime rates.

Property crimes such as burglary and theft are common, but Dayton has also seen increases in violent crimes in some areas​

Ohio’s safest neighborhoods:

According to neighborhoodscout, here are the top ten safest cities in Ohio:

• Catawba.
• Benton Ridge.
• Bentonville.
• Buckland.
• Beallsville.
• Bannock.
• Rockbridge.
• Parkman.
• Adamsville.
• Cherry Fork.

Is Ohio safe for tourists?

Ohio is generally safe for tourists, although, like any state, it has areas with varying levels of safety. 

Don Bradbury, born and raised in Cleveland, says:

Cleveland is generally safe during the day, even in less desirable neighborhoods. While some areas like East Cleveland or Warrensville Heights are known for higher crime, the risk is mostly limited to specific side streets. Downtown Cleveland and popular areas like East 4th Street, Ohio City, and Little Italy are safe, well-patrolled, and full of attractions. However, like most places, safety becomes less predictable after dark. Visitors are advised to stick to bustling areas and avoid less frequented spots.

When it comes to tourist safety, large cities like Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus may have higher crime rates, particularly in certain neighborhoods. 

Many suburban areas are notably safer, with cities like Olmsted Falls, Broadview Heights, and Kirtland rated as among the safest in the state.

Is Ohio safe for residents?

When considering whether Ohio is safe for residents, property owners and dealers often look at several factors, such as crime rates, the types of crimes, and local community dynamics.

According to Niche, the top three safest suburbs in Ohio, ranked based on school quality and safety, are:

These suburbs balance academic excellence and community safety, making them ideal for families prioritizing education and secure living environments.

Areas like Avon Lake and Springboro are considered some of the safest, offering low crime rates, good schools, and family-friendly environments. 

On the other hand, larger cities in Ohio like Cleveland and Cincinnati may have neighborhoods that experience higher crime rates.

For instance, crime is notably higher in the southwestern regions of Ohio, where neighborhoods in cities like Cleveland have reported a higher likelihood of property crimes.

Ohio crime trends and root causes:

When analyzing crime data across Ohio’s major cities, it’s important to consider broader influences. For instance, recent discussions, such as those at Senator Jerry Cirino’s border security forum, have emphasized the links between increased human trafficking, drug activity, and violent crime related to border issues.

Is Ohio a safe bet for businesses?

With its position as the gateway between the East and West, Ohio’s central location allows businesses to reach customers from coast to coast. 

Is there a better place to set up shop for nationwide access? We think not. Ohio is also a transportation hub, with major highways, railroads, and airports that facilitate seamless logistics.

Ohio ranks as one of the top states for business in the U.S., with a pro-business climate that attracts entrepreneurs.

The state offers tax incentives, grants, and resources that make it easier to thrive. A 2023 report showed Ohio’s business tax environment ranked in the top 20 nationally.

Top most dangerous cities in Ohio:

A recent study analyzed 2022 FBI crime data to rank cities based on crime rates and the societal cost of crime. Here’s an overview of how Ohio cities performed:

1. Cleveland:

Ranked 8th most dangerous nationally, Cleveland tops the list for Ohio, reflecting significant challenges in both violent and property crime.

A 2020 WalletHub study ranked Cleveland as one of the least safe cities in the U.S., landing at 162 out of 182. It scored poorly in Home & Community Safety and Financial Safety, raising concerns for businesses. 

Other Ohio cities like Toledo (#91), Akron (#105), and Columbus (#147) performed better but still weren’t top-tier.

What does this mean for businesses? It’s a reminder to evaluate local safety conditions carefully. With the right security measures and smart site selection, Ohio’s overall business-friendly perks can still outweigh these challenges.

2. Dayton:

Comes in as the 17th most dangerous city in the U.S., highlighting persistent crime issues.

For businesses, it’s a reminder to consider safety when choosing a location—but with the right measures, Ohio’s business advantages still shine.

3. Toledo:

Ranked 23rd, showing that property and violent crime remain a concern. According to Areavibes, Toledo, OH has a crime rate 83% higher than the national average, with violent crime rates 214% higher. 

The odds of becoming a victim of crime are 1 in 24. While some neighborhoods like Southwyck and West Gate are safer, others near the city center have higher crime rates. 

