Is Cincinnati or Columbus Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Columbus is safer than Cincinnati (Safety Score 18/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 3,088 per 100,000 versus 4,678 for Cincinnati — 34% lower. Cincinnati has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Columbus has a 62% lower rate.
Note: Columbus is 2.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cincinnati — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbus — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cincinnati, OH
Columbus, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cincinnati | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,677.8 | 3,088.3 | +1,589.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 848.5 | 435.0 | +413.6 |
| Murder Rate | 21.8 | 12.2 | +9.6 |
| Rape Rate | 57.1 | 124.2 | -67.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 231.7 | 87.7 | +144.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 535.0 | 210.7 | +324.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,829.3 | 2,653.4 | +1,175.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 548.5 | 404.5 | +144.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,395.1 | 1,706.1 | +689.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 885.8 | 542.8 | +343.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cincinnati or Columbus safer?
Columbus is safer with a total crime rate of 3,088 per 100K vs 4,678 for Cincinnati — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cincinnati has a violent crime rate of 848.5 per 100K while Columbus has 435.0. Columbus 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 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.