Ohio may be known for its friendly towns and Midwest charm, but not every corner of the Buckeye State feels safe after dark. While some communities offer peace, other cities, including Cleveland and Dayton, face serious challenges.
As more Ohioans consider moving, it’s crucial to learn about the safest and most dangerous cities in Ohio. To make your decision easier, we have listed down Ohio’s most dangerous cities. Read on till the end to learn some tips for staying safe in them.
Is Ohio Safe to Live In?
Overall, Ohio is relatively safe compared to many states, as the FBI data show Ohio’s violent crime rate is about 18% below the USA average. Overall, around 293 violent crimes have been reported per 100k residents. Similarly, you will see the property crime rate of 1551 per 100,000 people in this state.
However, some cities like Cleveland are more dangerous, having an overall crime rate 155% above the national average. Dayton’s crime rate is similarly high.
How We Ranked the Most Dangerous Cities in Ohio?
Based on the FBI’s 2024 Uniform Crime Reports (UCR), we analyzed data from Table 8 – Offenses Known to Law Enforcement by State by City for Ohio. The total crime rate per 100,000 residents for each city was calculated using the following formula:
Total Crime Rate (per 100,000) = (Violent Crime + Property Crime) / Population × 100,000
After calculating these rates, we ranked all Ohio cities from highest to lowest and identified the top 10 most dangerous cities in Ohio. We also took help from the NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes data to make the list.
What Are the 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Ohio Based on Crimes?
After analyzing the table, read the detailed introduction of each of the most dangerous Ohio cities based on the crime statistics from the FBI 2024 Report.
| City | Population | Total Crime Rate per 100K | Violent Crime per 100K | Property Crime per 100K |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | 362,762 | 5,988.0 | 1,561.0 | 4,427.0 |
| Springfield | 57,911 | 5,886.5 | 1,370.7 | 4,515.8 |
| Dayton | 134,857 | 5,350.4 | 1,339.6 | 4,010.8 |
| Canton | 68,725 | 4,579.0 | 1,121.9 | 3,457.1 |
| Warren | 38,395 | 4,527.4 | 1,073.0 | 3,454.4 |
| Lima | 34,552 | 4,127.3 | 758.5 | 3,368.8 |
| Toledo | 263,668 | 3,788.9 | 1,040.7 | 2,748.2 |
| Akron | 188,223 | 3,777.4 | 820.3 | 2,957.1 |
| Mansfield | 47,751 | 3,496.5 | 1,009.0 | 2,487.5 |
| Youngstown | 58,850 | 3,437.7 | 688.2 | 2,749.5 |
What Are the 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Ohio Based on Crimes?
After analyzing the table, read the detailed introduction of each of the most dangerous Ohio cities based on the crime statistics from the FBI 2024 Report.
1. Cleveland
Cleveland consistently ranks at the top of Ohio’s high-crime lists with a very high Crime Index. It has roughly 1561 violent and 4,427 property crimes per 100,000 residents, which is far above state and national levels.
Some platforms report your chance of being a property-crime victim in Cleveland as 1 in 21. Put together, these numbers explain why Cleveland’s quality-of-life score is pulled down by crime despite strengths in healthcare and climate.
2. Springfield
Having a level of crime value of 87.50, you have pretty high chances of being a victim in this city. Its violent-crime counts translate to about 1,370 violent crimes per 100,000 and 4,515 property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Such numbers mean that you will have a 1 in 80 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 21 chance of being a victim of property crime. While living here, avoid isolated residential blocks with vacant housing and parks with low foot traffic at night.
3. Dayton
Dayton’s Crime Index is around 71.51 with a Safety Index around 36.71, signaling notable safety concerns relative to many USA cities. Furthermore, this city reported around 1,605 violent crimes and 5,875 property crimes in the latest FBI-derived year.
FBI data analysis similarly flags elevated property crime, with the chance of property-crime victimization in Dayton as 1 in 21. Those exact metrics help explain why Dayton ranked as Ohio's most dangerous city in safety guides.
