Is Barberton or Columbus Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Barberton is safer than Columbus (Safety Score 31/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100,000 versus 3,088 for Columbus — 23% lower. Barberton has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Barberton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Columbus is 37.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Barberton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbus — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Barberton, OH
Columbus, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Barberton | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.5 | 3,088.3 | -708.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 303.6 | 435.0 | -131.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 12.2 | -12.2 |
| Rape Rate | 65.6 | 124.2 | -58.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 24.6 | 87.7 | -63.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 213.3 | 210.7 | +2.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,075.9 | 2,653.4 | -577.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 180.5 | 404.5 | -224.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,801.0 | 1,706.1 | +95.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 94.4 | 542.8 | -448.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barberton or Columbus safer?
Barberton is safer with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100K vs 3,088 for Columbus — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Barberton has a violent crime rate of 303.6 per 100K while Columbus has 435.0. Barberton has lower violent crime.
About Barberton, OH
Barberton, known for its distinct "Barberton chicken," is a small city in Summit County, Ohio. Situated near Akron, it boasts a diverse working-class population and a rich industrial heritage tied to its founding in the late 19th century. With a safety score of 31/100 and a population coverage of 24,375, Barberton has a total crime rate of 2,379.5 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.