Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Ohio (2023)

Ohio, situated in the heartland of America, is often regarded as the epitome of the midwestern state. Despite its picturesque surroundings, the Buckeye State is grappling with various issues related to drug abuse, economic decay, and violent crime. This article will closely examine the ten most dangerous cities in Ohio.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Ohio (2023)

Cleveland

Cleveland holds the title of the most dangerous city in Ohio. With a population of 367,991, Cleveland has an alarmingly high violent crime rate. The city’s crime rate is 5.5 times higher than the state average and 4.3 times higher than the national average. Poverty, unemployment, and drug-related issues are some of the factors that contribute to this high crime rate. Unfortunately, Cleveland also has one of the highest murder rates in the country, with a 1 in 59 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Shockingly, in 2022 alone, there were 164 murders, 1,505 robberies, and 4,280 assaults, making Cleveland the most unsafe city in Ohio for violent crimes.

Chillicothe

Chillicothe is among the most dangerous cities in Ohio, with an alarmingly high crime rate four times greater than the state average and 3.7 times greater than the national average. Despite a population of only 22,000, the city is plagued with numerous violent crimes and severe problems with sexual assault. Shockingly, the rate of sexual assault is 2.8 times higher than the national average. In the year 2020 alone, there were 111 violent crimes and 1,432 property crimes reported in Chillicothe. The city is grappling with the scourge of drug trafficking, which has led to a disproportionately high number of overdose deaths. Additionally, with a poverty rate of 18%, Chillicothe is facing poverty-related problems. Overall, residents of Chillicothe have a 1 in 13 chance of becoming victims of any crime, which is a cause for serious concern.

Athens

Athens is known to be one of the most hazardous cities in Ohio, with a crime rate of 2,279 per 100,000 people. Although it may not have the highest crime rate, it is one of the poorest cities in Ohio, with a poverty rate of 48.7%, more than three times the US national average. The median household income in A is only around 60% lower than the US average. Additionally, the median home value in Athens is $196,000, which is just 10% lower than the national average. In 2022, the city’s house price-to-income ratio was almost 6.3, compared to the national average of 3.6.

Canton

Canton has a high crime rate, making it one of the worst cities in Ohio. With a population of 70,000, it has a crime rate of 6,293 per 100,000, 168% higher than the national average. In 2022, Canton reported 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 crime. Furthermore, Canton is considered one of the poorest cities in Ohio, with a poverty rate of 30% and an unemployment rate of 10%.

Dayton

Dayton, with a population of 140,000, is Ohio’s sixth-largest city and is considered one of the most dangerous in the state. The city’s crime rate is alarmingly high, with a staggering 4,932 incidents per 100,000 people, 110% higher than the national average. Shockingly, the chances of becoming a victim type of crime in Dayton are 1 in 21. In 2020 alone, there were 1,523 violent crimes recorded in the city, including 46 murders, 300 robberies, and 1,040 assaults. Dayton is part of Montgomery County, which has the 8th highest rate of drug overdose deaths in the United States. In 2020, property crimes in Dayton were reported at 5,391 incidents. The high rates of violent and property crimes in Dayton are primarily due to the drug trade issues plaguing the city. Moreover, the city’s unemployment and poverty rates are alarmingly high at 29.6%.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth is considered one of the most challenging cities in Ohio, located on the north shore of the Ohio River. The city has about 20,000 inhabitants and a crime rate 5,360 per 100,000 residents, making it 128% more dangerous than the national average. With a poverty rate over 105% higher than the national average, Portsmouth is also one of the poorest cities in Ohio. The city’s unemployment rate has also significantly increased, ranking 5th highest in the state at 10%.

Portsmouth has Ohio’s highest drug overdose state, specifically in Scioto County. The drug epidemic has increased Hepatitis C cases, drug-related deaths, robberies, murders, and a higher incidence of children being addicted to prescription drugs in the county. These factors combined make Portsmouth one of Ohio’s most undesirable places to live.

Mansfield

With a population of 46,500, Mansfield stands out as a city with a high crime rate of 4,703 per 100,000. This figure is 100% higher than the national average, meaning that residents have a 1 in 22 chance of being a victim of a crime. A victimization rate that puts the city in one of the most dangerous places to live in the US. The town is situated in America’s Rust Belt, which has significantly declined manufacturing and retail jobs. As a result, Mansfield suffers from an alarming unemployment rate of 10.3% and a poverty rate of 24.5%. In 2020, the city had 199 violent crimes and 1,816 property crimes, which is a worrisome trend.

Warren

With a population of 39,000, Warren has a crime rate of 3,240 per 100,000 individuals, making it 38% more dangerous than the national average and 50% more complex than the Ohio average. Unfortunately, residents of Warren face a 1 in 31 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. The city also struggles with an overall poverty rate of 34.4%, exacerbated by the loss of manufacturing jobs in the area. However, one of the biggest challenges Warren faces is the drug and opioid epidemic, which contributes significantly to the crime rates. In 2021, Warren’s county, Trumbull, had the 9th highest overdose rate in the state, highlighting the severity of the issue.

Springfield

Springfield, with a population of 58,736, has a high crime rate of 5,711 per 100,000 individuals, making it 143% more dangerous than the US average and more difficult dangerous than the Ohio average. The city is plagued by a lack of employment opportunities and widespread poverty, directly correlating with the increasing crime rates. The unemployment rate is 8.9%, while the poverty rate is 23%. In 2020 alone, Springfield witnessed 338 violent crimes, including eight murders, 107 burglaries, and 171 assaults. This translates to an overall chance of 1 in 18 becoming a crime victim in Springfield.

Whitehall

Whitehall, Ohio, is notorious for its exceptionally high violent crime rate, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the state. Shockingly, the city’s crime rate is 124% higher than the national average, leaving its residents with a 1 in 20 chance of falling victim to this type of crime; despite having a population of less than 19,000, Whitehall had a total of 157 violent crimes in 2020, including two murders, 50 robberies, and 95 assaults. This disproportionate crime rate is alarming, considering the city’s small size.

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