Ohio is home to vibrant cities, scenic state parks, rich history, and some of the Midwest’s most recognizable attractions. From the revitalized waterfront in Cleveland to the natural beauty of Hocking Hills, the Buckeye State offers plenty of reasons to visit and call it home.
However, like many states across the country, Ohio also faces public safety challenges in certain communities. While many neighborhoods remain safe and welcoming, some cities continue to report higher-than-average rates of violent crime compared to state and national averages.
Quick Guide
- State: Ohio
- Population: Approximately 11.8 million
- Largest City: Cleveland
- Ranking Method: Violent crimes per 100,000 residents
- Crimes Included: Assault, robbery, rape, and homicide
- Safest Approach for Visitors: Stay informed, research neighborhoods, and follow local safety recommendations
- Source: areavibes
This ranking highlights the 10 most dangerous cities in Ohio based on violent crime rates per 100,000 residents. The data provides a closer look at where crime remains a concern while also recognizing that local leaders, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations continue working to improve safety and quality of life.
10. Akron
- Population: 203,042
- 820 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.25
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 122
- Total Crimes / 100k: 3,775
Rounding out our list at #10 is Akron, OH. With a population of 203,042 and a violent crime rate of 820 per 100,000 people (179% higher than the Ohio average), some parts of Akron are incredible unsafe. The violent crime rate consists of 612 counts of assault, 82 counts of robbery, 113 counts of rape and 13 counts of homicide. Residents can expect to have a 1 in 122 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
9. Cincinnati
- Population: 309,429
- 846 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.32
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 118
- Total Crimes / 100k: 4,675
Economic conditions, education, social environment, law enforcement and urbanization can all have an impact on crime rates. Feeling the effects of most of those issues, Cincinnati, OH comes in as the 9th most dangerous city in Ohio with a violent crime rate of 846 per 100,000 people. If we break that down, the city sees 2.32 violent crimes per day and residents have a 1 in 118 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.
8. North College Hill
- Population: 9,523
- 915 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.51
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 109
- Total Crimes / 100k: 4,085
North College Hill, OH is another one of the most dangerous cities in Ohio and tops the list at #8. The city has a population of 9,523 and a violent crime rate of 915 per 100,000 people.
Of those crimes, there were 649 counts of assault, 181 counts of robbery, 74 counts of rape and 11 counts of homicide. All told, the North College Hill violent crime rate is 211% higher than the Ohio average.
7. Toledo
- Population: 281,644
- 1,041 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.85
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 96
- Total Crimes / 100k: 3,773
A 1 in 96 chance of becoming a victim of crime and 2.85 violent crimes per day – those are some fairly good reasons why Toledo makes the list at #7.
According to the most recent annual crime report, there were 1,041 violent crimes per 100,000 people, which translates to a violent crime rate that is 254% higher than the Ohio average. The number of violent crimes takes into account the following categories: assault (823), robbery (107), rape (99) and homicide (12).
6. Whitehall
- Population: 19,429
- 1,051 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.88
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 95
- Total Crimes / 100k: 7,009
Whitehall, OH comes in at number 6 on our list, with a violent crime rate of 1,051 per 100,000 people, which is 258% higher than the Ohio average. Whitehall has a population of 19,429, which translates to 2.88 crimes per day and 1 in 95 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
As with most cities, a high violent crime rate does not mean that all areas are unsafe, as there are definitely some areas in Whitehall which are much safer than others.
5. Canton
- Population: 73,469
- 1,122 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 3.07
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 89
- Total Crimes / 100k: 4,576
The ongoing battle with crime in Canton, OH, is not a new issue – which is why there’s no surprise that this city has made the list. With a violent crime rate of 1,122 and a 1 in 89 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime (per 100,000 people), Canton has a violent crime rate that is 282% higher than the Ohio average.
Higher than average poverty and unemployment rates as well as a lack of available well-paying jobs, are most likely all contributing to the high rate of violent crime in Canton.
4. Dayton
- Population: 145,927
- 1,339 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 3.67
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 75
- Total Crimes / 100k: 5,673
With a violent crime rate that is 356% higher than the Ohio average, it’s not hard to see why Dayton made the list. The city reported crime (per 100,000 residents) in the following categories: robbery (253), assault (940), rape (116) and homicide (30).
In regions where employment opportunities are scarce or where many jobs offer insufficient wages, the risk of increased unemployment and homelessness rises, this could be just some of the triggers that make Dayton more vulnerable to high crime.
3. Springfield
- Population: 60,312
- 1,371 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 3.76
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 73
- Total Crimes / 100k: 5,887
Home to 60,312 residents, Springfield, OH ranks #3 on the list of most dangerous cities in Ohio. Unfortunately for residents of Springfield, crime is widespread, with more than 1,371 violent crimes per 100,000 people reported last year. When the numbers are analyzed, this translates to a staggering 3.76 crimes per day and a violent crime rate that is 367% higher than the Ohio violent crime rate.
2. East Cleveland
- Population: 17,563
- 1,410 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 3.86
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 71
- Total Crimes / 100k: 4,409
The second most dangerous city is East Cleveland. With a population of 17,563 and a violent crime rate that is 380% higher than the Ohio average, the city has seen better days.
The higher than average crime rates in East Cleveland are not new, as violent crime has been a serious issue for many years and topped 1,410 violent crimes per 100,000 people in the last calendar year. In some areas, the riks are greater than others, as residents have a 1 in 71 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
1. Cleveland
- Population: 391,340
- 1,561 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 4.28
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 64
- Total Crimes / 100k: 5,987
Cleveland, OH holds the distinction of being the #1 most dangerous city in Ohio with 1,561 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The area continues to struggle with elevated assault (1,001), robbery (389), rape (141) and homicide (30) rates, as the violent crime rate comes in at 432% higher than the Ohio average.
Contributing to these numbers could be the higher than average rates of poverty, unemployment, and gang activity. Ongoing efforts from local law enforcement and the community have been created to help reduce the crime rates going forward.
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Conclusion
Crime statistics provide valuable insight into public safety trends, but they tell only part of a city’s story. Many of the communities on this list are home to thriving neighborhoods, local businesses, cultural attractions, and residents working to create positive change. While these cities report some of Ohio’s highest violent crime rates, local leaders and community organizations continue implementing strategies aimed at reducing crime and improving quality of life.
As Ohio moves forward, investments in education, economic development, housing, and community-based crime prevention programs will play an important role in shaping safer communities across the state. Understanding crime data helps residents, policymakers, and visitors make informed decisions while recognizing the broader context behind the numbers.
