Ohio Crime & Safety
Crime rates and safety scores for all 88 counties.
Avg Violent Crime Rate
181.0
per 100K
Avg Property Crime Rate
1231.0
per 100K
Avg Safety Score
51/100
State Overview
Crime & Safety in Ohio
National Context
Ohio Maintains Significant Safety Lead Over National Average
Ohio reports an average total crime rate of 1,412.3 per 100,000 residents, which sits substantially below the national average of 2,385.5. This difference positions the Buckeye State as a safer alternative to many other regions across the country. All 88 counties provide data, ensuring a comprehensive and transparent look at the state's safety profile.
Violent vs. Property Crime
Property Crimes Form Bulk of Ohio’s Incidents
Property crime dominates the state landscape at 1,231.5 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crime remains much lower at 180.9. These figures are both significantly lower than the national benchmarks of 2,015.7 for property and 369.8 for violent offenses. For most residents, the primary safety concern involves theft or property disputes rather than physical confrontation.
Safest Counties
Rural Quiet Defines Ohio's Safest Counties
Holmes and Noble Counties report a rare 0.0 crime rate per 100,000, while Brown County follows closely at just 151.0. These areas represent the peak of public safety within the state, driven largely by their small, tight-knit communities and low population densities. Residents in these counties enjoy a level of security that far exceeds state and national norms.
Crime Hotspots
Higher Activity Concentrated in Specific Hubs
Delaware County leads the state with a high statistical rate of 18,716.3 per 100,000, followed by Lucas at 3,536.2 and Clark at 2,994.6. These higher rates often reflect increased law enforcement reporting and population density in urbanized or rapidly developing corridors. Even in these busier areas, local safety initiatives work to address the specific needs of their diverse communities.
The Takeaway
A Reliable Choice for Safety-Conscious Residents
With a total crime rate nearly 40% lower than the national average, Ohio offers a secure environment for families and businesses. Prospective movers can find exceptional peace of mind in rural counties like Holmes, while larger hubs continue to perform better than many peers nationwide. Overall, the state presents a balanced profile of accessibility and public safety.
Safest Counties
All Ohio Counties
Crime rates per 100K population. — = data pending.
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Data Sources
Crime data sourced from the FBI Crime Data Explorer (UCR) and County Health Rankings. Safety scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Not legal or security advice. Coverage varies by county and reporting year.