Is Cleveland or Westerville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Westerville is safer than Cleveland (Safety Score 42/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 1,947 per 100,000 versus 5,987 for Cleveland — 67% lower. Cleveland has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Westerville has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Cleveland is 9.7x 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
Westerville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cleveland, OH
Westerville, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cleveland | Westerville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,987.4 | 1,947.3 | +4,040.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,561.1 | 221.1 | +1,340.0 |
| Murder Rate | 30.1 | 0.0 | +30.1 |
| Rape Rate | 140.9 | 40.0 | +100.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 389.2 | 21.3 | +367.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,000.9 | 159.8 | +841.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,426.3 | 1,726.2 | +2,700.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 860.3 | 95.9 | +764.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,419.5 | 1,531.7 | +887.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,146.5 | 98.6 | +1,047.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleveland or Westerville safer?
Westerville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,947 per 100K vs 5,987 for Cleveland — a 67% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cleveland has a violent crime rate of 1,561.1 per 100K while Westerville has 221.1. Westerville 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 Westerville, OH
Westerville, a Columbus suburb, is home to Otterbein University, a historic institution. This city in Delaware and Franklin counties has grown significantly, drawing a diverse population. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 37,540, Westerville has a total crime rate of 1,947.3 per 100,000 residents.