Study: Safest Cities in Ohio
Whether you were born and raised in Ohio or you're planning a move there for the first time, the Buckeye State offers something for everyone. Read on for the safest places to settle down in Ohio.
 |
| Safest Cities in Ohio © CreditDonkey |
There are, of course, major economic hubs like Cincinnati and Cleveland and their surrounding suburbs, which are a magnet for career-minded professionals. Beyond the big city life, you’ll find many close-knit communities for hanging your hat, but it’s not always easy to know which ones offer the safest environments.
We’ve done the work for you by looking across the state for a definitive list of the 50 safest communities in Ohio.
In terms of feeling secure, Ohio’s crime rate is significantly lower than the national average. Between 2013 and 2014, both violent and property crime rates declined with some of the steepest drops occurring in the robbery and burglary categories.
Keep reading our guide to find out which Ohio cities have the best reputation for safety.
Study Methodology
For this study, we’ve zeroed in on cities and towns with a population of 10,000 or higher. Statistically, crime tends to be lower where there are fewer residents, so by setting the population at 10,000, we were hoping to get a fair representation of cities both large and small.
We focused on data from the FBI’s 2014 Uniform Crime Report, beginning with the number of violent and property crimes per 1,000 residents reported for each city. In the violent crime category, we looked at the number of murders, rapes, robberies, and aggravated assaults reported for the year. For property crimes, burglaries, larcenies, motor vehicle thefts, and arsons were included in our search.
We broke the data down further by looking at the number of robberies and burglaries reported per 1,000 residents. The emphasis is on robbery and burglary rather than other violent or property crimes because these two tend to occur more frequently.
All four of these factors were used to calculate a CreditDonkey safety score for each city. The lower a city’s crime rate, the lower (and therefore, better) the safety score. Finally, we ranked each city based on their safety score, with a lower score leading to a higher ranking.
Safest Cities 2016: Rankings
1. Streetsboro
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.7
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
- Property crime per 1,000: 0.0
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.0
- CreditDonkey safety score: 0.7
The safest spot on our list has all the attributes anyone could want in a hometown: a thriving local business scene, great schools, and all of the amenities you’d expect in a bigger city. The Streetsboro Police Department contributes to the city’s outstanding safety record through preventative patrol notifications and programs like S.A.F.E., which is designed to ensure the welfare of Streetsboro’s senior citizens.
2. Broadview Heights
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.2
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 1.3
- Burglary per 1,000: 0.5
- CreditDonkey safety score: 0.8
Broadview Heights is a picturesque suburb of Cleveland where neighbors keep an eye out for one another. With zero murders, zero rapes, zero robberies, and just nine burglaries reported in 2014, it easily took the second-place spot in our rankings. One of the ways the Broadview Heights Police Department keeps the streets safe is by enforcing a curfew for youth age 17 and under.
3. Sylvania Township
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.3
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.4
- Property crime per 1,000: 0.0
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.9
- CreditDonkey safety score: 1.1
At less than 13 miles from Toledo, Sylvania Township is ideally situated for commuting professionals, but it’s also a favorite among young families that appreciate its safe and affordable neighborhoods. The city’s police department works hard to stay on top of crime, and it recently received two grants to help combat reckless and impaired driving.
4. Brecksville
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.0
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 4.8
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.1
- CreditDonkey safety score: 1.5
In Brecksville, there’s a focus on educating citizens about crime and safety from an early age. Safety Town is a two-week program for kindergarten-age children covering topics like stranger, traffic, and school safety. Each year, the department sponsors a Halloween safety program as well as Shop with a Cop, which pairs officers with needy children in the community for a day of shopping and fun.
5. Hudson
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.2
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 5.6
- Burglary per 1,000: 0.8
- CreditDonkey safety score: 1.7
The city of Hudson reported just four violent crimes in 2014, with no robberies or murders included in that number. On the property crime side, there were fewer than 20 burglaries. That low crime rate is a matter of pride for the members of the Hudson Police Department, who strive to provide all the city’s residents with the highest quality service possible.
6. Brunswick Hills Township
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.2
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 5.1
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.4
- CreditDonkey safety score: 1.7
With just over 10,200 residents, Brunswick Hills Township is the smallest city to make our list, but it’s got a lot of heart. As part of the Medina County Safe Communities Program, the city takes the security of its citizens seriously. Through programs like Community Watch and participation in the O.V.I Task Force, the Brunswick Hills Police Department plays an active role in preventing crime.
