Ohio offers plenty of opportunities for new residents. It boasts the largest bioscience sector in the Midwest and is headquarters for major corporations like Procter & Gamble, Goodyear and Wendy’s. Additionally, the state hosts, numerous top-class museums and excellent universities.
All of this is joined by good news on the safety front. The state’s violent crime rate is 18.9 percent lower than the national average, and property crime rates are also below the national average. In 2017, Ohio reported 300.3 violent crimes and 2,577.5 property crimes per 100,000 people. Now, let’s take a look at Ohio’s 10 safest cities, so you can see why 11.7 million people call the Buckeye State home.
The Top 10 Safest Cities in Ohio
1. Olmsted Falls
- Population: 8,912
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 0.0
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 157.1
- Most Common Crime: Property
91% Below National Crime Rate
How do you define safe? Well, how about zero? As in zero murders, zero robberies, zero aggravated assaults. Thus, it’s no surprise that Olmsted Falls tops our safest cities list for Ohio. This historic Cleveland suburb offers a high livability rating thanks to its combination of small-town living and urban proximity.
Discover new homes in Olmsted Falls today.
2. Sagamore Hills
- Population: 10,956
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 4.0
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 37.0
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
91% Below National Crime Rate
Sagamore Hills, another bedroom community near Cleveland, takes the award for being Ohio’s second safest city thanks, in part, to its low violent crime numbers and zero registered sex offenders. Located on the edge of the Cuyahoga Valley National Parks, Sagamore Hills offers residents plenty of outdoor activities, and its exceptional educational system is a major draw for families.
Sagamore Hills is ready to welcome you home.
3. Broadview Heights
- Population: 19,242
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 10.4
- Nonfiolent Crimes Per Capita: 83.2
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
96% Below National Crime Rate
The third safest city in Ohio brings us to Broadview Heights, a suburb in the greater Cleveland area. Owning a home in this safe and growing suburb will run you a little over $223,000, making living here a no brainer. And to top it off, Broadview Heights has great public schools: The high school graduation rate is 95 percent — 14 percent higher than the national rate.
Check out new homes in Broadview Heights today.
4. Waterville
- Population: 5,484
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 0.0
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 327.9
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
85% Below National Crime Rate
Waterville residents love to boast of low crime rates and how family-friendly their town is. The median home price in this pleasant community is around $200,000. Its cost of living is 6.9 percent lower than the national average. A suburb of Toledo, it sits along the Maumee River with picturesque landscapes — perfect for a morning hook, line and sinker.
5. Kirtland
- Population: 6,818
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 0.0
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 366.6
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
84% Below National Crime Rate
This Cleveland suburb not only offers safety but also ranks as one of the best places to live in Ohio. Kirtland is located just south of Lake Erie and is surrounded by a dense forest. Here in this slice of Ohio, you’ll find great housing, fantastic entertainment options and appealing schools. Also, you’ll have many fabulous restaurants and parks to enjoy.
6. Rocky River
- Population: 20,211
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 35.0
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 349.8
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
87% Below National Crime Rate
Located along the shore of Lake Erie, Rocky River is a quick 20-minute drive into Cleveland for commuters. In nearly every “best city” poll and ranking, Rocky River soars near the top of the list. The average home price is about $216,000, and buyers have a vast selection to choose from, including waterfront properties, condos and various historic home styles like Tudors. Hikers enjoy trekking through the wooded trails on Rocky River Reservation.
7. Ada
- Population: 5,970
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 18.0
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 234.0
- Most Common Crime: Property
86% Below National Crime Rate
Ada offers outstanding small-town living to its residents, who are primarily young professionals. The school system is at the top of the charts, and homes are affordable — the median price is $139,100. Cost of living is another great reason to live here; it’s an astounding 20 percent less than the national average.
8. North Ridgeville
- Population: 32,954
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 26.5
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 194.0
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
88% Below National Crime Rate
North Ridgeville, a suburb to the west of Cleveland along Lake Erie, offers great livability, partially because of the low crime rate. Another key factor is its cost of living, which is 11.3 percent lower than the national average. Homes can be found here for around $190,400.
Your new home is waiting for you in North Ridgeville.
9. Hudson
- Population: 22,287
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 4.5
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 467.6
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
78% Below National Crime Rate
A family-friendly town, Hudson is an affluent suburb of Akron and has a sprawling historic shopping district. As an anti-slavery haven in the mid-19th century, Hudson was an important stop on the Underground Railroad and its citizens helped thousands of slaves fleeing from the South to freedom in Canada. Today, you’ll find many fine restaurants and amenities, as well as opportunities to purchase a home in this thriving community.
Hudson communities are waiting to welcome you home.
10. Seven Hills
- Population: 11,690
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 25.7
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 334.4
- Most Common Crime: Property
82% Below National Crime Rate
Located just south of Cleveland, Seven Hills offers a median home price of $183,200 — in the past decade, home appreciation has edged up 6.8 percent. Residents are proud of their city’s educational system, so keep this gem in mind if you are considering a move to Ohio.
Discover new homes in Seven Hills now.
All data are taken from FBI U.S. crime statistics.
Other Ohio Resources
Heather Allen is a freelance writer who began her career 20 years ago at a small Texas NBC affiliate, while attending SFASU. She’s written blogs on a diverse range of topics.
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