Ohio is a state rich in attractions, like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the Ohio River. However, not all areas in Ohio are safe for visitors or residents. FBI statistics show that some Ohio cities have high rates of violent and property crimes, making them some of the most dangerous places in the US. Here are four of those cities:
Chillicothe
Chillicothe was once the capital of Ohio, but now it is considered the most dangerous city in the state. With a population of 21,748, it has a crime rate of 32.56 per thousand residents, which is 248% higher than the state average. People in Chillicothe are 3.5 times more likely to experience property crimes than the rest of Ohio. Common crimes include murder, assault, burglary, and auto theft. Though Chillicothe only covers 10.5 square miles, it has 163 crimes per square mile. Violence affects 1 in every 209 people here.
Canton
Canton is famous for the Pro Football Hall of Fame but also notorious for its high crime rate. It is more dangerous than 99% of other American cities. With 72,163 residents, Canton has a crime rate of 6.11 per thousand, which is 109% higher than the state average. In 2020, there were 1,429 violent crimes and 3,411 property crimes reported. These included murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, and auto theft. Canton also struggles with a high poverty rate of 31.7%, which contributes to its crime problem.
Cleveland
Cleveland, the second-largest city in Ohio, is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. However, it is also the third-most dangerous city in the state. With a population of 389,165, Cleveland’s crime rate is 9.02 per thousand, 164% higher than the state average. In 2020, there were 9,036 violent crimes and 26,301 property crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, and auto theft. Cleveland has a high poverty rate of 33.1%, which impacts the safety and quality of life for its residents.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a small city on the Ohio River known for its crime problems. With 20,424 residents, it has a crime rate of 11.76 per thousand, 214% higher than the state average. People in Portsmouth are 4.2 times more likely to experience property crimes than in the rest of Ohio. Common crimes include murder, assault, burglary, and auto theft. The city also has a high poverty rate of 36.8%, which is linked to its drug and crime issues.
Conclusion
Ohio has many attractions, but it also has its dangers. Cities like Chillicothe, Canton, Cleveland, and Portsmouth have high rates of violent and property crimes, making them some of the most dangerous places in the US. These cities also suffer from high poverty rates and a low quality of life, with frequent incidents of murder, assault, burglary, and auto theft. Visitors and residents should be aware of these risks and take steps to protect themselves and their property. While Ohio has many good aspects, it also has significant challenges.