Is Cincinnati or Cleveland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cincinnati is safer than Cleveland (Safety Score 5/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 4,678 per 100,000 versus 5,987 for Cleveland — 22% lower. Cincinnati has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Cincinnati has a 46% lower rate.
Cincinnati — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cleveland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cincinnati, OH
Cleveland, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cincinnati | Cleveland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,677.8 | 5,987.4 | -1,309.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 848.5 | 1,561.1 | -712.6 |
| Murder Rate | 21.8 | 30.1 | -8.2 |
| Rape Rate | 57.1 | 140.9 | -83.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 231.7 | 389.2 | -157.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 535.0 | 1,000.9 | -466.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,829.3 | 4,426.3 | -597.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 548.5 | 860.3 | -311.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,395.1 | 2,419.5 | -24.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 885.8 | 1,146.5 | -260.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cincinnati or Cleveland safer?
Cincinnati is safer with a total crime rate of 4,678 per 100K vs 5,987 for Cleveland — a 22% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cincinnati has a violent crime rate of 848.5 per 100K while Cleveland has 1,561.1. Cincinnati has lower violent crime.
About Cincinnati, OH
Nestled along the Ohio River, Cincinnati is a city of historic architecture, including the iconic Music Hall. Its diverse population reflects a blend of Midwestern industriousness and Southern charm. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 311,599, Cincinnati has a total crime rate of 4,677.8 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.