The answer depends on where in Dayton you live, but overall, the city has crime rates that are much higher than both the Ohio and national averages.
Data from NeighborhoodScout and other crime resources paints a detailed picture of the Dayton, Ohio, crime rate and helps explain what residents and newcomers can expect.
Dayton, Ohio Crime Rate: The Numbers
According to the most recent FBI crime data compiled by NeighborhoodScout, Dayton has a total crime rate of 57.99
That means about 1 in 17 people will be affected by crime each year. In comparison, Ohio’s average total crime rate is 19.79 per 1,000, showing that Dayton’s overall rate is nearly three times higher.
- Violent crime rate: 11.02 per 1,000 residents
- Property crime rate: 46.96 per 1,000 residents
- Total annual crimes reported: about 7,858
- Violent crimes: 1,494
- Property crimes: 6,364
This makes Dayton one of the higher-crime cities in Ohio.
Violent Crime in Dayton
Violent crime is a major part of the Dayton, Ohio, crime rate. The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Dayton is 1 in 91, compared to 1 in 349 statewide.
The violent crime rate is nearly four times higher than the Ohio average and more than double the U.S. median.
Breakdown of violent crime per 1,000 residents (population ~135,500):
- Murder: 0.27 (36 incidents)
- Rape: 1.13 (153 incidents)
- Robbery: 1.90 (257 incidents)
- Assault: 7.73 (1,048 incidents)
These figures show that assaults account for the majority of violent crime in Dayton.
Property Crime in Dayton
Property crimes also make up a large part of the crime map in Dayton, Ohio, reports. With a rate of 46.96 per 1,000 residents, property crime is well above both state and national averages.
Breakdown of property crime per 1,000 residents:
- Burglary: 9.73 (1,318 incidents)
- Theft: 20.14 (2,729 incidents)
- Motor vehicle theft: 17.10 (2,317 incidents)
The high number of vehicle thefts is notable. Dayton’s motor vehicle theft rate is more than eight times higher than Ohio’s average and far above the national level.
Comparing Dayton to Ohio and U.S. Averages
Looking at the larger picture, Dayton’s crime rates are significantly higher than both Ohio and national benchmarks.
- Violent crime: Dayton 11.02 vs. Ohio 2.87 and U.S. ~4
- Property crime: Dayton 46.96 vs. Ohio 16.92 and U.S. ~19
- Total crime: Dayton 57.99 vs. Ohio 19.79
These comparisons make it clear that Dayton’s residents face a much higher risk of crime than the average Ohioan or American.
Crime Map Dayton, Ohio: Neighborhood Differences
Safety in Dayton varies by neighborhood. Central Dayton shows the highest crime levels, with some areas carrying a 1 in 16 chance of being a victim.
In contrast, northeast Dayton is considered one of the safer sections, where the chance of crime can be as low as 1 in 52.
This crime map of Dayton, Ohio, shows a common pattern in many cities: central urban areas often record more incidents, while outer residential neighborhoods tend to be safer.
Dayton, Ohio, Safety Compared to Nearby Cities
When compared with other cities in southwest Ohio, Dayton ranks as less safe. For example:
- Columbus has a higher population but a slightly lower overall crime rate per capita.
- Cincinnati also records high crime, but generally remains below Dayton’s violent crime rate.
- Suburban areas like Beavercreek or Kettering show much lower crime levels, making them more appealing for families looking for Dayton, Ohio, safety without the risks of the city center.
The Cost of Crime in Dayton
Crime not only impacts safety but also comes with financial costs.
CrimeGrade data estimates Dayton’s overall crime costs at a much higher rate than state averages, driven by property losses and law enforcement needs.
These costs are felt across the community through insurance, city spending, and property values.
Safety Takeaways
So, is Dayton, Ohio, safe? The numbers show that the city struggles with high crime rates, especially compared to the rest of Ohio.
Violent crime is much higher than average, with assault being the most common offense. Property crime is also a major issue, particularly motor vehicle theft.
That said, not every neighborhood is equally affected. Some areas, especially in the northeast, are much safer than the central city.
Many residents also note that everyday safety depends on location, time of day, and awareness.
Conclusion
The Dayton, Ohio, crime rate makes clear that the city has more safety challenges than most other places in the state.
While Dayton offers cultural attractions, job opportunities, and historic neighborhoods, safety is a concern for many residents.
When asking “Is Dayton, Ohio, safe?” the answer is mixed.
Certain neighborhoods are relatively safe, while others experience frequent incidents.
Anyone considering a move should review the crime map of Dayton, Ohio, which provides a comparison of neighborhoods, and weigh which areas meet their safety needs.
For those who prioritize Dayton, Ohio, nearby suburbs may provide a better balance of convenience and lower crime risks.
Get in touch with our movers in Dayton and find out more about how we can help!