Toledo’s crime stats do look promising towards the end of 2024! Mayor Kapszukiewicz and Police Chief Troendle reported a 16% drop in homicides and a 12% dip in auto thefts compared to last year. 

While burglaries saw a slight uptick, violent crime is down, thanks to a 93% homicide clearance rate and strong community support with over 1,700 CCTV cameras helping keep the city safe.

4. Cincinnati:

 Placed 33rd, balancing its urban appeal with crime-related struggles.

According to a report by city-data, Cincinnati’s crime stats show a mixed picture, but with some positive trends. In 2022, the crime rate stood at 477, 1.9 times higher than the U.S. average, though this marks a slight drop from previous years. 

While violent crime, including homicides, decreased (with 73 murders in 2022, down from 91 in 2021), property crimes like burglaries and thefts are still a concern. However, there has been a general decline in violent crime and property crime over the past five years. 

The 2024 report shows that the city is making strides in reducing certain types of crime, like robberies and auto thefts:

5. Akron: 

Ranked 39th, facing issues with different types of crime. According to area vibes, here are the most dangerous neighborhoods in Akron:

• University of Ohio (1,282 crimes/100k, 56% above average).
• Middlebury (1,177 crimes/100k, 43% above average).

Francis Hopps says: “While Akron does have a strong police presence, especially around Akron University and busy public areas, there are still significant crime issues. The overcrowding at the Summit County Jail and dangerous areas like South Street and Thornton Avenue, which are especially unsafe at night. The drug problem is also a big concern, with people even driving down from Cleveland to buy drugs.”

What is the government doing to keep Ohio safe?

A report by the Health Policy Institute of Ohio suggests that housing affordability, neighborhood zoning, and other factors contribute to crime. The report also notes that increases in income support can help lower violence. 

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost outlined several challenges linked to the rise in human trafficking, drug proliferation, and violent crime, particularly due to influences from the Southern border. 

Proposed solutions include strengthening local and federal law enforcement collaboration, utilizing advanced technology to disrupt criminal networks, and enhancing public awareness initiatives. 

What can you do to keepkeep your businessbusiness safe from security breaches?

The key to staying safe in Ohio?

Staying safe in Ohio is about being proactive, and one of the most effective ways to do that is through remote video monitoring.

This technology is rapidly gaining popularity for providing 24/7 surveillance of commercial properties.

Remote monitoring systems actively detect and respond to suspicious activities in real-time, effectively preventing incidents such as break-ins and vandalism.

Moreover, Ohio’s local governments are investing in technologies that support law enforcement and community safety programs.

By combining these efforts with surveillance solutions like remote video monitoring, the state is strengthening its crime prevention strategies and enhancing overall security. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Overall Crime Rate: Ohio’s violent crime rate is 2.9 incidents per 1,000 people, lower than the national average of 4.8.

Most Dangerous Cities:

• Cleveland: High rates of violent crime, including homicides and aggravated assaults.
• Youngstown: Struggles with post-industrial crime, particularly shootings and aggravated assault.
• Dayton: Property crimes like burglary and theft are common, with rising violent crime in certain areas.
• Cincinnati: Higher-than-average violent crime rates, especially in southern and eastern neighborhoods.

Safer suburbs:

• Mariemont, South Russell, and Ottawa Hills are among Ohio’s safest, with low crime and family-friendly environments.

Crime Trends:

• A 15% decrease in violent crime in early 2024 compared to 2023.
• Significant decreases in murders (26.4%), rapes (25.7%), and robberies (17.8%).

Regional crime rates:

• Northern Ohio: Cleveland ranks high for violent crimes.
• Southern Ohio: Cincinnati sees higher violent crime in specific neighborhoods.
• Eastern Ohio: Youngstown struggles with violent crime due to economic issues.
• Western Ohio: Dayton faces property crimes and rising violent crime in some areas.

Conclusion: 

Ohio’s safety varies by region, with cities like Cleveland, Youngstown, and Dayton facing higher crime rates, while suburbs like Mariemont and South Russell offer safer environments. 

Despite challenges, Ohio has seen a decrease in crime rates in 2024. For added peace of mind, remote video monitoring can help you and your business feel secure. Contact us today for a customized security solution.