Is Medina Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Medina, Ohio, is a small town with a big personality.

In fact, it’s amazing Medina is still around for me to write about, considering how many times in its history it burned down.

That heritage is preserved through several history museums, including two dedicated to the firefighting of yesteryear.

Beyond that, this city oozes with charm.

It’s an All-American City, with a town square and local shops that make you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie.

At the same time, it’s just 30 minutes from the major metropolitan areas of Cleveland and Akron.

Even Cuyahoga Valley National Park is just a half-hour away.

You can also experience the Amish communities in the greater Medina County.

The homemade food and home goods are worth a drive to the country.

Medina’s captivating history, combined with its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and historic districts, makes it a remarkable destination for those seeking a glimpse into the past.

The town’s commitment to preserving its heritage is apparent in its lovingly restored buildings and museums, which transport visitors to another time.

Warnings & Dangers in Medina

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in this small town with crime rates that are uncharacteristically low. You'll find some unique places to visit, but you will likely need to expand to the county to find more things to do.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Check out Medina County Public Transit to see if the routes fit your needs. To be honest, you'll likely need a rental car if you want to explore as much as possible. Taxis and rideshares will be available, even to get to Akron or Cleveland.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

The city had no pickpockets or purse snatchings in 2022, but the previous four years had 17. The risk is low, but it's not historically as low as it appears.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

This is a medium risk due to all the weather that happens throughout the year. The good news is that most storms will come with ample advance warnings. Spring brings thunderstorms and tornado season, with dangerous winds and lightning. Flash flooding is also a risk. Winter can bring a glut of snow, ice, blizzards, or dangerously cold temperatures.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The city hasn't seen more than five robberies in a year going back to 2016, so this is another low risk.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is a low risk as this small town is mostly rural, especially as you head west. The larger cities nearby would be at a higher risk but also come with higher safety standards.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Scams here are largely against residents, not tourists. My only caution would be for you to avoid assuming this safe, small, nice town is full of good people. If someone is using a common scam tactic, like pressuring you to purchase something or giving you a sad story about not being able to pay bills, that should be a red flag. Check the police department's social media sites for the newest scams.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Medina is a great place for women of all ages to explore, and even solo travelers should feel comfortable here. Don't let your guard down, but you also shouldn't have worries beyond basic personal safety standards.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The Water Quality Report for 2023 shows mostly full compliance and transparency about some testing issues. In the event there is an issue, the city would send out alerts. We'll tell you how to sign up for those in a little bit.

Safest Places to Visit in Medina

The tourism website for Medina is VisitMedinaCounty.com, which means you’ll get attractions for the entire county.

You can download a free tourism guide on the website, and you don’t have to give personal information like a phone number or address to do so.

That’s always a safe step in my book because I hate getting spam calls and emails when I just want some basic information.

There’s a lot of history to explore in Medina.

Start by walking around Medina Squire, with the essence of a Hallmark movie and a typical American town square surrounded by locally-owned businesses.

Step into history at the John Smart Home Museum & Research Center, a beautifully restored 19th-century residence.

This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of a bygone era, with period-accurate furnishings and exhibits that highlight the region’s heritage.

The McDowell-Phillips House Museum is a historical gem that takes you on a journey through Medina’s past.

This beautifully preserved Victorian-era mansion provides a window into the lifestyle of the affluent in the late 19th century, complete with ornate architecture and period-appropriate furnishings.

The city offers two locations where you can learn about the history from a firefighting perspective.

For a deeper understanding of Medina’s history, the Town Hall and Engine House Museum is a must-visit.

Delve into the town’s fire department heritage with antique firefighting equipment, engines, and engaging exhibits that offer a unique perspective on Medina’s past.

The Little Wiz Fire And Historic Medina Museum showcases antique fire equipment, as well as exhibits that highlight the town’s evolution through the years.

While very similar, the museums do have their own unique firefighting elements.

Antique enthusiasts will find a treasure trove of collectibles and vintage items at Brothers Antique Mall.

Explore a vast array of antiques, from furniture to memorabilia, as you browse through the extensive collections in this welcoming and nostalgic setting.

If you’re looking for family-friendly excitement, Jurassic Mountain Family Fun Park is a dinosaur-themed adventure.

Explore life-sized dinosaur replicas, embark on a thrilling zip line journey, and engage in interactive educational activities that transport you back to the prehistoric age.

The city also has 800 acres of parks split between 12 locations.

Places to Avoid in Medina

You won’t need to worry about bad parts of town or dangerous neighborhoods here.

It’s a small, safe town with plenty of places to explore safely and without concern.

If you do venture into Amish Country, you should avoid trying to take photos of the Amish.

They are not comfortable having photos taken due to their beliefs, and it’s an offensive thing to do from their perspective.

While taking scenic photos is fine, don’t focus on people or include families, children, and groups of Amish in any photos.

For those looking for hotels, your only options will be on the east side of town near the interstate.

In town, you’ll find a handful of bed and breakfast-hotels or local inns.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Medina

So... How Safe Is Medina Really?

Medina is a safe community with violent crime rates that are 79% lower than the national average and 71% lower than the state average.

Theft has dropped 63% since 2013 on top of currently being 56% lower than the national average.

Most of the thefts fall into that “All Other” category, which could be items stolen from a yard or campsite.

About 12% were related to car break-ins, so always lock your doors and remove all personal items.

One of the biggest recent crime sprees was vandalism against the Amish, which was considered a hate crime.

“They’re throwing them through windows, throwing them hitting the house, breaking siding,” Detective Sergeant Larry Covy said.

“They’ve damaged a couple of roofs from those items, just kind of odd, weird, things.

Our biggest fear is that at some point.

Someone’s going to get hurt with this, especially throwing the railroad spikes through windows.

If there’s a small child, even an adult gets hit with one of those things, it can cause some damage.”

There’s always a risk of feeling *too safe in a community and letting your guard down.

Don’t do that.

Keep the same common sense and safety practices you would in any new city when visiting the small town of Medina.

How Does Medina Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

To visit the country, international travelers need to obtain a visa or a visa waiver. The U.S. State Department website provides a comprehensive guide to determine your eligibility for a visa waiver. A passport is also required, and make sure it doesn't expire within six months of your departure date.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar is used here. While most items can be purchased using credit cards, some Amish stores might only accept cash. You can exchange currency at any bank where you are a member.

Weather

Plan for four robust seasons and pack according to the season of your visit. Fall and spring will require several different layers to keep up with changing temperatures. Bug spray is needed from spring through fall. Wear comfortable shoes and pack casual clothing. This isn't a place where you need to dress up.

Airports

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is the largest and closest airport, less than 30 minutes away. You can use the currency exchange at the airport.

Travel Insurance

When weather could disrupt the travel experience, purchasing protection is smart. Seek coverage for medical expenses if uninsured in America, too. Ensure rental car insurance safeguards you from expensive roadside assistance and accidents. Be sure you are covered for uninsured motorist accidents.

Medina Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Ohio - Safety by City