Most Dangerous Cities in Ohio – Top 10 Risky Areas to Avoid in 2024

Ohio is often spotlighted for its safety concerns, primarily due to the high crime rates reported in several of its cities. Many are asking the question “is Ohio safe?”

Well, it depends.

Some of the cities often make national headlines, bringing a spotlight to the broader safety challenges the state faces.

While Ohio boasts vibrant communities and economic opportunities, the crime statistics—particularly in certain urban areas—tend to skew higher than the national averages.

Currently, Ohio crime rate is at 20.76.

Now, let us check the most dangerous cities in Ohio.

10. East Cleveland – 33.32 per 1000 People

East Cleveland, with a small population of 13,219, struggles with a crime rate that is 260% higher than Ohio’s average. At the moment, its overall East Cleveland crime rate is 33.32.

Investigations into specific neighborhoods reveal significant differences in safety levels.

Some districts are particularly affected by neglect, leading to higher crime rates and visible decay.

The variance can often be traced back to economic factors, where areas with higher unemployment and lower income levels see more frequent and severe criminal activity.

The city has been actively trying to mitigate these high crime rates through various community programs and law enforcement strategies.

Efforts include increasing police presence, community policing initiatives, and social programs aimed at addressing the root causes of crime like poverty and unemployment.

9. Akron – 42.51 per 1000 Population

Akron is among the most dangerous cities in Ohio, which is indicated by its crime rate, which is 42.51 per 1000 population.

The frequency of violent crime incidents is a growing concern, with socio-economic factors playing a critical role. All this led to the forming of a local neighborhood watch in different neighborhoods.

The city struggles with high rates of unemployment and economic disparity, which correlate strongly with the incidence of crime.

The unemployment rate is currently at 5.30%, but we can see that it has increased from the same month the previous year, when it was at 3.70%.

8. Toledo – 42.80 per 1000 People

Toledo faces numerous problems, from infrastructure to high unemployment rates. The current unemployment rate is at 5.7.

All the factors contribute to the overall crime rate touching 42.80, which makes it one of the most dangerous cities in Ohio.

Toledo faces complex challenges, with a significant analysis of violent crimes showing a city grappling with economic challenges that contribute to high crime rates.

At the moment, the median salary is $39,811.

Toledo’s economic landscape is a major contributor to its high crime rates.

Areas with higher unemployment rates, economic instability, and lower income levels are more susceptible to frequent and severe criminal activities.

7. Cincinnati – 46.34 per 1000

Cincinnati’s violent crime rate, 46.34 per 1000, stands at 187% higher than the state’s average.

The city’s socio-economic conditions, including significant income disparities and unemployment, which is currently at 3.8, fuel much of the crime rates observed.

Efforts to revitalize economic zones and improve community policing are underway, aiming to mitigate these factors.

Nevertheless, we can see that the locals are hopeful because the crime rate was at an all-time low in 2022.

6. Dayton – 55.02 per 1000 People

Dayton is one of the most dangerous cities in Ohio. At the same time, we can see that this is one of the cities where violence has increased the most in the last two decades.

In 2022, it was ranked as the fifth most dangerous city in the United States.

The overall crime rate is 55.02 per 1000 people, which is much higher than most of the similar-sized cities in the country.

Dayton’s crime rate, which is 299% higher than the state average, reflects the city’s battle with economic hardships and the drug trade.

The local economy’s downturn has been a fertile ground for crime to flourish, making it a focal point for law enforcement and community initiatives.

The alarming crime rates in Dayton underscore the urgent need for continued and strengthened efforts by both law enforcement and community organizations. The local Police Department has problems with attracting new recruits.

Addressing these challenges requires a combination of proactive policing, community engagement, improved social services, and economic revitalization strategies.

The goal is to not only reduce crime but also address the underlying socio-economic issues that fuel it, ultimately aiming to restore safety and confidence among the residents of Dayton.

5. Springfield – 57.79 per 1000 People

Springfield is easily among the most dangerous cities in Ohio with a crime rate of 57.79 per 1000 people.

Springfield records a violent crime rate 310% higher than the Ohio average.

The pronounced link between Springfield’s economic health and its crime rates suggests that economic revitalization could play a key role in reducing crime.

Interestingly enough, Springfield has a lower unemployment rate than most towns in the region, but the crime persists nevertheless.

Numerous efforts have been made to tackle these issues.

Initiatives to boost local employment, improve educational opportunities, and provide economic support can help mitigate the factors that drive individuals toward criminal activity.

Enhancing community policing efforts, increasing the visibility of law enforcement in high-crime areas, and implementing crime prevention programs can help reduce the incidence of both violent and property crimes.

Investing in social services such as counseling, substance abuse programs, and youth outreach initiatives can address some of the root causes of crime.

4. Cleveland – 59.91 per 1000 People

Cleveland, the second most populous city in Ohio has a crime rate of 59.61.

