Cincinnati Crime Rate: Key Statistics, Trends, Hotspots and Safety Tips

Moving to a new city is about more than cheap rent and good places to eat. You also want to know what daily life will feel like, especially when it comes to safety. If Cincinnati is on your list, the Cincinnati crime rate is probably one of the first things you’re thinking about.

Cincinnati has a lot to like, with a strong history, local pride, and plenty to do. But safety can look different from one area to another, so the numbers are worth checking. This guide walks through the latest data, points out the safer parts of the city, and shares simple, practical tips to help you make a smart choice.

Cincinnati Crime Rate: The Facts and Figures

To evaluate the crime rate in Cincinnati OH, we turn to the most recent official statistics.

1. Current Crime Rate in Cincinnati

According to 2024 data from the FBI Crime Data Explorer, the city has a distinct profile. With a population of approximately 311,599 and a total of 14,567 reported incidents, Cincinnati has a crime rate of roughly 46.7 offenses per 1,000 residents. However, this overall number can be misleading without context; the data reveals that the overwhelming majority of these incidents are property crimes, not violent acts.

2. Common Types of Crimes in Cincinnati

Breaking down the numbers by category highlights exactly where the risks lie. As shown in the table below, theft is the predominant threat.

How Has Cincinnati’s Crime Rate Changed Over Time?

Analyzing the Cincinnati Ohio crime rate trends helps paint a clearer picture than a single year's data. The city’s 2024 police review shows a mixed pattern. Some things are getting better, while a few problems keep sticking around.

• Long-Term Improvement:Over the long run, Cincinnati is safer than before the pandemic. Violent crime is almost 10% lower than it was in 2019, even though the numbers have moved up and down since then. That matters because it shows the city has not stayed at its worst pandemic level.
• Violent Crime Nuance:The 2024 violent-crime rise needs context. Violent crime went up about 4% last year, but shootings and gun violence actually dropped. The increase came mainly from aggravated assaults, which are serious fights or attacks that do not always involve guns.
• One stubborn issue is car break-ins:Police say about 61% of stolen guns were taken from cars. That usually happens when people leave firearms in unlocked vehicles, making them easy targets. This single problem keeps feeding other crimes.

That swing in theft around cars makes many homeowners want footage that doesn’t miss the lead-up or getaway. A wired NVR setup can help. The eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 Max records 24/7 through PoE cameras, starts with 8 channels and can grow to 16, and stores everything locally on a 2TB drive expandable to 16TB. Built-in AI lets you search quickly for people or vehicles without monthly fees.

Safest Areas and Crime Hotspots in Cincinnati

When asking "Is Cincinnati safe?" the answer depends entirely on where you stand. The city’s safety profile is highly localized; the difference between a secure residential street and a high-crime block can sometimes be just a few minutes' walk.

Safest Neighborhoods in Cincinnati

Several communities consistently rank as secure, offering peace of mind for families and professionals.

• Hyde Park & Mt. Lookout:These areas are statistically among the safest, featuring walkable squares and significantly lower theft rates.
• Sayler Park:Offers a suburban feel within city limits with fewer reported incidents compared to the city average.

Crime Hotspots and Areas of Concern

Conversely, specific zones require higher vigilance. Statistics show that crime is often concentrated in a few specific neighborhoods.

• Downtown & Over-the-Rhine (OTR):While these are vibrant cultural hubs, they experience the highest density of property crimes, particularly theft from autos and larceny, simply due to the high foot traffic and nightlife activity.
• South Fairmount & English Woods:Unlike the city center where theft is the main concern, these neighborhoods historically report higher per-capita rates of violent crime and require extra caution.

Safety Tips for Living in Cincinnati

You can significantly lower your risk of becoming a statistic. Most property crimes are crimes of opportunity—an unlocked door or a dark porch.

• Secure Your Front Door:Your main entry is the primary access point for both guests and intruders. Use Video Doorbells to screen anyone who approaches. The Video Doorbell E340 is effective because it uses two cameras: one looking forward and one looking down, eliminating blind spots so you can see packages on the floor and faces clearly.
• Automate Your Defense:Don't rely on remembering to flip a switch. A comprehensive setup like the eufy ExpertSecure System integrates cameras and sensors into one ecosystem, providing professional-level security that works automatically.
• Lighting:Criminals prefer the dark. Motion-sensor lights are a cheap but effective way to spook potential intruders before they even approach your windows.
• Lock Your Car and Hide Valuables:Since theft from vehicles is a major issue in Cincinnati, the "Clean Car" rule is essential. Never leave bags, laptops, or loose change visible in your car, and double-check that your doors are locked every time you park, even in your own driveway.
• Outdoor Coverage: Side yards, driveways, and back doors are common starting points for break-ins, so it helps to watch more than just the front porch. The eufyCam S44-Cam Kit gives you a wide 4K view of the yard, then auto-tracks and zooms in when someone enters your space, so you can see what’s happening clearly instead of catching a blurry clip after the fact. Solar charging also keeps it running with little upkeep.
• Indoor Check-ins:If someone does get close to your home, knowing what’s happening inside matters just as much. The Indoor Cam S350 makes that easy with sharp 4K detail and a full 360° pan-tilt view, so you can scan a room quickly. Its night vision and AI tracking are handy for late-night alerts, or even for keeping an eye on pets and kids while you’re out.

Conclusion

The Cincinnati crime rate is a reality, and people who live there have to deal with it. But that does not mean you should avoid the city. When you look at the numbers, a useful point stands out: gun violence is going down, even though property theft is still common. Knowing that helps you react in a sensible way instead of feeling stuck in fear.

So, is Cincinnati a safe city? For many people, yes. Safety often comes down to where you live and how prepared you are. Picking a neighborhood that fits your comfort level and using simple security tools, like security cameras at home, can make daily life feel steady and normal in the Queen City.

FAQs

Is Cincinnati, Ohio a good place to live?

Yes, Cincinnati is widely considered a great place to live despite the crime statistics. It boasts a remarkably low cost of living compared to other major US cities, a booming job market, and top-tier cultural amenities like the Cincinnati Zoo and professional sports teams. The key is researching specific neighborhoods to find a community that fits your lifestyle and safety comfort level.

Is Cincinnati or Columbus safer?

Generally speaking, Columbus tends to have slightly lower violent crime rates per capita than Cincinnati, but both cities struggle with property crime. Columbus is much larger geographically, which dilutes its crime statistics. However, Cincinnati's suburban areas often rival the safety of Columbus's best neighborhoods.

Is crime in Cincinnati up or down?

The trends are mixed depending on the specific type of crime. While overall violent crime saw a minor 4% increase in 2024 due to assaults, shootings and gun violence have actually decreased. The city is currently safer than it was in 2019. However, property crimes, particularly thefts from vehicles, remain a consistent challenge that requires vigilance.

What is the safest city in Cincinnati?

When people ask this, they are usually looking for the suburbs within the Greater Cincinnati area rather than a district in the city limits. Statutory cities like Madeira, Montgomery, and Wyoming consistently rank as the safest areas. These communities have their own police forces, highly rated school districts, and significantly lower crime rates than the downtown or central urban districts.