Is Athens or Columbus Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Athens is safer than Columbus (Safety Score 72/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 1,060 per 100,000 versus 3,088 for Columbus — 66% 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: Columbus is 36.5x 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
Columbus — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Athens, OH
Columbus, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Athens | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,059.6 | 3,088.3 | -2,028.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 95.6 | 435.0 | -339.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 12.2 | -12.2 |
| Rape Rate | 12.0 | 124.2 | -112.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 15.9 | 87.7 | -71.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 67.7 | 210.7 | -143.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 964.0 | 2,653.4 | -1,689.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 87.6 | 404.5 | -316.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 812.6 | 1,706.1 | -893.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 63.7 | 542.8 | -479.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athens or Columbus safer?
Athens is safer with a total crime rate of 1,060 per 100K vs 3,088 for Columbus — a 66% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Athens has a violent crime rate of 95.6 per 100K while Columbus has 435.0. 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 Columbus, OH
Columbus, Ohio, the state capital, sits at the confluence of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers. Home to The Ohio State University, it's a diverse city with a growing population of over 900,000 residents. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 915,447, Columbus has a total crime rate of 3,088.3 per 100,000 residents.