Is Columbus Ohio Safe?
When it comes to safety, Columbus, Ohio’s capital city, is frequently a discussion topic. Columbus, the biggest city in the state and the 14th in the nation. It also has a population of over 900,000. As with any urban area, both visitors and residents must be concerned about safety.
In this post, we will answer the question “is Columbus Ohio safe? including crime statistics, safe and risky neighborhoods and safety advice especially in Columbus. In addition, we will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of residing in Columbus, the history of the city and the kinds of crimes committed in this region.
Columbus, Ohio Background
Founded in 1812, Columbus was named the state capital in 1816. Because of its central location in Ohio, its accessibility from many parts of the country is a plus.
The city’s economy is characterized as diverse as there is a wide variety of jobs available for residents in the following employment sectors: healthcare, education, insurance, government and technology.
Columbus is home to Ohio State University, one of the biggest institutions in the country, which attracts students from all over the world.
Crime Rates in Columbus, Ohio
It is of high importance to assess the city’s crime rates in order to examine the safety of Columbus. Columbus’ crime rate is higher than the US average. Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that crime rates might change dramatically throughout the city’s areas.
In Columbus, property crime which encompasses theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft, is more frequent than violent crime. The city’s property crime rate is above the US average, although it has been declining over time.
Moreover, violent crime, which includes, aggravated assault and robbery, is also higher than the US average. Yet, there has also been a recent decline in the rate of violent crime.
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Types of Crimes Committed in Columbus, Ohio
Property crimes like burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft as well as violent crimes like robbery, assault, and homicide, are the most perpetrated types of crimes in Columbus. It’s crucial to remember though, that not all parts of Columbus experience the same levels and types of crime.
In some parts of Columbus, particularly in regions with higher crime rates, drug-related crimes are a problem. Through prevention initiatives and enforcement, including awareness campaigns and drug take-back, the city has made efforts to combat drug activity.
Safe Areas in Columbus, Ohio
Although certain areas of Columbus have higher than average crime rates, the city also offers a lot of safe neighborhoods.
The following neighborhoods are the among the safest in Columbus:
Dublin: One of the safest neighborhoods is Dublin, a suburb northwest of Columbus. Dublin is an excellent choice for families as it has top-notch schools and a low crime rate.
Upper Arlington: West of Columbus is another safe neighborhood, Upper Arlington. This suburb is renowned for having stunning parks, clean streets and low crime rates.
New Albany: Northeast of Columbus, lies a wealthy area known as New Albany. It has a strong feeling of community and safety.
Westerville: A family-friendly and safe suburb located north of Columbus is Westerville, located to the north of Columbus. It features a wide range of social activities and has a quaint downtown area.
Worthington: The historic Worthington, a suburb north of Columbus, is renowned for its respectable schools and low crime rates.
Unsafe Areas in Columbus, Ohio
While certain Columbus areas have low crime rates, other neighborhoods are considered less secure. The following areas have higher crime rates:
Frank linton: Franklinton, a neighborhood west of Columbus’ center, has seen an increase in crime rates recently. Nevertheless, initiatives are being taken to improve the neighborhood and lower crime.
Hilltop: West of Columbus, the Hilltop neighborhood, has a reputation for having higher crime rates, particularly those involving drug use.
Linden: Linden, a neighborhood northeast of Columbus’ center, also has high crime rates. Along with the city, community organizations are cooperating to enhance the regions’ safety.
Near East Side: Located east of downtown Columbus, the Near East Side, used to have higher crime rates. Revitalization efforts, however, are currently redeveloped to improve the livability and safety of the area.
Tips for Staying Safe in Columbus, Ohio
Learn about the trends in local crime: Keep up with the crime statistics in Columbus’ various neighborhoods. You should take extra security measures when visiting unsafe neighborhoods in Columbus, Ohio.
Utilize the Ohio State University Campus Area Bus Service (CABS): Use the free CABS system, which provides monitored and well-lit transportation choices across campus and surrounding regions if you are a student or faculty member.
Attend local safety workshops: The Columbus Division of Police provides the public with a number of safety lectures and workshops. Attending these events may offer useful advice on how to stay safe in Columbus.
Utilize local safety resources: The Columbus Division of Police offers a variety of safety tools, such as the Block Watch program, that motivates residents to cooperate in reducing crime.
Avoid high-crime areas after dark: When visiting areas with greater crime risk, especially at night, proceed with caution.
Use caution at ATMs: Choose well-lit, busy areas and be alert of your surroundings when using an ATM in Columbus.
Stay informed about local events: Be informed about safety issues and incidents in Columbus, subscribe to community forums and local news resources. You will be able to make better decisions when it comes to areas to live, work, and visit.
Pros of Living in Columbus, Ohio
Affordability: Columbus has a comparatively inexpensive cost of living when compared to other large cities. Housing, particularly, is more reasonably priced than in many other major locations.
Job opportunities: There are job opportunities in a wide variety of sectors to choose from: education, healthcare, technology and finance.
Education: Columbus is home to a number of prominent colleges and universities, such as Ohio State University.
Cultural attractions: Columbus has a thriving arts scene, with a variety of museums, galleries and performance spaces.
Sports: Hockey, football and soccer are among the college and professional sports that locals can enjoy.
Green spaces: Columbus boasts a sizable park system, offering residents many options for outdoor activities.
Cons of Living in Columbus, Ohio
Crime rates: As previously mentioned, some areas in Columbus have greater crime rates than the US average.
Public transportation: While Columbus does offer public transit options, they are frequently seen as being less effective than other large cities.
Weather: From cold and snowy winters, to hot and muggy summers, Columbus experiences a broad range of weather conditions as well as sporadic severe storms.
Traffic: Columbus, like many urban areas, occasionally has peak-time traffic congestion. To address this problem, the city has made efforts to upgrade its infrastructure.
Conclusion
Columbus, Ohio, has both safe and dangerous places, as can be concluded after reviewing the many safety-related criteria. There are numerous safe and family-friendly neighborhoods in the city, despite the fact that some of them have crime rates that are greater than the national average.
Columbus can be viewed as a generally safe city, given the initiatives being taken to lower crime, revitalize areas and create many safe neighborhoods.
Nevertheless, if you’re considering visiting or living in Columbus, make sure to avoid the dangerous neighborhoods on this list.
