Discover the Safest Cities in Ohio for 2024

Ohio boasts diverse cities and rich history, making it a vibrant place to live and visit. As people seek safe havens, identifying the safest cities in the Buckeye State is crucial. This article explores Ohio's safest cities, highlighting their low crime rates, making them ideal for families and individuals alike.

Top 20 Safest Cities in Ohio 2024

1. Broadview Heights

With a low crime rate and a family-friendly city, Broadview Heights is not a busy place. It does have excellent public service and a strong community to be one of Ohio’s safest places to live.

2. New Philadelphia

We have another safe and welcoming community here, New Philadelphia. It's a crime and peaceful place to live, especially if you have a family.

3. Hamilton Township, Warren County

Hamilton Township has been consistently listed as one of the state’s safer areas. It has pollution-free air, a mix of rural charm and modern amenities, and is suitable for those looking for safety and peace.

4. Olmsted Township

Olmsted Township is also a suburban gem, a small town with a good economy, low crime, and a great community. Perfect for families and retirees, this peaceful area.

5. Montville Township

The community of Montville Township is small, but you can be assured their safety and security are important to them. Due to the low crime rate and friendly residents, it is a great place to live.

6. Bay Village

A low crime rate is something Bay Village is known for. It’s a safe, family-friendly place to live with great schools and parks.

7. Willowick

Willowick is a low-crime and welcoming suburban city. It’s close to Cleveland and close to a big city, which makes it a popular choice for those looking for safety.

8. Brecksville

Livable suburban comfort, combined with natural beauty, is Brecksville. The fact that its police presence is so strong plays a major part in keeping it from being one of the worst cities in Ohio to live in.

9. Parma Heights

Parma Heights is a friendly, small town, with an emphasis on safety and community involvement. It also has low crime rates that make it a good way for families to live.

10. Hudson

Hudson is a historic town famous for its safe neighborhoods. A strong sense of community makes it consistently one of the safest cities in Ohio.

11. Clearcreek Township

Low crime rate and high quality of life characterize Clearcreek Township. It is perfect for those seeking a safe way to escape city life.

12. North Ridgeville

North Ridgeville has grown very fast, yet it is still one of the safest cities in Ohio. However, many families are attracted by its excellent schools, and low crime rates.

13. Westlake

Westlake is a functioning suburban community with an established reputation as safe and with high-quality service. All the same, it's a great place for families or retirees.

14. Springboro

A safe city, Springboro is growing and growing. Its low crime rates and its excellent schools make it a great place to live.

15. Berea

Berea is a small, insular community, safe and peaceful. It has consistently low crime rates and a great quality of life.

16. North Royalton

North Royalton is a safe suburban community with a focus on good family living. It is one of Ohio's safest cities, with an excellent record of its safety.

17. Perrysburg

Perrysburg is both safe and charming, with a mix of history. It has low crime rates and great public services both drawing families and retirees.

18. Aurora

Aurora is a safe place with a reputation for peaceful neighborhoods and strong community values. It's an extremely low crime area so it's an attractive place to live.

19. Avon Lake

Its pretty location, low crime rates, and lakeside appeal make Avon Lake a great place to live. It likewise has an amazing community with great public services as causes to select for families.

20. Mason

Mason is a growing city known for its safety and great amenities. One of the safest cities in Ohio, with the highest quality of life and very low crime rates.

Source: SafeWise

What Crimes Are Ohio Residents Concerned About Most?

Violent crime is below the national average, but property and drug related crimes continue to be problems. In 2022 the crime rate was 23% lower than before and today it marks the lowest in the past 10 years. Crime rates are greater in larger cities, especially urban areas, and some areas have lower rates from the work of communities or enhanced police.

Property Crime

Ohio has 19.7 incidents of property crime per thousand people, slightly higher than the national average. Property crimes are common in places like Cleveland and Cincinnati, so theft and burglary are the biggest concerns.

Violent Crime

Ohio has a violent crime rate of 2.8 incidents per 1,000 people, coming in lower than the U.S. of 4.8. In larger cities, however, robbery, assault, and homicide are the biggest problems, usually in cities with over 125,000 people.

Drug Crimes

The opioid epidemic has resulted in high crime due to drugs in Ohio. In 2022, the state arrested 418 people per 100,000 for drugs, led by heroin and fentanyl distribution in Dayton and Cleveland.

Street Crime Trends

While violent crime in some areas has been declining in Ohio, property crime holds universal appeal. Although problems of motor vehicle theft and vandalism persist, in urban centers, crime prevention measures at the state level are still needed.

Source: lsc.ohio, FBI, Legends Recovery Center

5 Most Dangerous Cities in Ohio

Many cities in Ohio are safe, but some have higher crime rates. Here are the five most dangerous cities in Ohio:

1. Cleveland

Out of Ohio’s cities with crime rates higher than the national average, Cleveland stands among the top. Some parts of the city are more prone to violent crimes such as robbery and assault.

2. Cincinnati

Another city with higher-than-average crime rates is Cincinnati. Among Ohio's most dangerous cities, residents face both violent crime and property crime.

3. Toledo

With higher crime rates particularly in terms of property crimes and drug offenses, Toledo battles. Certain areas are concerned about violent crime.

4. Akron

In the last few years, crime has increased in the Akron area. However, property crime is a major problem for this city, and violent crime, too, is a persistent problem.

5. Dayton

Perhaps noted for being the most dangerous city, Dayton is the last name on the list. For example, it has a particularly high rate of violent crime, assaults, and robberies.

How to Stay Safe in Ohio?

If you know where you live in Ohio, it can be safe if you take some precautions. Here are some tips to stay safe:

Install a Security System

They can install a security system to deter criminals. While cameras and alarms that ring when something goes wrong are a recent innovation, many modern systems come with them. Installing Altas PT Ultra at your property can bring you peace of mind with 4K video footage and Wi-Fi 6 capabilities. Its 360-degree coverage and long battery life with solar features ensure to record every moment.

Be Aware of Your surroundings.

You know what it is, being aware of your surroundings will help you avoid dangerous situations. In a city or rural area, this applies whether you’re walking.

Join a Neighborhood Watch

Ohio neighborhood watch programs are commonplace. Joining one could help get your neighbors to look out for each other, thereby helping your neighborhood to be safe.

FAQs

1. What City in Ohio Has the Lowest Crime Rate?

Ohio’s lowest crime rate, currently, lies in Broadview Heights. Because it is small and heavily involved in its community, it is a safe place to live. The total crime rate here is 93% lower than the national average per 1000 people including both violent and property crimes.

2. What City Has the Worst Crime Rate in Ohio?

With a total crime rate of 53.5 incidents per 1,000 persons, Cleveland has the highest crime rate in Ohio. These figures are contributed to by the large urban population, where, as of October 2024 the crime rates were up to 153% higher.

3. Is Ohio a Safe State to Live in?

Overall Ohio is a safe state to live in. Some cities have higher crime rates than others, but there are plenty of cities that are very safe with very low crime rates.

Conclusion

Ohio is filled with different cities, many of which are safe and some others which struggle with crime. That’s why, by choosing to live in one of the safest cities in Ohio and taking extra steps to protect yourself, you can have all Ohio has to offer, without worrying about its safety.