The Buckeye State is the 7th largest state in the U.S. in terms of population. Home to 11.6 million residents, Ohio is considered a midwestern state and gets its name from the Ohio River that runs along its southern border. Several major cities are located in Ohio, including Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. If you’d like to make this thriving state your home, we’re detailing the 50 safest cities in Ohio.
Related: Check out our Ohio Public Records guide.
Our list was compiled based on FBI violent crime stats and proprietary backgroundchecks.org research data. Rates are normalized per 100,000 residents with the state average being 285 for violent crime and 2,799 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.
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#1 Powell
An affluent city in Delaware County, Powell is home to 11,500 residents. Powell is just fourteen miles north of the state capital of Columbus and has been named on Money Magazine’s list of the 100 Best Places to Live in the United States. Powell is the safest place to live in Ohio, with no violent crime at all and the chances of being affected by property crime here just .06%.
#2 Clear Creek
A township located in Warren County, Clear Creek is home to 20,900 residents. Named after its principal stream, the township was organized in 1815 and sits between the cities of Dayton and Cincinnati. This is the second safest place to live in the state, with a violent crime rate of just 7 and the chance of being involved in a property crime here .07%.
#3 Lyndhurst
Located in Cuyahoga County, the city of Lyndhurst has a current population of 14,000 residents. Considered an eastern suburb of Cleveland, the city is served by the South Euclid-Lyndhurst City School District and is best known for its annual Eggshelland display, a 55-year tradition. Living in Lyndhurst is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 7.2 and no reported property crimes.
#4 Seven Hills
Also located in Cuyahoga County, Seven Hills is home to 11,800 residents. The city encompasses 4.92 square miles and was named for the seven hills in the area. This is also a safe place to call home, with a violent crime rate of 8.5 and the chance of being affected by property crime here just .03%.
#5 Genoa
A township in Delaware County, Genoa is home to 20,000 residents. Considered one of the fastest growing areas around the city of Columbus, the township is served by three different school districts and its own full-time police and fire departments. This is also a top pick for safety in Ohio, with a violent crime rate of 8.5 and the chance of being involved in a property crime here just .08%.
#6 Hudson
Located in Summit County, Hudson is a city that has a current population of 22,200 residents. Considered an affluent suburb of Akron, the city oversees more than a thousand acres of parkland including a large lake. The violent crime rate in Hudson is 9, and residents have just a .06% chance of being affected by property crime.
#7 Montgomery
Known as an affluent bedroom community of Cincinnati, Montgomery is a city of 10,200 residents. Located in Hamilton County, the city was settled in 1796 and retains a historic downtown and other 19th-century properties. Montgomery is a safe place to call home, with a violent crime rate of 9.8 and the chance of being involved in a property crime here 1.6%.
#8 Olmsted
A township in Cuyahoga County, Olmsted is home to 13,500 residents. Considered a western suburb of Cleveland, the community covers exactly 10 square miles and is served by the Olmstead Falls School District. Living here is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 14.9 and the chance of being affected by property crime just .02%.
#9 Perkins
Located in Erie County, Perkins is a township that is home to 12,500 residents. Considered a suburb of Sandusky, the community is home to several recreation and tourist-related businesses such as Great Wolf Lodge, Kalahari Resorts, and Sandusky Speedway. The violent crime rate in Perkins is 16.5, and residents have a 2.4% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#10 Loveland
A city in Warren, Hamilton, and Clermont counties, Loveland is located in southwestern Ohio and is home to 12,000 residents. The city sits along the Little Miami River and now serves as a major stop along the Little Miami Scenic Trail. Loveland is considered a safe place to live, with a violent crime rate of 16.6 and the chance of being affected by property crime here just 1%.
#11 Sagamore Hills
Located in Summit County, Sagamore Hills is a township that is home to 9,300 residents. The community encompasses 11.3 square miles and is served by the Nordonia Hills School System. The violent crime rate in Sagamore Hills is 18.3, and residents have just a .04% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#12 Pataskala
A city in Licking County, Pataskala is located in central Ohio and has a current population of 14,900 residents. First settled in 1851, the community has had the same working post office since 1852 and is served by two different school districts. Living in Pataskala is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 20 and the chance of being affected by property crime here just 1.5%.
