12 Safest Cities in Ohio
- Broadview Heights
- New Philadelphia
- Sagamore Hills
- Olmstead Falls
- North Ridgeville
- Parma Heights
- Rocky River
- Waterville
- Kirtland
- Hudson
- Seven Hills
- Ada
1. Broadview Heights
The safest city in Ohio is Broadview Heights. This city is a suburb of Cleveland and has a population of 19,242. Broadview Heights has an extremely low crime rate of 110 per 100,000, which is 95% lower than the Ohio state average. Broadview Heights is a peaceful suburban community with a highly-rated school system. Broadview Heights has an active community theatre scene that is popular among locals. The median home price in Broadview Heights is $317,600.
2. New Philadelphia
New Philadelphia also ranks among the safest cities in Ohio. Nestled along the banks of the Tuscarawas River, New Philadelphia is a small city with a population of 17,677 located between Columbus, Akron, and Pittsburgh. It's known for its rich history, thriving arts scene, and rural charm. It's also a very safe community with a crime rate that's 131 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it 94% safer than the rest of the US. Your odds of being the victim of a crime in New Philadelphia are only 1 in 762, while your chances of falling victim to a violent crime are 1 in 4377.
3. Sagamore Hills
Sagamore Hills is another one of the safest cities in Ohio. This community is located in Summit County near Cleveland and is often described as a bedroom community. The overall crime rate in Sagamore Hills is 91% lower than the national average. In addition, this community is located on the edge of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which offers a wide array of outdoor activities. Sagamore Hills is one of the best and safest places to live in Ohio.
4. Olmstead Falls
Olmstead Falls is a city in Cuyahoga County with a population of 9,024. A suburb of Cleveland, Olmstead Falls has a total crime rate of 360 per 100,000 which is 83% lower than the Ohio state average. Olmstead Falls is home to the Grand Pacific Junction, which is a historic district containing much of the area’s 19th-century history. Olmstead Falls offers a great mixture of livability, proximity to Cleveland, and affordability.
5. North Ridgeville
Located in Lorain County, North Ridgeville has a population of 35,380. The city’s total crime rate is 363 per 100,000, which is 83% lower than the Ohio average. North Ridgeville is the fastest-growing city in Northern Ohio and consistently earns rankings as being one of the safest cities in Ohio. North Ridgeville is home to the 350,000-square-foot Riddell production center, where NFL and NCAA equipment is produced. In addition, North Ridgeville has many parks and recreation areas.
6. Parma Heights
Parma Heights is also among the safest cities in Ohio. Located in Cuyahoga County, Parma Heights is a suburb of Cleveland that's mostly surrounded by the larger city of Parma. It has a population of 20,863 as of the 2020 census. It's known for being a safe, family-oriented community with a total crime rate 82% lower than the national average. The violent crime rate is also 93% lower than the rest of the US. Your chances of being the victim of a crime in Parma Heights are 1 in 242.
7. Rocky River
Rocky River is a city along Lake Erie with a population of 21,755. The total crime rate of Rocky River is 470 per 100,000, which is 78% lower than the Ohio average. Rocky River is the perfect place for outdoor lovers; not only is the town scenically located along Lake Erie, with boat access, hiking trails, and kayak access are in abundance. Rocky River has a median home price of $216,000 with a large selection of homes.
8. Waterville
Waterville is a safe and family-friendly community located in Lucas County near Toledo. With a population of 6,000, Waterville has a total crime rate of 517 per 100,000 which is 76% lower than the Ohio state average. Waterville is home to the Interurban Bridge, which is a historic railroad bridge built in 1908 that is important to the development o the town. Several structures around the bridge are on the National Register of Historic Places.
9. Kirtland
Kirtland is a city in Lake County just outside of Cleveland. With a population of 6,937, Kirtland’s total crime rate is 529 per 100,000, which is 75% lower than the Ohio average. Kirtland is not only safe but consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Ohio. Kirtland offers a great sense of community, reasonable housing, and great entertainment venues. Located just south of Lake Erie, outdoor activities, including hiking, are abundant.
10. Hudson
Hudson is a scenic town located in Summit County with a population of 23,110. Hudson is one of the safest suburbs of Akron, with a crime rate that is 72% lower than the Ohio average. Hudson has an active downtown and a thriving community that hosts many local events. Besides being extremely safe, Hudson is also one of the richest cities in Ohio.
In addition, Hudson offers a variety of shopping and dining options. Hudson is known for being an important part of the anti-slavery underground railroad during the mid-19th century, which helped many slaves escape to Canada.
11. Seven Hills
Seven Hills is one of the safest cities in northwestern Ohio. It has a population of 11,720 and a total crime rate of 664 per 100,000 which is 69% lower than the Ohio average. Seven Hills is a quiet suburban gem located just outside of Cleveland with an excellent school system. Seven Hills is an affordable city as well, with a median home price of $183,200.
12. Ada
Ada is a city in Hardin County that offers a small-time feel. Located 69 miles southwest of Toledo, Ada has a crime rate that is 60% lower than the state average, making it one of the safest places to live in Ohio. Ada is an excellent location for families and professionals, offering great schools, green parks, and a reasonable cost of living. In addition, Ada is the home of Ohio Northern University which accounts for many of the town’s residents.