If you’re planning your next move and Ohio happens to be on your radar, then this article is just for you. Ohio is a state brimming with vibrant cities, but it’s also home to a few cities that could be considered relatively unsafe.
Ohio is a perfect destination if you’re a fan of stunning state parks, bustling urban centers, and endless cornfields. However, there are certain areas in the state that newcomers should be wary of.
Thankfully, RoadSnacks has done the heavy lifting for you, using the latest FBI crime data on per capita property and violent crimes to identify the cities in Ohio that stand out for their level of danger.
It’s important to remember, though, that even within these cities, safety can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood.
Blaming the residents of these cities for the crime rates wouldn’t be fair. Over the past few decades, Ohio has seen a decline in the significance of its primary industries.
As a result, many people have been moving out of cities like Cleveland and Columbus, heading to coastal cities or Chicago, where there are more opportunities in the tech sector. Additionally, Ohio sits almost directly at the epicenter of the Opioid Epidemic.
So, as you munch on some Skyline Chili and enjoy Buckeyes for dessert, let’s delve into our analysis of the most dangerous cities in Ohio.
Crime By City
| Rank | City | Population | Violent Crimes Per Capita | Property Crimes Per Capita |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canton | 70,124 | 1,428 | 4,864 |
| 2 | Moraine | 6,478 | 663 | 6,606 |
| 3 | Cleveland | 379,121 | 1,656 | 4,070 |
| 4 | Springfield | 58,696 | 575 | 5,134 |
| 5 | Portsmouth | 20,151 | 694 | 4,664 |
| 6 | Dayton | 140,193 | 1,086 | 3,845 |
| 7 | Whitehall | 19,014 | 825 | 4,428 |
| 8 | Mount Healthy | 6,729 | 1,040 | 3,819 |
| 9 | Cincinnati | 304,724 | 892 | 3,683 |
| 10 | Akron | 197,433 | 910 | 3,530 |
| 11 | Butler Township | 7,816 | 294 | 7,267 |
| 12 | Springfield Township, Summit County | 14,507 | 386 | 4,680 |
| 13 | Toledo | 271,237 | 1,006 | 2,893 |
| 14 | Columbus | 911,383 | 555 | 3,130 |
| 15 | Zanesville | 25,136 | 322 | 3,477 |
| 16 | Nelsonville | 5,102 | 372 | 3,234 |
| 17 | Euclid | 46,272 | 518 | 2,867 |
| 18 | Sidney | 20,372 | 490 | 2,891 |
| 19 | Springdale | 11,160 | 492 | 2,858 |
| 20 | Newark | 50,625 | 274 | 3,452 |
| 21 | Heath | 11,015 | 245 | 4,058 |
| 22 | Warren | 38,462 | 449 | 2,789 |
| 23 | Circleville | 14,113 | 233 | 3,890 |
| 24 | Kenton | 8,163 | 294 | 2,842 |
| 25 | Trotwood | 24,399 | 647 | 2,438 |
| 26 | Lancaster | 40,700 | 248 | 2,977 |
| 27 | Reynoldsburg | 38,600 | 354 | 2,461 |
| 28 | Lorain | 63,831 | 506 | 2,365 |
| 29 | Logan | 7,007 | 185 | 4,695 |
| 30 | Washington Court House | 14,076 | 269 | 2,678 |
| 31 | Middletown | 48,814 | 301 | 2,396 |
| 32 | Wellston | 5,489 | 291 | 2,459 |
| 33 | Wilmington | 12,353 | 242 | 2,825 |
| 34 | Wooster | 26,424 | 264 | 2,501 |
| 35 | Oregon | 20,026 | 214 | 2,886 |
| 36 | Barberton | 25,890 | 251 | 2,514 |
| 37 | Van Wert | 10,659 | 281 | 2,373 |
| 38 | Napoleon | 8,148 | 233 | 2,761 |
| 39 | South Euclid | 21,179 | 278 | 2,346 |
| 40 | Niles | 18,070 | 221 | 2,767 |
| 41 | Xenia | 27,095 | 276 | 2,170 |
| 42 | Alliance | 21,356 | 220 | 2,547 |
| 43 | Perry Township, Stark County | 28,005 | 282 | 1,896 |
| 44 | North College Hill | 9,269 | 204 | 2,556 |
| 45 | Beachwood | 11,547 | 164 | 3,152 |
| 46 | Northwood | 5,458 | 201 | 2,491 |
| 47 | Cheviot | 8,195 | 183 | 2,782 |
| 48 | Reading | 11,024 | 199 | 2,440 |
| 49 | Miami Township, Montgomery County | 29,125 | 209 | 2,331 |
| 50 | Fremont | 15,841 | 138 | 3,440 |
The Most Perilous Cities In Ohio For 2023
- Canton
- Moraine
- Cleveland
- Springfield
- Portsmouth
- Dayton
- Whitehall
- Mount Healthy
- Cincinnati
- Akron
We scrutinized 220 cities in Ohio, employing the most recent FBI crime data to identify which Ohioan cities were most likely to make you reassess your home security.
