Is Bedford or Cleveland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bedford is safer than Cleveland (Safety Score 88/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 603 per 100,000 versus 5,987 for Cleveland — 90% lower. Bedford has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bedford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Cleveland is 28.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bedford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cleveland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bedford, OH
Cleveland, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bedford | Cleveland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 603.4 | 5,987.4 | -5,384.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 62.7 | 1,561.1 | -1,498.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 30.1 | -30.1 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 140.9 | -140.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 389.2 | -389.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 62.7 | 1,000.9 | -938.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 540.7 | 4,426.3 | -3,885.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 101.9 | 860.3 | -758.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 235.1 | 2,419.5 | -2,184.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 203.8 | 1,146.5 | -942.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bedford or Cleveland safer?
Bedford is safer with a total crime rate of 603 per 100K vs 5,987 for Cleveland — a 90% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bedford has a violent crime rate of 62.7 per 100K while Cleveland has 1,561.1. Bedford has lower violent crime.
About Bedford, OH
Bedford, Ohio, a suburb southeast of Cleveland, was once known for its thriving glass industry. The city's population is around 13,000 residents, reflecting a mix of residential and light commercial areas. With a safety score of 88/100 and a population coverage of 12,761, Bedford has a total crime rate of 603.4 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.