7. Poland Township
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.3
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
- Property crime per 1,000: 5.2
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.5
- CreditDonkey safety score: 1.8
To get a feel for Poland Township’s historic heritage, all you need to do is stroll the city’s streets. In the midst of newer homes and businesses, you’ll see homes dating back to the colonial era that have been carefully preserved as a reminder of the area’s roots. The Poland Township Police Department patrols by car and bicycle to keep the city’s neighborhoods safe.
8. Seven Hills
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.5
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 5.7
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.0
- CreditDonkey safety score: 1.8
When the Seven Hills Police Department was founded in 1927, it had just one member. Today, the force has grown to more than 20 officers who are sworn to protect and serve the nearly 12,000 people who live here. Judging by the crime rate, they’re doing an effective job. There was a single robbery reported in 2014, along with a dozen burglaries.
9. New Franklin
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.3
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 5.7
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.3
- CreditDonkey safety score: 1.9
New Franklin is a picture perfect blend of suburban and rural living, with access to Portage Lakes State Park for a choice spot to unwind. The city’s law enforcement emphasizes a community policing approach, and that may be why just four violent crimes were reported in 2014. Stopping crime early on is a priority, and the juvenile diversion program is designed to keep youthful offenders out of the criminal justice system.
10. Olmstead Township
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.8
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 5.4
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.4
- CreditDonkey safety score: 1.9
The township of Olmstead is part of the greater Cleveland metro area, making it convenient for commuting workers while still far enough away to feel like a world apart. The low crime rate is just part of its appeal, and it’s one of several cities to make our list reporting both zero murders and zero robberies in 2014.
11. Hamilton Township (Warren County)
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.1
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 6.9
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.0
- CreditDonkey safety score: 2.0
Several townships bear the name Hamilton in Ohio, but only the one located in Warren County landed a spot on our list. This city of over 21,000 people managed to distinguish itself with an exceptionally low violent crime rate. Just three violent crimes were reported here in 2014, all of which were aggravated assaults.
12. Dover
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.5
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 6.1
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.4
- CreditDonkey safety score: 2.0
Dover is both a safe place to live and visit, and it’s popular among retirees who desire a slower pace. Just over 20% of residents are older than 65, and the city’s healthcare services have received national acclaim. Its law enforcement system isn’t too shabby either; the Dover Police Department registered just six violent crime reports for all of 2014.
13. Clearcreek Township
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.5
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 6.2
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.4
- CreditDonkey safety score: 2.0
Close to 15,000 people make their home in Clearcreek Township, and it’s the job of the Clearcreek Police Department to keep them all safe. If you’re planning to get away for a while, you’ll want to sign up for the Vacation House Check program. That way, you can enjoy your trip and feel confident the police are watching out for any questionable issues at your home while you’re away.
Did you know:
We also have a big event around National Night Out which takes place the first Tuesday in August. Our Police Department has been coordinating this community event for about 10 years and we have it at our park with several demonstrations, scaled down Safety Town interactive area, food, as well as other agencies participating.
Our Police Department provide a proactive service if you ask to be on the list, to have a Police Officer physically check your premises when you are gone. Officers stop by at least twice a day and document the activity of checking your doors, windows and exterior. While this is a great piece of mind to several of our ‘snow birds’ it also demonstrates a presence in and about the neighborhoods and creates accountability within the department to be out and proactive. I think this has a profound effect on the crimes which are not committed in Clearcreek Township as potential perpetrators have much easier victims somewhere else.
The Clearcreek Township Police pride themselves on being community oriented and proactive. This is led and reinforced by Chief Terrill and supported by the elected officials. So the expectation is to present an external image of friendly and helpful officers who are making visible efforts to be a part of the community. This is done on the ground from the time you contact us on the phone, to the interaction with an officer on the street, to the responding officer for an actual incident.
Jack Cameron, Township Administrator, Clearcreek Township
14. Sagamore Hills
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.0
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 6.0
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.0
- CreditDonkey safety score: 2.0
Sagamore Hills is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Cleveland, and it’s a pleasant place to call home if you’re launching a career, starting a business, or raising a family. The Police Explorers Program is just one of the ways local law enforcement works at building relationships in the community. All of Sagamore Hills’ residents are encouraged to increase their safety awareness through initiatives like National Night Out, a yearly community gathering.