#13 Broadview Heights
Located in Cuyahoga County, Broadview Heights is a city that is home to 19,400 residents. Considered a suburb of Cleveland, the community has highly-rated schools, an extensive parks and recreation program, and several thriving corporations. The violent crime rate here is 20.8, and the chance of being involved in a property crime is almost non-existent at just .01%
#14 Franklin
Franklin is located in Warren County and is home to 11,700 residents. The Great Miami River flows through the center of the city, and Franklin citizens are served by the Franklin City School District. Franklin is a safe place to call home, with a violent crime rate of 21.2 and the chance of being affected by property crime here just .05%.
#15 New Philadelphia
A city in Tuscarawas County, New Philadelphia has a current population of 17,200 residents. Both the county seat and largest city in the county, the community sits between the cities of Columbus and Cleveland on the banks of the Tuscarawas River. The violent crime rate here is 23.2, and residents have a 1.3% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#16 Upper Arlington
An affluent suburban city of Columbus, Upper Arlington is located in Franklin County. Home to 33,700 residents, the community has many historic properties, including its historic downtown district. Its annual 4th of July parade and fireworks display is the 2nd largest in the state, and this is a safe place to call home. The violent crime rate here is 26.3, and residents have a 1.3% chance of being affected by property crime.
#17 Springboro
Located in Warren and Montgomery counties, Springboro is considered a part of the Miami Valley in Ohio. Home to 17,400 residents, the city was ranked as a best place to live by Money Magazine and as one of the best suburbs in America by Business Insider. The violent crime rate in Springboro is 28.4, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 1%.
#18 Worthington
A city in Franklin County, Worthington is considered a northern suburb of Columbus. Home to 13,500 residents, population growth has picked up here in recent years, and the city is served by the Worthington City School District. The violent crime rate here is 29.1, and the chance of being affected by property crime in the city is 2.8%.
#19 Strongsville
Considered a suburb of Cleveland, Strongsville is a city in Cuyahoga County that is home to 44,700 residents. The city is the site of Strongsville Business & Technology Park, the largest industrial park in Northeast Ohio, and has several historic properties. The violent crime rate in Strongsville is 29.3, and residents have just a 1.7% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#20 Brecksville
Also located in Cuyahoga County, Brecksville is a city and suburb of Cleveland that is home to 13,600 residents. Known for its wooded bluffs and ravines, the community is home to the #1 rated public golf course in the state and has an active art and culinary scene. Brecksville is a safe place to call home, with a violent crime rate of 29.5 and the chance of being affected by property crime here just .06%.
#21 Solon
Another Cuyahoga County city, Solon has a current population of 23,100 residents. The city has received multiple recognitions for its safe schools, low crime, and business environment. It was named by Bloomberg Businessweek as one of the best places to raise kids and by Google as having a strong online business community. The violent crime rate here is 30.2, and residents have a .08% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#22 Streetsboro
Located in Portage County, Streetsboro is a city that is home to 12,300 residents. Considered a suburb of Akron, this former farming community has developed into a retail hub for many of the surrounding townships. Streetsboro is considered a safe place to live, with a violent crime rate of 31.2 and the chance of being affected by property crime here just .05%.
#23 Poland
A township in Mahoning County, Poland is home to 14,900 residents. The township encompasses 21.2 square miles and is home to the three villages of Lowellville, Poland, and Struthers. The violent crime rate in Poland is 32.4, and residents have a .09% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#24 Salem
A city in Columbiana and Mahoning counties, Salem has a current population of 12.300 residents. Settled by Quakers in the early 1800’s, Salem acted as a hub for the Underground Railroad and has several historic properties and districts. The violent crime rate in Salem is 32.6, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 2.1%.
