Akron, OH Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Akron, OH

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Akron crime rate is higher than the national average by 82.8%. Specifically, there were 1548 violent crimes in Akron, equivalent to 821 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 122%. Furthermore, Akron recorded 6464 property crimes, amounting to 3429 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 75.4%.

With a crime rate of 4250 per 100,000 residents, Akron has a crime rate that is 82.84% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Akron that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.

Akron ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 821 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Akron stand at 1 in every 122 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.

Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Akron has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 38 murders in Akron, which is 20 murders per 100,000 people.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Akron faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 909 vehicle thefts, translating to 482 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Akron in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 208.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Akron?

AreaVibes surveyed 202 local residents in Akron to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 19% of people answered that there was very little crime in Akron and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 81% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Akron a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Akron is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Akron has a total crime rate that is 83% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 21.95 daily crimes (4.24 violent daily crimes and 17.71 daily property crimes) in Akron.

Has Crime in Akron Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Akron has decreased by 1.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Akron, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 5.2%, while property crime has decreased by 0.2%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Akron is a safe place to live.

Akron Neighborhood Crime Rates

Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Akron, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 21 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Akron are areas such as Fairlawn Heights, Merriman Valley and Northwest Akron, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like University Of Ohio Akron, Middlebury and Downtown are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.

Potential Causes for Crime in Akron

In Akron, the poverty rate currently stands at 23%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Akron crime rates.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Akron is $83,500, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Akron has an average rental rate of $795 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

Akron crime map