Is Cleveland or Van Wert Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Van Wert is safer than Cleveland (Safety Score 13/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 3,485 per 100,000 versus 5,987 for Cleveland — 42% lower. Cleveland has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Van Wert has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Cleveland is 32.9x 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
Van Wert — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cleveland, OH
Van Wert, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cleveland | Van Wert | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,987.4 | 3,485.2 | +2,502.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,561.1 | 236.0 | +1,325.1 |
| Murder Rate | 30.1 | 0.0 | +30.1 |
| Rape Rate | 140.9 | 45.4 | +95.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 389.2 | 0.0 | +389.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,000.9 | 190.6 | +810.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,426.3 | 3,249.2 | +1,177.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 860.3 | 335.8 | +524.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,419.5 | 2,859.0 | -439.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,146.5 | 54.5 | +1,092.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleveland or Van Wert safer?
Van Wert is safer with a total crime rate of 3,485 per 100K vs 5,987 for Cleveland — a 42% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cleveland has a violent crime rate of 1,561.1 per 100K while Van Wert has 236.0. Van Wert 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 Van Wert, OH
Van Wert, Ohio, "The Peony City," is a rural community in northwestern Ohio with a population of around 11,000. It is the birthplace of noted American author and humorist Ambrose Bierce. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 11,018, Van Wert has a total crime rate of 3,485.2 per 100,000 residents.