And the city that tops the list as the most dangerous place in Ohio for 2023?
That dubious honor goes to Canton, Ohio, ranking as the most dangerous city in the state.
1. Canton
Starting our list with a bang is Canton, known as the most dangerous place to live in Ohio for 2023. This city, with a population of 70,124, is situated roughly 20 miles south of Akron.
With the third highest burglary rate in the state, we can only hope the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton has sufficient security for its exhibits. In 2020, residents had a 1 in 20 chance of falling victim to a property crime.
Sadly, the challenges don’t end there for Canton. It suffered the third highest rate of rape cases in the state, and its overall violent crime rate ranks second.
- Population: 70,124
- Rank Last Year: 1 (No Change)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,428 (Second most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,864 (Fifth most dangerous)
2. Moraine
Part of the Dayton Metro Area, Moraine, with a modest population of 6,478, is the second most unsafe place to live in Ohio.
In reality, Moraine had the second highest overall crime rate in Ohio for 2020, primarily due to the second highest rate of property crime in the state.
Sadly, Moraine’s crime woes extend beyond property. The city also had the 14th highest murder rate in Ohio for 2020.
- Population: 6,478
- Rank Last Year: 2 (No Change)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 663 (Tenth most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 6,606 (Second most dangerous)
3. Cleveland
Ohio’s second most populous city, Cleveland, known for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, is also one of the riskiest places to live in the state.
In 2020, Cleveland once again had the highest violent crime rate in Ohio, with residents facing a 1 in 60 chance of being assaulted. This includes the highest murder rate and the ninth highest rate of rape cases in the state.
Moreover, Cleveland’s ranking for property crime was worse this year compared to last. However, don’t dismiss the entire city because of this; there are still many safe neighborhoods in Cleveland.
- Population: 379,121
- Rank Last Year: 3 (No Change)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,656 (Most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,070 (11th most dangerous)
4. Springfield
Located about 30 minutes northeast of Dayton, Springfield is the fourth most dangerous city in Ohio. In 2020, Springfield witnessed approximately two burglaries per day, resulting in the second-highest burglary rate in the state.
Overall, Springfield residents had a 1 in 19 chance of experiencing theft or property damage.
If you want to escape the crime-ridden streets of Springfield, a visit to Buck Creek State Park might be a good idea… just remember to bring a friend and be back before nightfall.
- Population: 58,696
- Rank Last Year: 7 (Up 3)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 575 (12th most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,134 (Fourth most dangerous)
5. Portsmouth
Portsmouth, a town located in the south-central part of Ohio across the river from Kentucky, was known for its shoe and paving brick manufacturing in the early 20th century. This industrial foundation led to a significant population growth from the late 19th to early 20th century.
However, the current population of 20,151 is less than half of its peak prior to the Great Depression. This decline, driven by economic upheaval, has led to numerous challenges, including a rise in crime. The rate of burglaries is notably high, with 177 incidents reported in a year.
