Is Kettering Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Updated On November 4, 2023
Kettering, United States
Safety Index:
71
* Based on Research & Crime Data
User Sentiment:
90
* Rated 90 / 100 based on 2 user reviews.

Southeast of Dayton, Ohio, sits the dense suburban community of Kettering, with almost 60,000 residents.

Kettering’s story begins with its establishment in the early 19th century, and over the years, it has evolved into a place well-known for its influence in electronics, technology, and aviation.

It’s not the most exciting community if you’re looking for a big tourist area, but it’s close enough to Dayton that you can get a little bit of everything.

The city is home to picturesque parks like Gazebo Gardens, Delco Park, and Indian Riffle Park, offering beautiful green spaces for relaxation and outdoor recreation.

The recently renovated Rosewood Arts Centre stands as a testament to Kettering’s commitment to the arts, providing a space for creativity and cultural enrichment.

One of Kettering’s claims to fame is its connection to Rob Dyrdek, the skateboarding legend and TV personality.

Dyrdek graduated from high school here before he went into professional skateboarding and then into fame with Rob & Big, then Ridiculousness.

Skateboarding fans will find a huge space left as a legacy by Dyrdek, and here’s a hint – bring your board.

Kettering definitely has a suburban vibe and was once the fastest-growing city in the state.

With interstates nearby and easy access to Dayton, there are a lot of benefits to this safe and quiet community.

Whether you’re exploring the art scene, enjoying the serene parks, or simply savoring the local cuisine, Kettering offers a warm and welcoming environment for travelers.

Warnings & Dangers in Kettering

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The overall risk is low, but there are a few hot spots for crime we need to discuss. You shouldn't have concerns about visiting Kettering.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Check out the Dayton Regional Transit Authority to see if the fixed-route options work for your travel needs. Rideshares, taxis, and rental cars are easy to find here. All options are a low risk.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Just four purse snatchings have been reported in the past five years, and 2022 had no reports of pickpockets or purse snatchings. The risk is low, as is the theft rate when compared to the national average.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

You get a mixed bag of weather throughout the year, so treat this as a medium risk. Winters can get blizzards, ice storms, and snow storms. Conditions can be blinding or dangerously cold at times. Spring brings the risk of severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, and that risk runs through the summer.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Robberies are down 83% since 2015, with just six reported in 2022. That's a low risk. However, don't let your guard down in any city you visit.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There's no reason Kettering would be a potential target, but in a larger city like Dayton, it's always wise to report suspicious activity. The Homeland Security Department also issues Terrorism Advisory Bulletins throughout the year for an overview of concerns in the country.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Scams here are targeted at residents, but the Better Business Bureau in Dayton should have a list of the most common scams. The police will also post new reports on social media. It helps to know the signs of common scams to keep the risk low.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

This is another low-risk, but you'll still need to use all the same safety steps as you would in a place with a higher risk. Keep in mind the risk levels could change when you leave Kettering.

Tap Water Risk

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The Water Quality Reports and other helpful information come from Montgomery County. There's a low risk in the water supply, but it's helpful to know what to do in case of a boil order or water main break. All of that is detailed on the county's website under "Water Quality."

Safest Places to Visit in Kettering

Kettering doesn’t have a tourism website, but you can use the Dayton CVB website to find options in the region.

There is also a section on Kettering.

I don’t want to mislead you – there’s not a lot to do for tourists in this city.

You’ll likely have to head to Dayton for a more robust list of things to do.

To see what’s going on at local parks, check out PlayKettering.org.

A seasonal guide is posted with a list of activities, making this one of the best resources to explore outdoor spaces in Kettering.

Catch a live performance at The Fraze Pavilion.

This outdoor amphitheater hosts concerts, shows, and events, providing an excellent entertainment option.

This is one of the biggest attractions in Kettering.

The Rosewood Arts Center has rotating exhibits, classes, and activities throughout the year.

You can check the schedule to see if anything piques your interest.

There are several drop-in studio options for those who will just be here for a few days.

The center underwent renovations in 2023, and this is now a spot more popular than ever!

Hills & Dales MetroPark is filled with wooded trails to explore and even includes a historic feature known as “Frankenstein’s Castle.”

It’s also where the city golf course is located.

Kettering also has the Adventure Reef Water Park for a great way to cool off on the hot and humid summer days.

Local celebrity Rob Dyrdek created a Skate Plaza here as a model for a franchise that spread nationwide.

It’s 40,000 square feet and a great place for skateboarders to try their skills, but it’s also designed to allow fans to watch the antics.

Just five miles from Kettering is Carillon Historical Park, a historical treasure of information from pioneers to the Wright Brothers to geological history in the region.

You’re also one of the closest Dayton communities to Caesar Creek State Park, with a beach, lake, and trails.

Places to Avoid in Kettering

There aren’t dangerous neighborhoods or parts of town too dangerous to visit in Kettering.

You really don’t need to avoid any section of town.

You also won’t find any hotels in Kettering, as it’s a dense suburban area.

If you look at a map, you’ll see that I-75 and I-675 scoop around the bottom of the region where Kettering is.

Those interstates have plenty of hotels.

I guess that’s one reason you might want to avoid Kettering unless you really need to visit there.