4. Canton
Canton’s FBI-derived figures show 827 violent crimes, which is above the national average. Moreover, its 3,887 property crimes indicate that you need special security measures for your home.
In Canton, local storefront vacancy and insufficient street lighting also encourage opportunistic theft. With a total crime rate of about 45 per 1000, this most dangerous Ohio city has a 1 in 19 chance of victimization.
5. Warren
Being a resident of Warren, you have around a 1-in-231 chance of being a victim of violent crime and 1-in-37 of property crime. The total reported incidents include 1073 violent crimes and 3454 property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Although smaller in population, its per-capita crime remains notably high for Ohio. Mostly, vehicle thefts, burglaries, and vandalism are frequent in certain residential corridors.
6. Lima
Lima reports around 758 violent crimes and 3368 property crimes per 100,000 residents, both higher than Ohio’s state average. Its Crime Index sits near 89.29, showing a clear upward trend in criminal activity. Statistically, you have about a 1 in 29 chance of being a property-crime victim in this Ohio’s most dangerous city.
Much of the city’s risk is linked to vehicle theft and break-ins concentrated around downtown. On the other hand, the south side areas should be avoided after dark.
7. Toledo
With a Safety Index of just 31.53, Toledo is mostly ranked among the most dangerous places to live in Ohio. FBI data reports 1040 per 100,000 violent crimes and 2748 per 100,000 property crimes for the most recent reporting year.
Compared to the statewide average, its chance of violent-crime victimization is also pretty high (1 in 88). Overall, Toledo’s crime profile is driven by concentrated drug offenses in specific neighborhoods and economic instability after industrial shifts.
8. Akron
Akron’s latest reports show about 820 violent crimes and 2,957 property crimes per 100,000 residents, placing it well above the national average. Its crime odds roughly translate to a 1 in 33 chance of a property-related incident.
While much of Akron is livable, certain east and south-end neighborhoods should be avoided late at night. Some areas of this most dangerous city in Ohio repeatedly experience armed incidents, which inflates the citywide rates.
9. Mansfield
Mansfield shows about 1009 violent crimes and 2487 property crimes per 100,000 residents, producing a property-crime chance of roughly 1 in 33. Its overall crime level and upward trend earn it a spot among Ohio’s least safe cities.
Issues like vacant housing and frequent vehicle theft make it wise to avoid downtown alleys and low-traffic blocks at night. The situation is even getting worse, as suggested by the “crime-increasing in the last 5 years” score of 90.
10. Youngstown
In Youngstown, the odds of a violent crime victimization are nearly 1 in 149. On top of that, the chances of property crime stand around 1 in 32. Moreover, Youngstown records roughly 688 violent crimes and 2,749 property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Residents here are advised to avoid poorly lit downtown blocks and industrial corridors after sunset due to repeated theft reports. Additionally, decades of deindustrialization and persistent unemployment drive both property and violent crime in this city.
What Are the Main Reasons for High Crime Rates in Ohio Cities?
Cities with high crime in Ohio share common root causes:
- Economic Hardship and Poverty: Many high-risk cities suffer severe poverty. Cleveland’s poverty rate is about 29.3% (nearly 2.5 times the national rate), with 45.5% of children in poverty. Such economic desperation can fuel property crimes and social unrest.
- Under-Resourced Policing: Cities like Cleveland are suffering from police shortages. In 2023, Cleveland lost 87 officers in eight months, straining patrol coverage. Fewer officers and slower response times can embolden offenders.
- Drug and Gang Activity: Opioid and meth abuse has spiked in Ohio, and drug trafficking often brings violence. Cleveland recorded 145 murders in the last year, and many homicides are linked to gang disputes and drug markets. Heavy gang presence also contributes to armed robbery and assaults.
- Urban Decay and Unemployment: Former industrial cities (Youngstown, Warren) faced plant closures and population loss. In such cases, limited job opportunities and deteriorating neighborhoods can lead to higher crime.