- Population: 20,151
- Rank Last Year: –
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 694 (Ninth most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,664 (Eighth most dangerous)
6. Dayton
Next up is Dayton, the sixth-largest city in Ohio. Dayton had the fourth-highest burglary rate in the state in 2020 and averaged about two car thefts a day.
We can only hope that no one attempts a Grand Theft Auto-style heist at the Air Force Museum or the Packard Museum.
Violent crime is even more prevalent in Dayton — the city had the second-highest murder rate in Ohio, with about one murder each week, on average. Dayton also had the 14th-highest rate of rape cases in the state and the third-highest overall violent crime rate.
- Population: 140,193
- Rank Last Year: 8 (Up 2)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,086 (Third most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,845 (14th most dangerous)
7. Whitehall
Whitehall, a Columbus suburb, is next on our list of the most dangerous cities in Ohio. Whitehall has some of the highest violent crime rates in the state, including the 24th highest murder rate. That equates to a murder every other month, a staggering amount for a city of just 19,014 people.
Property crime also ranks tenth highest in the state, with approximately three incidents happening each day on average.
On a brighter note, you can escape from all this crime by spending a relaxing day at the nearby Franklin Park Conservatory.
- Population: 19,014
- Rank Last Year: 4 (Down 3)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 825 (Eighth most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,428 (Tenth most dangerous)
8. Mount Healthy
Mount Healthy is a Cincinnati suburb, but its high crime rate disqualifies it from being one of Cincinnati’s top suburbs.
While Mount Healthy may sound like an ideal place to maintain good health, with its abundance of great parks, it’s best not to stay out alone after dark.
The most significant threat in Mount Healthy is property crime, ranking as the 15th highest in Ohio. In 2020, residents had a 1 in 26 chance of experiencing theft or property damage.
- Population: 6,729
- Rank Last Year: 10 (Up 2)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,040 (Fourth most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,819 (15th most dangerous)
9. Cincinnati
While the Cincinnati Zoo may be home to lions, tigers, and bears, it turns out the city’s streets are truly dangerous.
Cincinnati had the third-highest murder rate in Ohio in 2020, averaging over one murder per week. Overall, Cincinnati residents had a 1 in 112 chance of being assaulted over the year.
In addition, 1,506 cars were stolen and 2,322 burglaries were reported. A significant portion of these crimes occur in Cincinnati’s worst neighborhoods, so steering clear of these areas is advised.
- Population: 304,724
- Rank Last Year: 6 (Down 3)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 892 (Seventh most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,683 (16th most dangerous)
10. Akron
Akron, the birthplace of NBA superstar LeBron James, is also known as the place where fellow NBA star Stephen Curry was born. Baseball legend Thurman Munson and famous bands like Devo and The Black Keys also hail from Akron.
Despite this illustrious history, these celebrities have moved out to seek fame and fortune elsewhere. Why? Well, the city has its share of problems, including high poverty rates and daunting crime levels. In fact, Akron is the tenth most dangerous place in Ohio. It has high rates of arson, car thefts, and rapes, not to mention the 47 murders reported annually.
- Population: 197,433
- Rank Last Year: 15 (Up 5)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 910 (Sixth most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,530 (18th most dangerous)
Methodology Of Research
The methodology for determining the most dangerous cities in Ohio for 2023 involves using the latest data from the FBI, specifically the 2020 Crime In The United States Report.
Here’s a detailed look at the methodology used:
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: This criterion focuses on the number of violent crimes (including murder, rape, robbery, and assault) committed per person in a given city.
- Property Crimes Per Capita: This criterion looks at the number of property crimes (including burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson) committed per person in a given city.
To ensure a fair comparison, only Ohio cities with a population of over 5,000 were considered. This resulted in a list of 220 cities.
Each city was then ranked from 1 to 220 for both criteria, with a #1 ranking being the most dangerous.