15. Twinsburg
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.3
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 7.0
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.1
- CreditDonkey safety score: 2.1
In 2013, Twinsburg was named one of the best places to live in the country by CNN Money, and it’s not hard to see why. Between the beautiful natural surroundings, the numerous recreational opportunities, and neighborhoods that are peaceful and safe, it’s a real crowd pleaser. In terms of crime, there were only five violent crimes reported in 2014, which included two robberies and 20 burglaries.
16. Solon
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.3
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 7.4
- Burglary per 1,000: 0.9
- CreditDonkey safety score: 2.2
Solon’s motto is “Start Here, Stay Here,” and that’s a sentiment that’s shared by the city’s longtime residents and newcomers alike. Crime here is minimal, with one robbery reported in 2014 out of eight violent crimes total. The Citizens Police Academy is an opportunity for locals to gain firsthand insight into the inner workings of the Solon Police Department.
17. Struthers
- Violent crime per 1,000: 3.0
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.9
- Property crime per 1,000: N/A
- Burglary per 1,000: 5.1
- CreditDonkey safety score: 2.2
Struthers is a city with a heart in the heart of it all, and it’s one of Youngstown’s cozier suburbs. With just under 10,500 residents, it’s not as large as some of the other cities on our list, but that works in its favor where crime is concerned. The Struthers P.D. is on patrol 24 hours a day, and the force recently added a K-9 unit to assist in keeping the peace.
18. North Ridgeville
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.3
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 7.1
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.0
- CreditDonkey safety score: 2.4
Safetyville is North Ridgeville’s annual summer safety initiative aimed at educating kindergarten-age children about stranger danger, drug and gun safety, and bicycle safety. It’s just one way the city’s police department maintains a visible presence.
19. Springboro
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.7
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 8.1
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.2
- CreditDonkey safety score: 2.5
Living, working, playing, learning, and growing are just a few of the things Springboro’s 18,000 residents enjoy doing. This affluent suburb has earned recognition for being an outstanding place to live by both Money magazine and Business Insider. With two robberies and zero murders reported in 2014, it was a lock for a spot in our rankings.
20. Brunswick
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.5
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 8.8
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.1
- CreditDonkey safety score: 2.6
Brunswick is a safe city for people of all ages, and the local police department takes extra care to keep older citizens protected. Project Lifesaver teams are specially trained to locate and communicate with Alzheimer’s patients and seniors affected by dementia or other disorders that may cause them to become disoriented and wander away from home.
21. Powell
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.2
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 8.7
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.8
- CreditDonkey safety score: 2.7
Award-winning schools, top-rated community services, miles of bike and nature trails, and well-maintained neighborhoods are some of Powell’s best features. There’s a definite sense of safety here, with two violent crimes reported in 2014. Powell’s housing is a bit pricier than some of Columbus’s other suburbs, but the payoff for homeowners is a low crime rate.
22. Marietta
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.7
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 9.8
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.3
- CreditDonkey safety score: 3.0
Marietta is located along the Ohio-West Virginia border, where the Muskingum and Ohio rivers meet. Officers from the Marietta Police Department patrol the streets by car, and there’s a separate boat patrol that keeps an eye out for crime along the city’s waterways. Those efforts helped to keep the number of violent crimes at 10 for 2014, which included a single robbery.
23. Marysville
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.5
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
- Property crime per 1,000: 9.9
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.6
- CreditDonkey safety score: 3.0
Marysville is the seat of Union County, about 35 miles northwest of Columbus. One of the city’s most remarkable features is the variety of housing that’s available. Whether you prefer Queen Anne, Victorian, or colonial houses, it’s possible to find your dream home in one of Marysville’s many safe neighborhoods.
24. Aurora
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.6
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 10.3
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.4
- CreditDonkey safety score: 3.1
Aurora is about halfway between Cleveland and Akron, and the city offers a unique culture complete with excellent schools, historic homes, and acres of lush green golf courses. The Aurora Police Department uses GeoCast Web to reach out to residents any time a public crime alert needs to be sent out, which fortunately doesn’t happen too often.
