Is Athens or Cleveland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Athens is safer than Cleveland (Safety Score 72/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 1,060 per 100,000 versus 5,987 for Cleveland — 82% lower. Athens has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Athens has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Cleveland is 14.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Athens — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cleveland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Athens, OH
Cleveland, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Athens | Cleveland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,059.6 | 5,987.4 | -4,927.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 95.6 | 1,561.1 | -1,465.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 30.1 | -30.1 |
| Rape Rate | 12.0 | 140.9 | -128.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 15.9 | 389.2 | -373.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 67.7 | 1,000.9 | -933.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 964.0 | 4,426.3 | -3,462.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 87.6 | 860.3 | -772.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 812.6 | 2,419.5 | -1,606.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 63.7 | 1,146.5 | -1,082.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athens or Cleveland safer?
Athens is safer with a total crime rate of 1,060 per 100K vs 5,987 for Cleveland — a 82% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Athens has a violent crime rate of 95.6 per 100K while Cleveland has 1,561.1. Athens has lower violent crime.
About Athens, OH
Athens, Ohio, home to Ohio University, is nestled in the Appalachian foothills. This college town, with a population around 25,000, boasts a rich history, once serving as a stop on the Underground Railroad. With a safety score of 72/100 and a population coverage of 25,104, Athens has a total crime rate of 1,059.6 per 100,000 residents.
About Cleveland, OH
Cleveland, a city on Lake Erie, boasts a rich industrial past and is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Its diverse population reflects a blend of historic European immigrant communities and growing newer populations. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 362,762, Cleveland has a total crime rate of 5,987.4 per 100,000 residents.