The two rankings were then averaged to create a “Dangerous Index”, with the city having the lowest index being deemed the most dangerous. In the case of ties, the city with the smaller population was ranked as more dangerous.
Based on this analysis, Canton was identified as the most dangerous city in Ohio for 2023. It’s important to note that this does not imply that Canton is entirely unsafe or comment on the people living there.
Cleveland, Dayton, and Cincinnati also ranked in the top ten most dangerous cities in Ohio.
On the other end of the spectrum, the safest cities in Ohio include
- Poland Township
- Powell
- Brecksville
- Indian Hill
- Canfield
- Avon Lake
- Clearcreek Township
- Sagamore Hills
- Broadview Heights,
- Olmsted Township
FAQ
Which neighborhoods in Canton are the most dangerous?
While the specific neighborhoods aren’t mentioned in the data provided, it’s important to note that crime is distributed unevenly across the city. Some areas will have higher crime rates than others. Local law enforcement and community resources can provide more detailed, up-to-date information about crime in specific neighborhoods.
What are the main types of crime in Canton?
In Canton, both violent crimes and property crimes are prevalent. Violent crimes include offenses like assault, robbery, rape, and murder. Property crimes involve instances of burglary, theft, car theft, and arson.
Which other cities in Ohio have high crime rates?
Besides Canton, other cities in Ohio with notably high crime rates include Moraine, Cleveland, Springfield, Portsmouth, Dayton, Whitehall, Mount Healthy, Cincinnati, and Akron. These cities have high rates of violent crimes, property crimes, or both.
What are the safest cities in Ohio?
The safest cities in Ohio, based on the available data, are Poland Township, Powell, Brecksville, Indian Hill, Canfield, Avon Lake, Clearcreek Township, Sagamore Hills, Broadview Heights, and Olmsted Township. These cities have significantly lower crime rates compared to the state average.
What are the main types of crime in Cleveland?
In Cleveland, the largest city in Ohio, the main types of crime are violent crimes, including assault, robbery, rape, and murder. In fact, Cleveland had the highest violent crime rate in Ohio in 2020. Property crimes, including burglary, theft, and car theft, are also prevalent.
What are the most dangerous neighborhoods in Cleveland?
While specific neighborhoods aren’t mentioned in the data provided, crime rates can vary greatly within a city. Some neighborhoods in Cleveland may have higher crime rates than others. Local law enforcement can provide more detailed information about crime in specific neighborhoods.
What is the methodology used to determine the most dangerous cities?
The methodology used involves analyzing the latest FBI crime data, specifically focusing on violent crimes per capita and property crimes per capita. Cities are ranked based on these rates, and an average rank is calculated to determine the “Dangerous Index”. The city with the lowest index is deemed the most dangerous. Only cities in Ohio with a population of over 5,000 are considered in this analysis.
How frequently is the data updated?
The data is updated annually, with the most recent data coming from the FBI’s 2020 Crime In The United States Report. The results will be updated once the 2021 data becomes available in September 2022.
Is there a connection between economic factors and crime rates in Ohio?
While not explicitly stated in the data, it is known that economic factors can influence crime rates. For example, cities that have experienced significant economic upheaval or decline, such as a loss of major industries, may see an increase in crime rates. This is likely due to factors such as increased poverty and unemployment.
Final Words
In conclusion, while Ohio certainly has a great deal to offer in terms of culture, natural beauty, and rich history, potential new residents should be mindful of the varying safety levels in different cities. Canton, Moraine, and Cleveland top the list of the most dangerous cities in Ohio for 2023, mainly due to high rates of both property and violent crimes. However, it’s crucial to remember that crime rates can vary greatly within cities, and some neighborhoods may be safer than others.
On the other hand, cities like Poland Township, Powell, and Brecksville exemplify the safer side of the state, boasting significantly lower crime rates than the state average. Ohio’s economic transition and the struggles of certain cities do play a role in these discrepancies, but it’s not a deterministic factor, as seen in the growth and safety of other regions.