25. Dublin
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.2
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
- Property crime per 1,000: 10.7
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.5
- CreditDonkey safety score: 3.1
Perhaps best known for its annual Irish Festival, Dublin is an upscale suburb of Columbus that’s growing at a steady pace. It’s one of the largest cities in our rankings, with a little over 44,000 residents, and it attracts people from every walk of life. Safe surroundings are the common thread they all share, and Dublin had an amazingly low eight violent crimes reported for all of 2014.
26. Perrysburg
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.2
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 11.3
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.4
- CreditDonkey safety score: 3.3
Located along the Maumee River, the city of Perrysburg is a highly livable suburb of Toledo. Lake Erie is just a short drive away if you want to head out on the water, but there are plenty of ways to have fun closer to home. If there’s ever an emergency, you can stay on top of what’s happening in your area through CodeRed alerts, which are issued by the Perrysburg Police Department.
27. Mason
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.4
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 12.1
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.0
- CreditDonkey safety score: 3.4
Warren County is Ohio’s “largest playground,” and Mason styles itself as the anchor. The Kings Island amusement park is located in the city, and other attractions include an indoor water park and the Lindner Family Tennis Center. With so many ways to keep busy, Mason is a great place for families, active seniors, or young professionals who work in nearby Cincinnati.
28. Berea
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.0
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.5
- Property crime per 1,000: 10.2
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.8
- CreditDonkey safety score: 3.4
Nearly 19,000 people live in Berea, and many of them are students attending Baldwin Wallace University. The presence of so many young people is balanced out by a generous population of seniors. Berea’s police department is committed to meeting all of their needs where safety is concerned. The Ride Along Program gives locals a chance to see what an officer’s typical day is like.
29. Loveland
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.6
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 11.2
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.9
- CreditDonkey safety score: 3.5
Loveland is called the “Sweetheart of Ohio,” and it’s easy to fall in love with the city once you’ve seen it for yourself. With just over 12,000 residents, it’s one of the smaller suburban communities in the Cincinnati area, but that helps to keep crime low. In 2014, Loveland’s police force dealt with eight violent crime reports, with no murders and only one robbery included in that number.
30. Westlake
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.4
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 12.0
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.6
- CreditDonkey safety score: 3.5
Community outreach is high on the list of priorities for the Westlake Police Department, and there are safety programs designed for residents of all ages. For younger kids, there’s the Eddie Eagle Firearm Safety course. Teens can take part in the career-shadowing program to learn more about what it takes to become a police officer, and for adults, there’s the Community Police Academy.
31. Upper Arlington
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.1
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 11.6
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.5
- CreditDonkey safety score: 3.6
Upper Arlington has a reputation for being one of the Columbus area’s most desirable suburbs (we’ve highlighted its merits as a livable city in the past). In terms of quality of life, the city has it all: a variety of affordable housing, top-notch schools, a diverse economy, and above all, an outstanding safety rating. Despite having a population of nearly 35,000, only four violent crimes were reported in 2014.
32. New Philadelphia
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.8
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 13.8
- Burglary per 1,000: 0.5
- CreditDonkey safety score: 3.8
New Philadelphia is about 30 miles south of Canton, so residents can stay close to the bigger city without having to worry about a spill over in crime. This city of around 17,000 residents is notable for having the lowest overall burglary rate in our rankings, with eight cases reported in 2014. It also did pretty well in the robbery category, with only two incidents.
33. Shawnee Township
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.3
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 13.1
- Burglary per 1,000: 3.0
- CreditDonkey safety score: 4.1
If you’re looking for someplace a little more remote, Shawnee Township may be a good fit. This quiet little community, one of Allen County’s hidden jewels, is right for anyone who prefers a laidback place to call home. If you need help in an emergency situation, the Shawnee Township Police Department is ready to take quick action to ensure your safety.
34. North Canton
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.7
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 13.8
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.9
- CreditDonkey safety score: 4.4
North Canton is less than six miles from the larger city of Canton, and it’s an affordable alternative in terms of housing and the overall cost of living. The city has a favorable crime rate, and the North Canton Police Department is committed to making sure it stays that way. As a result of their efforts, the number of violent crimes reported in 2014 totaled a dozen, with no murders and two robberies in the mix.
