11 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Columbus
- Franklinton
- South Linden
- Weinland Park
- Milo-Grogan
- Near Southside
- North Central
- University
- Tri-South
- Hilltop
- North Linden
- Westland
Franklinton
The most dangerous neighborhood in Columbus is Franklinton. Located just west of downtown, Franklinton has a crime rate that is 181% higher than the national average. The area is known for its high crime rate as well as for being one of the most neglected parts of the city. With a population of 8,060, Franklinton’s crime rate is 6,295, which is well above the national average. The area is known for drug trafficking, gang activity, robberies, shootings, and a slew of other types of criminal activity. Also one of the poorest neighborhoods in Columbus, Franklinton has an average income that is 50% below the national average.
South Linden
South Linden is an area with even worse crime rates than its northern counterpart. With a population of 9,828, South Linden has a crime rate that is 164% above the national average. Violent crime is rampant in South Linden, with gang activity, shootings, robberies, and carjackings being common. Police presence is inadequate and underfunded in South Linden. Property theft is a constant issue in the area, with cars and homes burglarized often.
Weinland Park
Weinland Park is a transitioning neighborhood that still has a criminal element. Weinland Park has a population of 4,287 and suffers from a crime rate that is 152% higher than the national average. Drug addiction and property theft are the major criminal concerns in the area. Most property theft relates to car theft with some burglaries. With new housing and renovations in the area, much of the criminal element in Weinland Park has been pushed out. The average income in Weinland Park is 23% below the national average.
Milo-Grogan
Milo-Grogan is another one of the worst neighborhoods in Columbus due to the high local crime rates. Mil-Grogan is located in northwestern Columbus and has a population of 1,513. The area has a crime rate that is 148% above the national average, with residents having a 1 in 18 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. Property crime is a major concern in Milo-Grogan, with homes and cars regularly broken into. Other types of criminal activity involving drugs and prostitution have been reported in the area. The average income in Milo-Grogan is 58% lower than the national average.
Near Southside
Near Southside is a large neighborhood located near downtown Columbus. With a population of 16,697 Near Southside has a crime rate that is 148% above the national average. Residents have a 1 in 18 chance of becoming the victim of a crime with theft, robbery, burglary, and car theft being common. Many parts of Near Southside are quickly gentrifying with much of the criminal element leaving the area. The current average income in Near Southside is 46% below the national average.
North Central
North Central has a population of 9,534 and a crime rate that is 145% above the national average. While violent crime is a concern, most incidents in North Central involve theft and property crime. As many parts of North Central transition, homes and cars are still targeted for break-ins. Employment prospects in North Central remain scarce, with a median income that is 46% below the national average.
University
University District is also one of the worst neighborhoods in Columbus due to its high crime rates. This large neighborhood encompasses most of the Ohio State University campus. With a population of around 35,000, the University has a crime rate that is 137% above the national average. Theft is by far the most common type of crime, with homes and cars often targeted. Residents have an overall 1 in 19 chance of becoming the victim of a crime.
Tri-South
Tri-South is another one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Columbus. It’s a neighborhood in South Columbus with a suburban atmosphere that's full of detached single and multi-family houses that are home to about 4,000 residents. It's one of the rougher areas in Columbus and features a crime rate of 5,311 incidents per 100,000 residents. That makes it 128% more dangerous than the rest of the country and 35% higher than the rest of Columbus. The violent crime rate is 64% higher than the rest of the country, while the property crime rate is 141% higher. Your odds of being the victim of a crime in Tri-South are 1 in 19.
Hilltop
Hilltop, also known as the Bottoms, is an area located in western Columbus. Hilltop has a crime rate that is 123% above the national average with drug crime and theft being most common. Hilltop is one of the largest and oldest neighborhoods in Columbus, with some parts of the area making a comeback. Many new homes and storefronts are being introduced in Hilltop.
North Linden
North Linden is a dangerous neighborhood in north Columbus that is notorious for shootings and homicides. The crime rate in North Linden is 120% above the national average, with residents having a 1 in 20 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. Each year, the area sees a staggering number of homicides, shootings, and gang-related crimes. While violent and property crime remains problematic, some pockets of North Linden have shown signs of revitalization.
Westland
Westland is another one of the more dangerous neighborhoods in Columbus. Situated on the west side of Columbus, Westland is known for its proximity to major highways like I-270 and Route 40, as well as attractions like the Hollywood Casino Columbus and the former Westland Mall, which was demolished in 2023. The Westland neighborhood has experienced a decline and suffers from crime and urban decay. It has a total crime rate of 4,480 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 93% higher than the rest of the country and 14% higher than the rest of Columbus. The violent crime rate is 39% higher than the national average, while property crime is 103% higher. Your chances of being the victim of a crime in Westland are 1 in 23.