Cleveland crime rate is 155% higher than the national average.

Factors such as poverty, unemployment, and gang activity are prevalent, with specific crime statistics highlighting a high number of homicides, assaults, and robberies.

Efforts to combat crime in Cleveland must therefore be multifaceted.

Enhanced policing strategies, including increased patrolling, community policing initiatives, and the use of technology such as CCTV and data analytics, are crucial.

Addressing the socio-economic drivers of crime through community development projects, improved educational opportunities, job creation, and social services can provide long-term solutions to reduce crime rates.

Tackling gang violence through targeted interventions, including collaboration between law enforcement agencies, community groups, and social service providers, is essential.

Such initiatives should focus on gang prevention programs, conflict resolution, and rehabilitation services, aiming to divert potential and current gang members toward more productive and lawful activities.

In 2024, the city witnessed a massive increase in violence and this is probably the most important reason why is Cleveland so dangerous in some of its neighborhoods.

3. Canton – 67.66 per 1000 People

Canton found its place on the list of the most dangerous cities in Ohio for a simple reason. The crime rate has skyrocketed recently and Cantion, Ohio crime rate is at 67.66.

Canton’s detailed statistics reveal a disturbing trend of violent crimes, closely tied to the city’s high unemployment and poverty rates.

For example, the city experiences:

• Child poverty: 47.4%
• Total poverty: 30.2%

Efforts to tackle poverty, improve employment opportunities, and enhance education are essential to mitigate the factors that foster crime.

Community-based programs that engage residents in crime prevention and social support services can also play a vital role in transforming the current scenario.

The objective is to create a safer environment in Canton by addressing both the immediate security concerns and the deeper socio-economic issues contributing to the city’s high crime rates. Some steps have been made recently to tackle economic issues.

The high incidence of crime in Canton demands not only robust law enforcement response but also deeper social interventions.

2. Whitehall – 68.83 per 1000 People

Whitehall’s crime rate, currently at 68.83 per 1000 people, makes it one of the most dangerous cities in Ohio, without a doubt.

In Whitehall, the disparity in crime rates across different city parts highlights the uneven economic development and resource distribution.

The disparities in crime rates not only highlight the necessity for enhanced security measures but also call for a comprehensive review of economic policies and resource distribution to address the underlying causes of crime.

Investments in community policing, youth engagement programs, and economic redevelopment could be vital in stabilizing crime rates and improving the living conditions in Whitehall.

1. Moraine – 73.34 per 1000 People

Moraine’s crime rate stands at 73.34 per 1000 people, which makes it the most dangerous city in Ohio.

If you know that the population of Moraine is just 6,393, then you can see just how big of a problem this is.

Moraine’s overall crime rate is alarmingly higher than the national average, by 217%. At the same time, it is four times higher than the average rate in the state of Ohio crime rate.

A detailed analysis of the types of crimes prevalent in the area indicates a significant incidence of car theft and robberies, often linked to broader social issues within the community.

Common Factors Among the Most Dangerous Cities in Ohio

The most dangerous cities in Ohio share several underlying socio-economic conditions that create environments conducive to crime.

These economic challenges reduce opportunities for legitimate income, pushing more individuals towards illegal activities as a means of survival.

Drug-related issues, particularly the opioid crisis, further exacerbate the crime landscape. Ohio’s intense struggle with opioid addiction has not only fueled an increase in drug-related crimes but also in violent and property crimes.

The crisis has put a severe strain on community resources, overburdening social services and healthcare systems, and thereby compounding the challenges in these areas.

Law enforcement agencies in these regions encounter numerous obstacles. The combination of limited budgets and manpower makes it difficult to enforce laws effectively and to implement proactive crime prevention strategies.

The strained relationship between police and communities—often worsened by incidents of misconduct and perceived injustices—makes it harder to foster the cooperation needed for successful policing.

Trust is essential, and without it, even well-intentioned efforts can falter.

Methodology

For analysis of Ohio crime rate, I rely on the crime data annually published by different sources like NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes, which use data collected from government sources.

This data is released in two key segments: a preliminary overview focused on the nation’s largest cities, followed by a detailed year-end report.

In pursuing a nuanced examination, our study predominantly concentrated on the state of Ohio, to get a more rounded state-wide perspective.

The Bottom Line

The analysis of the most dangerous cities in Ohio for 2024 highlights significant challenges facing these areas, with crime rates substantially exceeding state and sometimes national averages.

Cities like Moraine, Whitehall, and Cleveland stand out with particularly high crime rates, influenced strongly by socio-economic factors such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of educational opportunities.

In cities like East Cleveland and Akron, the rates of violent and property crimes are alarmingly high, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive crime prevention strategies and community engagement.

Economic disparities, unemployment, and social instability contribute greatly to the prevalence of crime across the listed cities.