35. Montgomery
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.2
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 15.6
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.9
- CreditDonkey safety score: 4.4
With around 10,400 residents, Montgomery is among the smallest cities included in our rankings. This close-knit community is less than 15 miles from Cincinnati, so it’s close enough for working, shopping, or playing. Safety programs abound at the Montgomery Police Department, and citizens are encouraged to check out what’s on the schedule or stop in for a quick tour of the facilities.
36. Medina
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.8
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.4
- Property crime per 1,000: 14.7
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.9
- CreditDonkey safety score: 4.4
Medina has been recognized as one of the nation’s most attractive places to live by CNN Money, and we couldn’t agree more. It’s within driving distance of both Cleveland and Akron, which is appealing to professionals who don’t mind a commute, and it’s packed with amenities for residents who don’t want to stray too far from home. The police department does a good job of meeting citizens’ needs through specialized programs like the Crisis Intervention Team, whose members are trained to deal with individuals who suffer from mental illness.
37. Athens
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.1
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 14.9
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.9
- CreditDonkey safety score: 4.5
Athens is home to Ohio University, and the Athens Police Department works cooperatively with the school’s police force to prevent and investigate crime. That joint undertaking contributes to the city’s low crime rate, both on campus and off. In 2014, Athens experienced 26 violent crimes, only one robbery, and fewer than 50 burglaries.
38. Miami Township (Clermont County)
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.7
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
- Property crime per 1,000: 15.2
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.1
- CreditDonkey safety score: 4.6
There are five Miami townships in Ohio, but we’ve chosen the one in Clermont County to grace our rankings because it outstripped the competition in terms of safety. This Cincinnati suburb saw 30 violent crimes reported in 2014, but considering that almost 42,000 people live here, that’s not an astonishing amount. Of the 30 incidents reported, nine were robberies.
39. Amherst
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.2
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
- Property crime per 1,000: 16.1
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.0
- CreditDonkey safety score: 4.6
Once a major center for the state’s sandstone quarrying industry, Amherst’s economy has evolved over the years, and both small business and manufacturing now take center stage. The city’s residents continue to celebrate its history while moving forward, and the Amherst Police Department is constantly looking for ways to improve their services and operations.
40. Clayton
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.5
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.4
- Property crime per 1,000: 14.2
- Burglary per 1,000: 3.6
- CreditDonkey safety score: 4.7
Things are pretty sunny in Clayton and the city’s 13,000 residents share in a bright outlook for the future. To keep crime from raining on the parade, the Clayton Police Department is active in protecting citizens’ safety, both on the streets and behind the scenes. Anyone who has information about a crime can share the details with law enforcement anonymously through the Text-A-Tip program.
41. American Township
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.2
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 16.4
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.1
- CreditDonkey safety score: 4.7
American Township is right next door to the larger city of Lima, and life is peaceful for the 12,000 or so people who live here. A total of two violent crimes were reported in 2014, both of which were aggravated assaults. Larceny and theft were the most common property crimes reported and there were 26 burglaries for the year.
42. Lakewood
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.3
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.6
- Property crime per 1,000: 14.7
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.2
- CreditDonkey safety score: 4.7
The Lakewood Police Department uses an aggressive crime prevention strategy to defend the lives and property of the city’s 51,000 residents. To keep citizens safe, patrol officers are assigned to specific neighborhoods within the city so they have an opportunity to get to know the people they’re protecting. Neighborhood block clubs allow locals to take an active part in deterring crime.
43. Vermilion
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.1
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 15.1
- Burglary per 1,000: 3.1
- CreditDonkey safety score: 4.8
Vermilion, another lakefront community, is a first-rate spot for soaking up the sun along the shores of Lake Erie. Thousands of visitors also pour in each year for the annual Woollybear Festival, which is the largest one-day event of its kind in the state. While the Vermilion Police Department is always on alert, they take special care to make sure residents and tourists alike stay safe while the festival is in full swing.
44. Madison Township (Franklin County)
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.1
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.4
- Property crime per 1,000: 13.0
- Burglary per 1,000: 5.1
- CreditDonkey safety score: 4.9
There are 20 townships named Madison statewide, and the one in Franklin County earned the highest marks for safety, based on our survey criteria. Some of the measures the local police department takes to safeguard residents include using Nixel Alerts to send out mass emergency notifications, offering free gun locks for registered gun owners, and performing home security checks while you’re away on vacation.
