Athens County Crime & Safety

Athens County, Ohio

Safety Score

25/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1845.7

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

148.5

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1697.2

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

25/100

Higher = safer

State avg 51/100

State Safety Rank

#69

of 88 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Athens County, Ohio

Athens County Safety Context

Athens County holds a safety score of 97.1, with a total crime rate of 1,845.7 per 100K. While this is lower than the national average of 2,385.5, it represents a busy local environment.

Slightly Below Ohio Safety Averages

The county's safety score of 97.1 is just below the Ohio state average of 97.8. Ten reporting agencies provide data reflecting the unique challenges of this college-centered region.

Varied Safety in Southeast Ohio

Athens County's crime rate of 1,845.7 is higher than neighboring Adams County's 436.3. The presence of a major university often contributes to higher property crime statistics compared to surrounding rural areas.

Understanding the Property Crime Gap

Violent crime is relatively low at 148.5 per 100K, well under the national average of 369.8. However, property crime at 1,697.2 makes up nearly 92% of all reported incidents.

Stay Vigilant Against Theft

Because property crime is the primary concern, residents should never leave vehicles or homes unlocked. Implementing a security system can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a statistic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Athens County, OH?

Athens County has a total crime rate of 1845.7 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (148.5 per 100K) and property crimes (1697.2 per 100K).

Is Athens County, OH safe?

Athens County has a safety score of 25/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #69 out of 88 counties in Ohio for safety (1 = safest).

How does Athens County crime compare to the Ohio average?

The county's safety score of 97.1 is just below the Ohio state average of 97.8. Ten reporting agencies provide data reflecting the unique challenges of this college-centered region.

What types of crime are most common in Athens County?

Violent crime is relatively low at 148.5 per 100K, well under the national average of 369.8. However, property crime at 1,697.2 makes up nearly 92% of all reported incidents.

How is crime data measured and reported for Athens County?

Crime data for Athens County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Athens County?

Athens County has a safety score of 25/100, which is below the Ohio average of 51/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.