Is Cleveland or Lancaster Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lancaster is safer than Cleveland (Safety Score 28/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 2,531 per 100,000 versus 5,987 for Cleveland — 58% lower. Cleveland has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lancaster has a 96% lower rate.
Note: Cleveland is 8.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cleveland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lancaster — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cleveland, OH
Lancaster, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cleveland | Lancaster | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,987.4 | 2,530.8 | +3,456.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,561.1 | 405.4 | +1,155.7 |
| Murder Rate | 30.1 | 12.0 | +18.1 |
| Rape Rate | 140.9 | 86.4 | +54.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 389.2 | 16.8 | +372.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,000.9 | 290.3 | +710.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,426.3 | 2,125.4 | +2,301.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 860.3 | 194.3 | +666.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,419.5 | 1,808.7 | +610.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,146.5 | 122.3 | +1,024.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleveland or Lancaster safer?
Lancaster is safer with a total crime rate of 2,531 per 100K vs 5,987 for Cleveland — a 58% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cleveland has a violent crime rate of 1,561.1 per 100K while Lancaster has 405.4. Lancaster has lower violent crime.
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.
About Lancaster, OH
Lancaster, Ohio, founded in 1800, is a city in Fairfield County known for being the birthplace of General William Tecumseh Sherman. Situated along the Hocking River, its population hovers around 40,000 residents. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 41,687, Lancaster has a total crime rate of 2,530.8 per 100,000 residents.