45. Parma
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.8
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.4
- Property crime per 1,000: 14.8
- Burglary per 1,000: 4.1
- CreditDonkey safety score: 5.0
With over 80,000 residents, Parma is Cleveland’s largest suburb and the second-largest city in Cuyahoga County. It originally began as a small village, but it’s grown tremendously over the years and has earned a solid reputation as being a great place to raise a family in the process. Parma was able to boast zero murders in 2014, which is impressive for a city of this size.
46. Goshen Township (Clermont County)
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.6
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 16.1
- Burglary per 1,000: 3.5
- CreditDonkey safety score: 5.1
Goshen Township sits on the outskirts of Cincinnati, and it shares its name with six other cities in the state. What sets it apart from the others is the lower crime rate its residents enjoy. Of 10 violent crimes reported in 2014, there were two robberies, and there were 55 burglaries reported in all during the same period.
47. Centerville
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.0
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
- Property crime per 1,000: 15.7
- Burglary per 1,000: 3.5
- CreditDonkey safety score: 5.1
Progress and stability are the focus in Centerville, and residents enjoy their fair share of both. Fortunately, crime is not something they deal with on a regular basis. Centerville’s police department takes a team approach to keeping residents safe and officers patrol specific beats in pairs to ensure that the serene atmosphere isn’t disturbed.
Did you know:
It starts with well-informed residents that care about each other and stay involved in their neighborhoods.
Gregory B. Horn, City Manager, City of Centerville
48. Parma Heights
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.7
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.4
- Property crime per 1,000: 16.6
- Burglary per 1,000: 3.0
- CreditDonkey safety score: 5.2
Parma Heights is almost completely surrounded by the larger city of Parma, which we’ve profiled already. Like its neighbor, Parma Heights features a low crime rate, with 15 violent crimes reported in 2014. Local law enforcement takes the job of protecting citizens seriously, and the Are You Okay? program is geared towards serving seniors and shut-ins who may be at risk of falling victim to a crime.
49. Liberty Township
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.4
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.3
- Property crime per 1,000: 15.1
- Burglary per 1,000: 4.6
- CreditDonkey safety score: 5.3
The Butler County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for providing law enforcement services in Liberty Township, and have strong numbers to show for it. The city experienced 17 violent crimes in 2014, which included four robberies, but there were no murders reported. If you want quality housing, healthcare, and schools without all the big city traffic or crime, it’s waiting for you here.
50. Wadsworth
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.5
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 19.5
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.8
- CreditDonkey safety score: 5.5
Wadsworth offers an excellent school district, a quaint downtown and safe surroundings for the people who choose to settle down here. Every year, kids between fourth and seventh grade are encouraged to come out and learn about crime scene investigation, fingerprinting, and SWAT training at the Wadsworth Police Department’s Safety Forces Summer Camp.
Conclusion
As you can see, Ohio’s safest cities are certainly unique, but they all share a common trait when it comes to offering their residents a secure place to call home. We should point out that not every city reports their crime data to the FBI, so if there was a specific city you were hoping to see here but didn’t, that may be why it’s not on our list.
If you want to feel safe anywhere you live, installing a home security system can give you the peace of mind you’re looking for. Check out our guide to home security alarms to find out whether they’re worth the cost.
