Ohio, situated in the heartland of America, is often seen as the epitome of a midwestern state. Despite this, the Buckeye State is grappling with various issues such as violent crime, economic decline, and substance abuse. In this article, we’ll be focusing on the ten most perilous cities in Ohio.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Ohio (2023)
1. Cleveland
Cleveland is considered the most dangerous city in Ohio, with a population of 367,991 and an alarmingly high violent crime rate. 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 prevalence of mass poverty, high unemployment rates, and drug trade contribute significantly to Cleveland’s crime rate. The city also holds a notorious position for having one of the highest murder rates in the country, with residents having a 1 in 59 chance of falling victim to violent crime. In 2022 alone, Cleveland recorded 164 murders, 1,505 robberies, and 4,280 assaults, solidifying its position as the worst city in Ohio for violent crimes.
2. Chillicothe
Chillicothe is among the most perilous cities in Ohio, with an alarmingly high crime rate that is four times the state average and 3.7 times the national average. Despite having a population of only 22,000, the city faces numerous cases of violent crime. Sexual assault is a grave concern, and its rate is 2.8 times higher than the national average. In 2020, Chillicothe recorded 111 violent crimes and 1,432 property crimes. The city is plagued by drug-related issues, resulting in a disproportionately high number of overdose deaths. Additionally, Chillicothe has an 18% poverty rate, and the residents have a 1 in 13 chance of falling victim to any type of crime.
3. Athens
Athens, Ohio is another city that ranks high in terms of danger. The crime rate in Athens is 2,279 per 100,000 people. Despite not being the most dangerous city in Ohio, Athens is one of the poorest in the state. It has a poverty rate of 48.7%, which is more than three times the US national average. The median household income in Athens is only about $32,000, which is almost 60% lower than the US average. Additionally, the median home value is $196,000, just 10% lower than the national average. As of 2022, the city’s house price to income ratio was nearly 6.3, compared to the national ratio of 3.6.
4. Canton
Canton, unfortunately, ranks as one of the worst cities in Ohio, largely due to its high crime rate. Despite its population of 70,000, Canton’s crime rate of 6,293 per 100,000 is a staggering 168% higher than the national average. In 2022 alone, Canton had over 1,000 violent crimes, including 16 murders, 155 robberies, and 729 assaults. This means that residents have a 1 in 16 chance of becoming a victim of a crime, which is a significant concern. Adding to its troubles, Canton is also one of the poorest cities in Ohio, with a poverty rate of 30% and an unemployment rate of 10%.
5. Dayton
Dayton, Ohio is among the most perilous cities to live in. The city is the sixth largest in Ohio, with a population of 140,000. Shockingly, the crime rate in Dayton is 4,932 per 100,000 people, which is 110% higher than the national average. This means that the probability of becoming a victim of any crime is 1 in 21. The year 2020 witnessed 1,523 violent crimes, including 46 homicides, 300 robberies, and 1,040 assaults. Moreover, Montgomery County, which Dayton is a part of, has the eighth-highest drug overdose fatality rate in the United States. Dayton recorded 5,391 property crime incidents in 2020, predominantly due to drug-related issues. The city’s poverty rate is recorded at 29.6% with an unemployment rate of 29.6%.
6. Portsmouth
Portsmouth, located on the north bank of the Ohio River, is one of the most dangerous cities in Ohio. Despite having a population of 20,000 residents, the city has a high crime rate of 5,360 per 100,000 residents, making it 128% more dangerous than the national average. In addition to being unsafe, Portsmouth is also one of the poorest cities in Ohio, with a poverty rate of 35%, which is more than 105% higher than the national average. The city’s unemployment rate is also a concern, as it stands at 10%, the fifth-highest in the state. Portsmouth also has the highest drug overdose rate in Scioto County, and drug use has caused a significant uptick in Hepatitis C cases in the area. Other issues include a surge in drug-related deaths, a higher incidence of robberies and murders, and more children born addicted to prescription drugs. All of these factors make Portsmouth one of the worst places to live in Ohio.
7. Mansfield
With a population of 46,500, Mansfield is considered a high-crime area with a crime rate of 4,703 per 100,000. This makes the city 100% more dangerous than the US average, and residents have a 1 in 22 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The decline of manufacturing and retail jobs has greatly affected the area. As a result, Mansfield has a staggering unemployment rate of 10.3% and a poverty rate of 24.5%. In 2020, there were 199 violent crimes and 1,816 non-violent crimes reported in Mansfield.
8. Warren
Warren, with a population of 39,000, has a higher crime rate of 3,240 per 100,000 people compared to the national and Ohio average, making it 38% and 50% more dangerous, respectively. Unfortunately, residents in Warren have a high chance of becoming victims of any crime, with a 1 in 31 probability. The area’s economy has been severely impacted by manufacturing jobs leaving, leading to an overall poverty rate of 34.4%. The drug and opioid epidemic has also contributed significantly to the crime in Warren, making it a major issue. Trumbull County, where Warren is located, had the 9th highest overdose rate in Ohio in 2021, further highlighting the severity of the situation.
9. Springfield
Springfield, 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 same issues affecting many other Ohio cities, namely, limited employment opportunities and poverty. Springfield’s unemployment rate stands at 8.9%, while the poverty rate is at a staggering 23%. These factors have contributed to the city’s steadily increasing crime rates. In 2020, Springfield recorded 338 violent crimes, which included 8 murders, 107 burglaries, and 171 assaults. Unfortunately, the overall chance of becoming a victim of a crime in Springfield is 1 in 18.
10. Whitehall
Whitehall, Ohio is notorious for being one of the most perilous cities in the state, largely due to its alarmingly high rate of violent crime. In fact, Whitehall’s crime rate is a staggering 124% higher than the national average, with residents having a 1 in 20 chance of falling victim to any sort of criminal activity. Despite having a population of less than 19,000, the city recorded 157 violent crimes in 2020, including 2 murders, 50 robberies, and 95 counts of assault. These figures are particularly alarming, considering the city’s relatively small population.
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