#25 Amherst
Located in Lorain County, Amherst is a city that is home to 12,000 residents. Originally known as the Sandstone Capital of the World because of its nine sandstone quarries, the community has diversified into other businesses in recent years and has an active historic district. The violent crime rate here is 33.3, and residents have a 1.6% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#26 Miami
A township in Clermont County, Miami is home to 40,800 residents. Situated on the banks of the East Fork and Little Miami Rivers, the community is known as one of the fastest-growing in the Cincinnati area. The community is served by four school districts and is considered a safe place to live. The violent crime rate here is 34, and the chance of being affected by property crime is 1.9%.
#27 Dublin
Located in Franklin, Delaware, and Union counties, Dublin is a city that is home to 41,700 residents. Considered a suburb of Columbus, the city is a popular golf community, and its annual Dublin Irish Festival attracts more than 100,000 visitors to the area. The violent crime rate in Dublin is 35.4, and residents have a 1.2% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#28 Mason
A city in southwestern Warren County, Mason is located just 22 miles from downtown Cincinnati. Home to 30,700 residents, the community was named by Money Magazine as a best place to live and is known for having one of the largest tennis stadiums in the world. Mason is a safe place to call home, with a violent crime rate of 35.4, and the chance of being affected by property crime here just 1.9%.
#29 Westerville
Located in Delaware and Franklin counties, Westerville is a city that is home to 36,100 residents. This northeastern Columbus suburb has been included on Money Magazine’s list of best places to live and is home to Otterbein University, a private liberal arts college. The violent crime rate in Westerville is 35.5, and residents have a 2.4% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#30 Berea
A city in Cuyahoga County and a western suburb of Cleveland, Berea has a current population of 19,000 residents. The city is home to the county fairgrounds, Baldwin Wallace University, and the training facility for the Cleveland Browns. The violent crime rate here is 36.9, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Berea is 1.7%.
#31 Goshen
Located in Clermont County, Goshen is a township with a population of 15,500 residents. Founded by German and English settlers in 1799, the community offers residents shopping, recreation, and employment opportunities as well as easy access to Cincinnati, just 30 miles to the west. The violent crime rate in Goshen is 38.4, and residents have a 2% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#32 Wickliffe
A city in Lake County in northern Ohio, Wickliffe is home to 12,700 residents. The city is served by the Wickliffe County School District and has an extensive parks and recreation program. The city’s Coulby Mansion, which serves as city hall, is listed on the Nation Register of Historic Places. The violent crime rate here is 39.2, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Wickliffe is 1.6%.
#33 Delhi
Located in Hamilton County, Delhi is a township that is home to 29,500 residents. The community sits on the southern edge of the state along the Ohio River and operates over 100 acres of park property. The violent crime rate in Delhi is 44.2, and residents have a 2.1% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#34 Montville
A township in Medina County, Montville has a population of 12,000 residents. The community has well-planned neighborhoods, good schools, and easy access to both Akron and Cleveland. Living in Montville is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 44.5 and the chance of being affected by property crime here just .07%.
#35 Aurora
Located in Portage County, Aurora is a city that is home to 15,500 residents. The city’s golf and country club has hosted the Cleveland Open three times and its high school was ranked as one of the top in the state by U.S. News and World Report. Aurora is also a safe place to call home, with a violent crime rate of 45 and the chance of being involved in a property crime here just 1.1%.
#36 Wadsworth
A city in Medina County, Wadsworth is home to 21,500 residents. Named after a Revolutionary War hero, the community is known for its well-performing schools and its annual Blue Tip Festival. The violent crime rate here is 50.7, and residents have a 2% chance of being affected by property crime.
#37 Brook Park
Located in Cuyahoga County, Brook Park is a city with a population of 19,200 residents. Just 14 minutes from downtown Cleveland, the city is served by the Berea City School District and operates a dozen parks within the community. Living in Brook Park is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 52.5 and the chance of being involved in a property crime just .06%.
