Is Akron Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Updated On January 14, 2022
Akron, United States
Safety Index:
49
* Based on Research & Crime Data
User Sentiment:
80
* Rated 80 / 100 based on 1 user reviews.

Akron, Ohio is one of the largest cities in the state.

Located just south of Cleveland, the city lies in the Great Lakes region and is close to the shore of Lake Erie.

This gives it a unique climate thanks to the wind moving off the lake, making Akron a popular spot for outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, and more.

The city has a long and fascinating history within the art movement and played an important role in abolition and the Civil Rights movement.

These days, Akron is still a highly diverse city.

It has many offerings for arts and culture and also provides connections to nearby destinations in Cleveland, Canton, and the Great Lakes.

Warnings & Dangers in Akron

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Akron is a moderately safe city. It scores significantly lower than many other cities in Ohio and is more dangerous than the average American city. On average, Akron’s average annual rate of crime is 35.02 per 1,000 residents. Property crime is the biggest threat in Akron, with theft and burglary scoring highest. It is also worth noting that safety rates vary widely in different parts of the city.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Akron has many options for transportation, including the Metro bus line and multiple taxi companies. Additionally, the city has the DASH, a free shuttle that operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. in the downtown area. These are generally safe, reliable options, though you should always practice caution while traveling.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Akron does not have a significant rate of reported pickpocketing cases. However, property theft is the highest reported crime in the city, so be sure to guard your belongings when you are on public transport or in a public venue.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Akron is generally a safe place and does not face a frequent threat of natural disasters. However, winter weather may cause dangerous conditions, and the area has been known to experience floods and occasional tornados as well as high winds.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Property theft, robbery, and assault were some of the most highly reported crimes on average in Akron. Robbery, which includes mugging, occurred at a rate of 135.7 per 1,000 people. In contrast, the rate throughout Ohio is 66.9 per 1,000 people.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The risk of experiencing a terrorist attack in Akron is very low. There has never been a reported incident of terrorism in the city; there have been few attacks classified as terrorism in the state of Ohio, with most risks in larger cities such as Columbus and Cleveland.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK: LOW

There is a low risk of being scammed as a tourist in Akron. Most reported scams are through phone calls posing as insurance companies, utility providers, or other entities. Tourists are unlikely to be the target of scams while visiting Akron, though you should always practice caution while traveling.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Women face unique risks when traveling, and should be aware of the threat of rape and physical assault. In Akron, reported rapes occurred at a rate of 108.9 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the national average of 38.4 per 1,000.

Tap Water Risk

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Generally, tap water in Akron is safe to drink. Bear in mind that many buildings in northern Ohio are older than average, which means they may have lead pipes, which can cause tap water to be unsafe. However, this will vary from place to place. As a general rule, Akron’s tap water is potable.

Safest Places to Visit in Akron

Akron is full of safe and interesting places to visit, including historical and cultural sites, restaurants, and more.

During your visit, make sure to visit the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens.

This 3,000-acre historical estate belonged to one of the founders of the Goodyear company.

These days, it serves as a museum where visitors can learn about the history of the house and enjoy the beautiful gardens.

If you enjoy the outdoors, you will want to visit the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm.

This area is located just outside the city, making it a safe alternative to the wider nature preserve, which is more isolated.

Places to Avoid in Akron

Akron consists of 21 distinct neighborhoods.

As in most cities, the neighborhoods vary significantly in terms of safety and crime statistics.

While many of the neighborhoods in Akron are considered very safe, there are a few that are better to avoid.

Here are the top places to avoid during your visit to Akron.

The most dangerous neighborhood in Akron is the University of Akron.

This area ranks highest for violent crime and property theft, with 56 percent more crime reported than the rest of the city.

Other dangerous neighborhoods include Downtown, Chapel Hill, and Lane Wooster.

These have significantly higher rates of crime and also feature dangerous housing, which can be a hazard if you are planning to stay locally.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Akron

  1. Pay attention to your surroundings. Sometimes the simplest advice bears repeating: always remain aware of your surroundings. Regularly check your belongings to make sure your essentials are present and keep an eye out for anything that might signal danger.
  2. Stay in Safe Areas Wherever Possible. It might seem obvious but stick to busy, well-lit areas as much as you can. Avoid isolated places that are far from help. A busy downtown street is better than a quiet alley.
  3. Prepare for the weather. Akron gets higher-than-average precipitation throughout the year, and the cold can be brutal. Make sure to dress for the weather and wear layers whenever possible; it may also be a good idea to learn the signs of frostbite or hypothermia if you plan on spending long hours outside.
  4. Lock up your belongings. Take the time to lock and secure your items whenever possible. That might mean buying items like luggage or bike locks to prepare ahead.
  5. Beware of winter roads. Akron has significant snowfall in the winter and temperatures tend to stay cold for much of the year, leading to icy roads. Be aware of the presence of ice, especially black ice, and familiarize yourself with winter driving safety tips.
  6. Use substances with caution. Drugs and alcohol can lower your inhibitions and make it more difficult to make smart decisions or advocate for yourself. If you decide to imbibe, set a personal limit and abide by it. Stay with friends if possible and have a designated driver to make sure everyone gets home safely.
  7. Travel in groups. Avoid traveling alone whenever possible, especially at night. If you are out in public after nightfall, make sure to stay in a group of people you know and trust. This keeps you from being a prominent target for assault or theft.
  8. Stay in well-lit areas. Well-lit, busy areas keep you safe. Avoid going into isolated or dark spaces where you cannot see what is happening or defend yourself if necessary.
  9. Trust your gut. It can be easy to worry about overreacting but trust your instincts. If something seems suspicious, assume that it is. Always opt for going in a group or calling for help if you feel uneasy.
  10. Hide valuables. Wherever possible, lock or hide your valuables and personal belongings. The trunk of a car is ideal. Don’t leave personal belongings unattended.