The Top 50 Safest Cities in Ohio
| Rank | City | Population | Total # of Violent Crimes1 | Total # of Property Crimes2 | Violent Crime Per 1,000 | Robbery Per 1,000 | Property Crime Per 1,000 | Burglary Per 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Streetsboro | 16,152 | 11 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 2.0 | ||
| 2 | Broadview Heights | 19,318 | 23 | 26 | 1.2 | 0.0 | 1.3 | 0.5 |
| 3 | Sylvania Township | 29,425 | 37 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 2.9 | ||
| 4 | Brecksville | 13,505 | 0 | 65 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.8 | 1.1 |
| 5 | Hudson | 22,526 | 4 | 126 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 5.6 | 0.8 |
| 6 | Brunswick Hills Township | 10,202 | 2 | 52 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 5.1 | 1.4 |
| 7 | Poland Township | 12,160 | 4 | 63 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 5.2 | 1.5 |
| 8 | Seven Hills | 11,713 | 6 | 67 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 5.7 | 1.0 |
| 9 | New Franklin | 14,328 | 4 | 82 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 5.7 | 1.3 |
| 10 | Olmsted Township | 13,178 | 10 | 71 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 5.4 | 1.4 |
| 11 | Hamilton Township, Warren County | 21,920 | 3 | 151 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 6.9 | 1.0 |
| 12 | Dover | 12,862 | 6 | 78 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 6.1 | 1.4 |
| 13 | Clearcreek Township | 14,809 | 7 | 92 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 6.2 | 1.4 |
| 14 | Sagamore Hills | 11,079 | 11 | 67 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 6.0 | 1.0 |
| 15 | Twinsburg | 18,882 | 5 | 132 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 7.0 | 1.1 |
| 16 | Solon | 23,113 | 8 | 170 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 7.4 | 0.9 |
| 17 | Struthers | 10,451 | 31 | 3.0 | 0.9 | 5.1 | ||
| 18 | North Ridgeville | 31,706 | 11 | 226 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 7.1 | 2.0 |
| 19 | Springboro | 17,966 | 12 | 145 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 8.1 | 1.2 |
| 20 | Brunswick | 34,620 | 19 | 306 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 8.8 | 1.1 |
| 21 | Powell | 12,410 | 2 | 108 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 8.7 | 1.8 |
| 22 | Marietta | 14,051 | 10 | 137 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 9.8 | 1.3 |
| 23 | Marysville | 22,460 | 11 | 222 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 9.9 | 1.6 |
| 24 | Aurora | 15,586 | 9 | 161 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 10.3 | 1.4 |
| 25 | Dublin | 44,163 | 8 | 474 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 10.7 | 1.5 |
| 26 | Perrysburg | 21,518 | 4 | 244 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 11.3 | 1.4 |
| 27 | Mason | 31,416 | 11 | 379 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 12.1 | 1.0 |
| 28 | Berea | 18,981 | 19 | 194 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 10.2 | 1.8 |
| 29 | Loveland | 12,387 | 8 | 139 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 11.2 | 1.9 |
| 30 | Westlake | 32,416 | 12 | 388 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 12.0 | 1.6 |
| 31 | Upper Arlington | 34,600 | 4 | 402 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 11.6 | 2.5 |
| 32 | New Philadelphia | 17,425 | 14 | 240 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 13.8 | 0.5 |
| 33 | Shawnee Township | 12,256 | 4 | 160 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 13.1 | 3.0 |
| 34 | North Canton | 17,503 | 12 | 242 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 13.8 | 2.9 |
| 35 | Montgomery | 10,395 | 2 | 162 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 15.6 | 1.9 |
| 36 | Medina | 26,551 | 21 | 389 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 14.7 | 1.9 |
| 37 | Athens | 24,083 | 26 | 360 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 14.9 | 1.9 |
| 38 | Miami Township, Clermont County | 41,746 | 30 | 634 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 15.2 | 2.1 |
| 39 | Amherst | 12,133 | 3 | 195 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 16.1 | 2.0 |
| 40 | Clayton | 13,209 | 7 | 187 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 14.2 | 3.6 |
| 41 | American Township | 12,351 | 2 | 203 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 16.4 | 2.1 |
| 42 | Lakewood | 50,923 | 66 | 749 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 14.7 | 2.2 |
| 43 | Vermilion | 10,468 | 12 | 158 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 15.1 | 3.1 |
| 44 | Madison Township, Franklin County | 17,948 | 19 | 233 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 13.0 | 5.1 |
| 45 | Parma | 80,168 | 67 | 1188 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 14.8 | 4.1 |
| 46 | Goshen Township, Clermont County | 15,626 | 10 | 252 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 16.1 | 3.5 |
| 47 | Centerville | 23,949 | 23 | 377 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 15.7 | 3.5 |
| 48 | Parma Heights | 20,374 | 15 | 338 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 16.6 | 3.0 |
| 49 | Liberty Township | 11,825 | 17 | 178 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 15.1 | 4.6 |
| 50 | Wadsworth | 21,894 | 11 | 427 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 19.5 | 1.8 |
2Property crime includes burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
 |
| © CreditDonkey |
 |
| Safest Cities in Ohio © CreditDonkey |
Rebecca Lake is a journalist at CreditDonkey, a home security comparison and reviews website. Write to Rebecca Lake at rebecca@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.
Read Next:
