Everyone wants to feel safe, whether they move, travel, or live in a specific state.
With a population of 11.76 million as of 2023, Ohio ranks 30th overall in crime versus the rest of the United States and the District of Columbia, placing it in the lower 59 percent (or 30 out of 51: the 50 states plus DC).
But crime rates do not tell the entire story regarding physical and perceived safety.
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Factors Affecting City Safety
Besides property and violent crime rates per 100,000 people, the following issues also affect a given city’s safety index:
- Natural disaster rates for wildfires, flooding, tornadoes, ice, and snow. Ohio has the second-fewest number of declared natural disasters in the United States: 59 since 1953
- Common geological hazards in Ohio: Karst (caves and sinkholes), mine collapses, earthquakes, landslides, and shore erosion.
- Health issues include the number of hospitals per 100,000 people, distance to hospitals and emergency care, maternal death rates, and rates of infectious diseases. For example, Cuyahoga county, which includes Cleveland, ranks 65th out of 88 counties for health outcomes, which include length and quality of life.
- Water quality: The Ohio River, which creates all 451 miles of Ohio’s southern boundary, is the second-dirtiest body of water in the United States. Only the Mississippi River is dirtier.
- Vehicle accident rates: Ohio ranks 24th out of 50 for dangerous driving. Twenty-eight percent of all fatal accidents in Ohio result from speeding, while 42 percent result from impaired driving, which includes driving while intoxicated, sleepy, or using cell phones.
The 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Ohio
In 2019, unfortunately, according to the FBI, Ohio had the dubious honor of having five of the 50 most dangerous cities in the United States.
Moreover, several Ohio cities also topped the crime rate charts in 2022.
Springfield
Not to be confused with the city of the same name in Missouri, Springfield is the tenth-most dangerous city in Ohio, with a crime rate for 2021 of 32.56 per thousand.
However, crime maps do not necessarily reflect danger to residents.
For example, most crime in Springfield occurs in high-traffic areas like parks, shopping centers, and airports, where more tourists congregate.
As a result, residents prefer the northeast section’s lower crime rates rather than the downtown center.
Akron
Although it was America’s 35th most dangerous city in 2019, Akron was only ninth in Ohio for 2021.
Besides its crime rate, Akron has had historical issues with poor water quality, leading to frequent boil orders.
However, Akron water has met or exceeded US EPA and Ohio EPA quality standards since 2020.
Napoleon
As the eighth-most dangerous Ohio city in 2021, Napoleon has a violent crime rate of 35.98 per 1000.
In addition, Napoleon is the home of the world’s largest Campbell’s Soup Company plant and one of Tenneco’s largest Elastomer plants.
One unique feature of the city is the Napoleon Outdoor Refreshment Area, a designated portion of downtown where you may purchase, carry, and consume up to 16 ounces of alcoholic beverage purchased from a participating business in a NORA cup without violating Ohio Open Container laws.
Unfortunately, consequently, nearby residents may encounter intoxicated people who have just departed from the NORA.
Warren
As the seventh-most dangerous city in Ohio, Warren’s crime rate is 38.25 per 1000.
Residents feel that the east side is safest.
However, most crimes tend to occur on the southwest side.
The City of Warren, Ohio, recommends not leaving your vehicle running and unattended while warming it up.
They also warn drivers about the potential for black ice (roads that look wet but are frozen).
Warren advises homeowners to use pick-resistant deadbolts or drop-bolt locks with guard plates.
Keep your gas tank filled when traveling, park under street lights, and lock your car doors.
Moraine
Although it is the sixth-most dangerous city in Ohio, Moraine’s residents find the southeast side of town safest.
Moraine’s crime rate is 41.27 per 1000.
Consequently, the city has amended its nuisance abatement laws to include chronic criminal activity.
Lima
As the fifth-most dangerous city in Ohio, Lima has a crime rate of 47.86 per 1000.
Lima residents consider the northeast section of town the safest.
However, the highest crime rates are in the southeast and inner northwest.
The city participates in the free Bike Guard registry program to help police and residents return found bicycles to their owners.
Mansfield
Having four prisons and a juvenile detention center within minutes of each other, Mansfield is not a place to pick up hitchhikers.
It is the fourth most dangerous city in Ohio, with a crime rate of 48.01 crimes per thousand persons.
Residents consider the southwest section safest, while the southeast, center-north, and center-west areas have higher crime rates.
Even though the city’s water met federal quality guidelines for drinking, the Environmental Working Group found ten contaminants that exceeded health guidelines five times between April 2019 through March 2021.
Toledo
In 2019, Toledo was number 30 for the most hazardous US cities.
Toledo is in third place as the most dangerous Ohio city as of 2021.
The crime rate is 56.42 per 1000 as of 2021.
Residents consider the northwest section of town the safest, while the central area has the highest crime rates.
The Toledo Police Department recommends installing motion detectors, automatic timers, and deadbolts to prevent burglaries.
Toledo Police also recommend notifying the department when you go on vacation.
Canton
Although it did not make the national list in 2019, Canton is the second-most dangerous city in Ohio.
It had 3,944 violent crimes in 2021, with a crime rate of 56.65 per thousand.
Residents find the northwest section safest, while the downtown and northeast areas heading toward Louisville suffer the highest crime rates.
Thirteen percent of Canton, Ohio properties have a 26 percent risk of flooding over the next 30 years.
The most destructive tornadoes Canton experienced were F2 or lower.
Cleveland
In 2019, Cleveland was the 6th most dangerous city in the United States, tied with Little Rock, Arkansas.
However, by February 2022, it had dropped to 7th place.
As of 2022, it has the third-highest rate of murder and aggravated assault among medium-sized US cities (250,000 and 499,999 people).
In addition, it is the most dangerous city in Ohio as of 2021.
Not in the Top 10
From their size, you might expect the following cities to make the top 10 most dangerous in Ohio, but you’d be wrong.
Cincinnati
In addition to being the 22nd most dangerous city in Ohio in 2021, Cincinnati was the 39th most dangerous city in America in 2019, tied with Vallejo, California.
Columbus
Among large cities (populations of 500,000 or more), Columbus has the dubious distinction of having the third-highest rate of forcible rape in the US in 2022.
Nevertheless, Columbus is 20th on the list of dangerous cities in Ohio for 2021, according to data from the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).
Dayton
Dayton was the 29th most dangerous city in the United States in 2019.
It currently holds 12th place in Ohio.
Five Safety Tips for Traveling to Ohio
- Plan your route to avoid dangerous neighborhoods. Most Ohio cities have highways that bypass downtown.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times. For example, avoid poorly lit areas, check under your car and behind your seat before entering, and keep your cell phone fully charged.
- Always be alert for possible credit card skimmers at ATMs and gas stations.
- Alert your credit card company about your travel route before you begin your trip to avoid having your card locked for suspicious activity. Lock your card while traveling and only unlock it when making a purchase.
- Walk with confidence and act as if you know where you are headed. Do not gawk at your surroundings.
Ohio Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Ohio Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors affect a city's safety besides crime?
Natural disaster rates for wildfires, flooding, tornadoes, ice, and snow.
Ohio has the second-fewest number of declared natural disasters in the United States: 59 since 1953.
Common geological hazards
Health issues include the number of hospitals per 100,000 people, distance to hospitals and emergency care, maternal death rates, and rates of infectious diseases.
Water quality: The Ohio River, which creates all 451 miles of Ohio’s southern boundary, is the second-dirtiest body of water in the United States.
Vehicle accident rates: Ohio ranks 24th out of 50 for dangerous driving.
How many of America's most dangerous cities in 2019 were in Ohio?
In 2019, according to the FBI, Ohio had the dubious honor of having five of the 50 most dangerous cities in the United States.
Which Ohio city holds first place for crime?
In 2019, Cleveland was the 6th most dangerous city in the United States, tied with Little Rock, Arkansas.
However, by February 2022, it had dropped to 7th place.
As of 2022, it has the third-highest rate of murder and aggravated assault among medium-sized US cities (250,000 and 499,999 people).
In addition, it is the most dangerous city in Ohio as of 2021.
Is Ohio safe?
Although Ohio has numerous problems, residents feel safe in at least part of each city.
Ohio is not safe 💀
Forgot Youngstown in Ohio!
Despite Ohio’s overall lower crime rate, it’s disconcerting to know that five of the 50 most dangerous cities in the US are here; however, I appreciate how safety measures and awareness can significantly reduce personal risk.