So... How Safe Is Akron Really?

Like most other cities, Akron is a mixed bag.

It has 21 distinct neighborhoods, ranging from metropolitan to suburban.

Each of these has its offerings and communities and ranges in terms of safety.

So, while Akron’s overall crime rates are much higher than the national average, you are likely to be very safe in some neighborhoods and more at risk in others.

The general numbers look intimidating: the crime rate for Akron metro is 46.38 out of 1,000 when including both property theft and violent crimes.

In other words, you have a 1 in 106 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Akron and a 1 in 27 chance of becoming a victim of property theft.

Alternatively, the safest neighborhoods in Akron are much safer than the citywide average.

Fairlawn Heights, for example, has an average annual crime rate that is 60 percent lower than Akron proper.

Other safe neighborhoods include Wallhaven, whose crime rate is 52 percent lower, and Merriman Valley at 60 percent.

So at the bottom line:

Akron is a significantly riskier city than the average US city.

However, your safety will vary depending on where in the city you are staying.

As always, practice smart traveling and be aware of your surroundings.

How Does Akron Compare?

CitySafety Index
Akron49
Dallas64
Memphis54
Orlando64
Las Vegas62
San Francisco61
Philadelphia60
Vienna (Austria)88
Hong Kong (China)70
Manama (Bahrain)54
Tianjin (China)67
Brussels (Belgium)60
Shanghai (China)66

Useful Information

Visas

Visas

If you are a United States citizen, you don’t need a visa to travel to Akron. If you are traveling to Akron as a visitor from another country, you can generally enter the country without a visa for tourism. The Visa Waiver Program permits visits of up to 90 days without a visa.

Currency

Currency

Since Akron is located in the continental United States, there is no need to exchange your currency or make any special accommodations in terms of cash. Bear in mind that the Ohio state sales tax is 5.75 percent, though it may be up to 8 percent in some places.

Weather

Weather

Akron is in the north of Ohio, fairly close to the shore of Lake Erie. Its unique location means that it is cooler and wetter than many places in the US. Akron averages 142 inches of precipitation, including snow and rain, every year. Make sure to pack clothes that can handle cool or wet weather, as the climate near the lake can be changeable even during the summer.

Airports

Airports

There are several major airports in the vicinity of Akron. The closest is Akron-Canton Regional Airport, which is located 14 miles from the center of the city. The nearest international airport is Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, which is 43 miles from the city.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can make an enormous difference in your ability to enjoy a trip, no matter where you are headed. It can spell the difference between a minor inconvenience and a life-altering event. Before you hit the road, choose to invest in travel insurance to keep yourself safe while traveling.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Akron Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan -3° C
Feb -2° C
Mar 4° C
Apr 10° C
May 16° C
Jun 21° C
Jul 23° C
Aug 22° C
Sep 18° C
Oct 12° C
Nov 6° C
Dec 0° C
Choose Temperature Unit

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High
°C
1281521262827231693
Low
°C
-6-5-15111618171372-3
High
°F
343646597079828173614837
Low
°F
212330415261646355453627

Ohio - Safety by City

CitySafety Index
Akron49
Ashtabula45
Canton32
Cincinnati48
Cleveland55
Columbus57
Cuyahoga Falls80
Dayton40
Defiance75
Elyria74
Findlay78
Kettering71
Logan78
Lorain67
Mansfield62
Medina71
Middletown76
Parma74
Port Clinton76
Put-in-Bay77
Sandusky76
Tiffin78
Toledo69
Vandalia76
Westerville77
Yellow Springs74
Youngstown52
Zanesville68

Where to Next?

1 Review on Akron

  1. C
    Christopher Predojev says:

    My City

    Ive grew up in Akron and lived in Akron all my life except for the exception of a few years and Akron runs thru your blood. Its in your blood. Its a way of life.. I love Akron, ive lived in every part of the city . Ive been thru and seen it all. Im Proud to be and represent 330.

Akron Rated 4 / 5 based on 1 user reviews.

Share Your Experience

Share
Facebook Pinterest Review
1