How Can You Keep Yourself Safe in the Most Violent Ohio Cities?
Follow these tips if you live in or visit the most dangerous Ohio city:
Tip 1. Avoid Roaming Alone at Night
Reports suggest that 78% of Cleveland residents do not feel safe walking alone at night. In such high-crime areas, you have to limit nighttime travel. If you must go out after dark, stick to populated streets and use rideshare or a trusted driver.
Walking alone at night significantly raises your risk. Always stay in groups when possible and plan your route ahead to avoid dangerous neighborhoods.
Tip 2. Strengthen Your Home Security with eufy Cameras
Installing eufy security cameras can greatly reduce the risk of break-ins, an important step for residents in the most dangerous Ohio cities. For example, the eufyCam 3C is a reliable choice, combining 4K ultra-HD video and BionicMin facial recognition.
Moreover, its year-long battery life and encrypted storage keep your system running smoothly without constant upkeep. Additionally, many models come with AI-driven detection that can distinguish between people and animals, minimizing unnecessary alerts.
Tip 3. Stay Emergency-Ready
To remain protected, save local emergency and non-emergency numbers (police, fire, hospital). When possible, share your daily plans and travel routes with family or friends. Install a personal safety app (like Noonlight or a local safety app) on your phone so you can alert contacts or authorities instantly if you feel threatened.
Tip 4. Protect Your Home with a Smart Security System
Consider upgrading to an advanced system like eufy’s ExpertSecure kit for complete peace of mind. By connecting your HomeBase to cameras, video doorbells, motion detectors, and entry sensors, the system ensures every part of your property is protected.
After you arm the system through the eufy app, it keeps a close watch over your home. If any door or window is opened unexpectedly, you’ll receive an instant alert while the monitoring team reviews the live camera feed.
When the activity is confirmed as a break-in, they’ll immediately contact you and notify local authorities. Even in a power outage or internet disruption, the built-in 24-hour battery and dual 4G LTE backup ensure your home stays continuously protected.
What Are the Safest Cities to Live in in Ohio?
If safety is your top priority, consider moving to these Ohio cities, which have very low violent and property crime rates:
- Kirtland: It ranks among Ohio’s safest cities, with crime rates 98% below national averages. Its tiny population and active neighborhood watch ensure low crime odds.
- Broadview Heights: With crime 96% lower than average and a 37% yearly decline, Broadview Heights stays safe through strong community policing.
- St. Clairsville: This city has only a 1-in-4986 chance of a violent crime and 94% fewer violent incidents than national levels, offering quiet neighborhoods.
- New Philadelphia: It earns an A+ safety rating with minimal violent and property crime rates, supported by good schools and affordable family housing.
- Brook Park: Safer than 87% of U.S. cities, Brook Park’s low crime index and close Cleveland access make it a secure choice with many nearby parks.
Conclusion
While Ohio’s overall crime rates are below national averages, significant hotspots exist. In cities like Cleveland or Dayton, violent and property crime go above the state norm. Understanding local crime statistics can help you identify the most dangerous cities in Ohio.
In crime-heavy areas, you need to combine smart habits with technology to enhance safety. We recommend you install a system like eufy’s ExpertSecure E10 for continuous protection. Its AI alerts and professional monitoring help ensure intrusions trigger instant alarms and responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the poorest city in Ohio?
East Cleveland is widely cited as Ohio’s poorest city, with a poverty rate of around 39.5% and a median household income of just $23,004. Athens and Youngstown also have poverty rates that reach up to 30%.
What Ohio city has the most murders a year?
Cleveland typically leads in total homicides. For example, the most recent FBI data show that Cleveland had 145 murders (about 40 per 100k people) in one year, far more than any other Ohio city.
What is the most dangerous city in Ohio?
Crime rankings consistently name Cleveland as Ohio’s most dangerous city. It has extremely high crime indices, as NeighborhoodScout reports a 64-per-1,000 resident crime rate. So, you have a one in 16 chance of becoming a crime victim.
