Ohio, situated in the heart of America, is often regarded as the epitome of a midwestern state. Despite this, the Buckeye State is confronted with a multitude of challenges linked to violent crime, economic deterioration, and drug addiction. In this article, we will be exploring the top ten most perilous cities in Ohio.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Ohio (2023)
1. Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio, has been deemed the most dangerous city in the state due to its high violent crime rate. With a population of 367,991, the city’s crime rate is 5.5 times higher than the Ohio state average and 4.3 times higher than the national average. The city is plagued by mass poverty, a high unemployment rate, and drug-related issues, all contributing to its crime rate. Furthermore, Cleveland has one of the highest murder rates in the United States, with residents having a 1 in 59 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. In 2022 alone, the city saw 164 murders, 1,505 robberies, and 4,280 assaults, solidifying its title as the worst city in Ohio for violent crimes.
2. Chillicothe
Chillicothe, a small city in Ohio, is infamous for its high crime rate, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the state. The crime rate here is a staggering 4 times higher than the state average and 3.7 times higher than the national average. Despite its population of only 22,000, Chillicothe has a disturbingly high number of violent crimes, with sexual assault being a particularly acute problem, with rates 2.8 times higher than the national average. In 2020, the city recorded 111 violent crimes and 1,432 property crimes. The drug trade is a significant problem in Chillicothe, leading to a disproportionately high number of overdose deaths. Additionally, the city has an 18% poverty rate, and residents face a concerning 1 in 13 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime.
3. Athens
Athens is recognized as one of the hazardous cities in Ohio with a crime rate of 2,279 per 100,000 people. Despite not being the most dangerous city in Ohio, it ranks as one of the poorest cities in the state due to its high poverty rate of 48.7%. This rate is more than three times the US national average. The median household income in Athens is approximately $32,000, which is almost 60% lower than the national average. The median home value in Athens is $196,000, which is only 10% lower than the nationwide average. Furthermore, the city’s House price to income ratio in 2022 was nearly 6.3, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.6.
4. Canton
Canton, unfortunately, holds the dubious distinction of being one of the worst cities in Ohio, primarily due to its high crime rate. With a population of 70,000, Canton has a crime rate of 6,293 per 100,000, which is 168% higher than the national average. The year 2022 saw over 1,000 violent crimes in Canton, which included 16 murders, 155 robberies, and 729 assaults. This puts the residents’ safety at risk, with a 1 in 16 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. Moreover, Canton has a poverty rate of 30%, making it one of the poorest cities in Ohio, with an unemployment rate of 10%.
5. Dayton
Dayton, Ohio, is considered one of the most perilous cities in the state. With a population of 140,000, Dayton is the sixth-largest city in Ohio, and it has a crime rate of 4,932 per 100,000 individuals, which is 110% higher than the national average. Shockingly, the likelihood of becoming a victim of any form of crime in Dayton is 1 in 21. In 2020, the city reported 1,523 violent crimes, including 46 murders, 300 robberies, and 1,040 assaults. Montgomery County, where Dayton is located, has the eighth-highest drug overdose death rate in the United States. Property crime is also a prevalent issue in Dayton, with 5,391 incidents recorded in 2020. Much of the violent and property crime in Dayton is directly linked to drug-related issues in the city. The poverty rate in Dayton is 29.6%, and the unemployment rate is equally high, making it a challenging environment for many residents.
6. Portsmouth
Portsmouth is known to be one of the most perilous cities in Ohio. Situated on the north bank of the Ohio River, this city has a population of 20,000 residents. Sadly, the crime rate here is 5,360 per 100,000 residents, which is 128% higher than the national average, making it extremely unsafe. Portsmouth is also considered one of the poorest cities in Ohio with a poverty rate of 35%, more than 105% higher than the national average. Furthermore, the city has a high unemployment rate of 10%, ranking it fifth highest in the state. To make matters worse, Portsmouth’s Scioto county drug overdose rate is the highest in the state. The drug epidemic has caused a significant increase in Hepatitis C cases in the county, as well as drug-related deaths, robberies, murders, and a higher incidence of children born addicted to prescription drugs. All of these factors make Portsmouth one of the most undesirable places to live in Ohio.
7. Mansfield
With a population of 46,500, Mansfield is a city that has a crime rate of 4,703 per 100,000, which is 100% higher than the US average. This means that residents have a 1 in 22 chance of being a victim of a crime. Mansfield’s economy has been significantly affected by the decline of manufacturing and retail jobs, as it is located in America’s rust belt. As a result, Mansfield has an alarming unemployment rate of 10.3% and a poverty rate of 24.5%. Unfortunately, in 2020, the city experienced 199 violent crimes and 1,816 property crimes.
8. Warren
Warren, with a population of 39,000, has a crime rate of 3,240 per 100,000 people. This makes it 38% more dangerous than the national average and 50% more dangerous than the Ohio average. Unfortunately, residents of Warren have a 1 in 31 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. The poverty rate in the area is also quite high, standing at 34.4%. The local economy has been hit hard by the loss of manufacturing jobs. One of the biggest contributing factors to the high crime rate in Warren is the drug and opioid epidemic that has affected the area. In fact, Trumbull County, which includes Warren, had the 9th highest overdose rate in the state in 2021.
9. Springfield
Springfield, a city with a population of 58,736, has a crime rate of 5,711 per 100,000 people, making it 143% more dangerous than the US average and 164% more dangerous than the Ohio average. The city is not immune to the impact of poverty and limited job opportunities that plague other Ohio cities. With an unemployment rate of 8.9% and a poverty rate of 23%, crime rates in Springfield have been on a steady rise. In 2020 alone, the city recorded 338 violent crimes, including 8 murders, 107 burglaries, and 171 assaults. This means that the overall chance of falling victim to a crime in Springfield is 1 in 18.
10. Whitehall
Whitehall, Ohio is recognized as one of the most dangerous cities in the state due to its alarmingly high rate of violent crimes. With a crime rate that is 124% higher than the national average, residents of Whitehall have a 1 in 20 chance of being a victim of any type of crime. Despite having a population of less than 19,000 people, the city recorded 157 violent crimes in 2020, including 2 murders, 50 robberies, and 95 assaults. These figures indicate that the rate of violent crimes in Whitehall is significantly higher than what would be expected for a city of its size.
Read More:
