Is Dayton or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dayton is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 2/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 5,673 per 100,000 versus 5,813 for Springfield — 2% lower. Dayton has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Springfield has a 73% lower rate.
Dayton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dayton, OH
Springfield, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dayton | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,673.4 | 5,812.5 | -139.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,339.2 | 901.2 | +438.0 |
| Murder Rate | 29.7 | 8.0 | +21.6 |
| Rape Rate | 116.4 | 106.3 | +10.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 252.9 | 134.0 | +118.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 940.3 | 652.9 | +287.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,334.2 | 4,911.4 | -577.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 859.4 | 1,524.6 | -665.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,144.5 | 2,813.4 | -668.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,330.3 | 573.4 | +756.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dayton or Springfield safer?
Dayton is safer with a total crime rate of 5,673 per 100K vs 5,813 for Springfield — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dayton has a violent crime rate of 1,339.2 per 100K while Springfield has 901.2. Springfield has lower violent crime.
About Dayton, OH
Dayton, birthplace of aviation, is a mid-sized city in southwest Ohio. Nestled in the Miami Valley, its population is diverse, with a notable manufacturing legacy. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 134,857, Dayton has a total crime rate of 5,673.4 per 100,000 residents.
About Springfield, IL
Springfield, Illinois, the state capital and home to Abraham Lincoln's presidential library, is centrally located within Sangamon County. This Midwestern city's population is predominantly White, with a notable Black community. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 111,965, Springfield has a total crime rate of 5,812.5 per 100,000 residents.