#38 Twinsburg
A city in Summit County, Twinsburg is home to 18,700 residents. Located approximately halfway between Cleveland and Akron, the city was named as one of the best places to live in the U.S. by CNN Money Magazine. The violent crime rate in Twinsburg is 53.4, and residents have just a .07% chance of being affected by property crime.
#39 North Ridgeville
A city of 29,400 residents, North Ridgeville is located in Lorain County in northern Ohio. Just 18 miles west of downtown Cleveland, the city is served by the North Ridgeville City School District and is known for its annual Corn Festival. The violent crime rate here is 54.3, and the chance of being involved in a property crime is 1.1%.
#40 Beavercreek
The largest city in Greene County, Beavercreek is home to 45,100 residents. Considered a suburb of Dayton, the city is a bedroom community for many who work at nearby Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and has a long list of amenities. Beavercreek is a safe place to call home, with a violent crime rate of 54.9, and the chance of being affected by property crime here just 2.3%.
#41 Troy
A city in Miami County, Troy has a current population of 25,000 residents. Both the county seat and the largest city in the county, Troy is known for its annual Strawberry Festival and has several historic properties. The violent crime rate in Troy is 55.7, and residents have a 3.4% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#42 Hamilton
Located in Warren County, Hamilton is a township that is home to 9,600 residents. The community encompasses 35.5 square miles and is considered the fastest-growing area in the county. Cincy Magazine consistently rates Hamilton high due to schools, home values, and low crime. The violent crime rate here is 57.1, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Hamilton is 1.1%.
#43 Blue Ash
A city in Hamilton County, Blue Ash has a current population of 12,100 residents. It is said that some of the first settlers in the area built a church from blue ash log, giving the area its name. The city is known for its quality schools and its well-attended summer festivals. The violent crime rate in Blue Ash is 57.9, and residents have a 3% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#44 Pierce
A township in Clermont County, Pierce is home to 14,300 residents. Just 20 minutes from downtown Cincinnati, residents have access to the city while enjoying country recreation such as boating on the Ohio River and hiking in the nature park. Pierce is a safe place to call home, with a violent crime rate of 61.9 and the chance of being affected by property crime here just 1.4%.
#45 Athens
Located in Athens County, Athens is the county seat and has a population of 23,800 residents. The city is a historic college town and is home to Ohio University, which is now the town’s largest employer. There are many museums, festivals, and annual events in Athens that makes this a vibrant place to live. It’s also safe, with a violent crime rate of 62.9 and the chance of being involved in a property crime here just 1.9%.
#46 Mayfield Heights
A city in Cuyahoga County, Mayfield Heights is home to 18,800 residents. Considered an eastern suburb of Cleveland, the community is served by the Mayfield City School District. Living here is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 63.1 and the chance of being affected by property crime in the city just 1.8%.
#47 Marietta
Located in Washington County, the city of Marietta is the county seat and is home to 14,000 residents. The community lies at the mouth of the Muskingum River where it meets the Ohio River, and the waters are the site of several annual events such as the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival and The Riverfront Roar. The violent crime rate here is 63.9, and residents have a 1.4% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#48 Wilmington
A city and the county seat of Clinton County, Wilmington is home to 12,500 residents. Wilmington College is located here, and the city was named by Time Magazine among small towns that are attractive to suburban families. The violent crime rate in Wilmington is 64.1, and residents have a 5.5% chance of being affected by property crime.
#49 Gahanna
Located in Franklin County, Gahanna is a city that is home to 33,200 residents. Considered a suburb of Columbus, the city has a thriving food scene and downtown sector. Gahanna has been named by Money Magazine in its Top 100 Best Places to Live. The violent crime rate here is 65.3, and the chance of being involved in a property crime in Gahanna is 2.4%.
#50 Englewood
A city located in Montgomery County, Englewood has a current population of 13,400 residents. Considered a northern suburb of Dayton, the city is served by the Northmount City School District and has a satellite community college campus. The violent crime rate in Englewood is 66.5, and residents have a 2.8% chance of being affected by property crime.