You’ll have to drive at least a short distance to get there, and you won’t find a lot of activity in this suburb.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Kettering

  1. Kettering does have its own police department. Follow them on Facebook @KetteringOhioPD to get updates before and during your trip. For specific questions, email kettering.police@ketteringoh.org or call (937) 296-2555.
  2. The police department posts weekly blotters that summarize criminal activity and arrests from the previous week. It’s a great way to stay on top of crime trends. While you’re looking at that on the website, review the previous year’s annual report and the strategic plan for the current year. You’ll get an inside look at crime and safety in the community.
  3. Kettering uses the CodeRED system to send emergency alerts. You can sign up for free, and it just takes a few minutes. You’ll get emergency notifications about severe weather and urgent public safety issues.
  4. The city of Kettering has a lot of helpful information on its YouTube page, @@cityofkettering8104. You can learn about how the city plans and plots to clear streets before and after a snowstorm. There are also videos about the major attractions and annual events.
  5. Dayton has a free tourism app called “Visit Dayton.” It will include activities and events in Kettering as well as across the region.
  6. Kettering had to add a new area code due to growth in the area. That means any number you dial here will come with a prefix of 937 or 826. You will need to dial the entire phone number with the area code to be connected.
  7. The city is a popular place for bicyclists, with nearly 20 miles of roads and paths designated to be bicycle-friendly. You should be aware of this when driving. If you’re riding a bicycle, please review the laws before you arrive. Overall, bicycles are held to the same requirements as vehicles on the road.
  8. Fishing licenses are required for every angler, even those from out of state. You can purchase that on the Ohio Department of Fish & Game website. Be sure to get a non-resident license. A hunting license requires much more safety training.
  9. To track traffic in the region, use the Ohgo website or app. This helps by showing real-time traffic, construction zones, and weather conditions at your destination. You can also view live cameras along the route.
  10. Places like Kettering that get such cold weather in winter can also get major potholes on the roads come springtime. You can report a new pothole by calling (937) 296-2472 or filling out the online form under Public Services through the Kettering website.

So... How Safe Is Kettering Really?

Kettering is, by and large, a safe suburb of Dayton.

The violent crime rate is 82% lower than the state average.

A minuscule percentage of violent crimes happen against strangers – most are among people who know each other.

Theft rates are 21% lower than the national average, and 12% of thefts are related to car break-ins or accessory thefts.

The local police work with the community members to mark catalytic converters to reduce the risk of those being stolen.

On concerning theft rate is a statewide issue – motor vehicle thefts.

Since 2018, vehicle theft has been up 85% and now stands at more than seven thefts a month.

It’s more important than ever to lock your car, don’t leave the keys inside, and remove all valuables when you park.

Kettering hits this wonderful sweet spot where it’s not full of poverty and crime, but it’s also not so safe and affluent that “average” people would feel out of place.

It’s a friendly community where it’s safe to walk around at night (with proper safety steps, of course).

The only challenge is that there isn’t much to do in Kettering proper, so you’ll likely be heading to Dayton, which has its own list of crime concerns and great reasons to visit.

How Does Kettering Compare?

CitySafety Index
Kettering71
Philadelphia60
Houston59
Atlanta58
St. Louis58
Los Angeles56
Oakland57
La Paz (Bolivia)52
Sao Paulo (Brazil)45
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)43
Sofia (Bulgaria)73
Siem Reap (Cambodia)63
Phnom Penh (Cambodia)61

Useful Information

Visas

Visas

To access the country, international travelers are required to obtain a visa or a visa waiver. The U.S. State Department website contains detailed information about visa waiver eligibility. You'll also need a valid passport.

Currency

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar is accepted as currency. You can use credit cards for most purchases, which is also a great way to have better fraud or theft protection. Currency exchange options include banks (if you're a member) or ATMs. Dayton's airport does not have currency exchange options.

Weather

Weather

You can dress casually and comfortably here, but be ready with various layers since temperatures can fluctuate. Winters will be cold and snowy at times. Summers will be hot and humid. You'll want bug spray and sunscreen.

Airports

Airports

Dayton International Airport is just 20 minutes north of Kettering. You can get to the larger Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in an hour.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

For getaways to destinations prone to weather disturbances, travel insurance is always advisable. Don't overlook supplementary health insurance if your coverage is in your home country only. Confirm rental car policies protect you fully in case of any accidents or emergency roadside needs.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Kettering Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan -3° C
Feb -1° C
Mar 5° C
Apr 11° C
May 18° C
Jun 23° C
Jul 25° C
Aug 24° C
Sep 20° C
Oct 13° C
Nov 6° C
Dec 0° C
Choose Temperature Unit

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High
°C
241017232830292618114
Low
°C
-7-5-15121719181371-4
High
°F
363950637382868479645239
Low
°F
192330415463666455453425

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?

2 Reviews on Kettering

  1. D
    Denny Crawford says:

    Be aware of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar areas. Secure valuables and avoid leaving belongings unattended.

  2. J
    John Philip Tucker says:

    Travelers often find Kettering to be a safe and welcoming destination, enjoying its parks, recreational facilities, and community events. I miss this place!

Kettering Rated 4.5 / 5 based on 2 user reviews.

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