Whether you have been impacted by a crime in Cleveland or are a local resident looking to learn more about crime data in your area, it can be helpful to be aware of the Cleveland, OH, crime rate in current times. Fortress Law Group, LLC, believes that reviewing and understanding local crime data can help residents be more aware of the area’s conditions and prepared if a crime occurs.
Cleveland, OH, had a violent crime rate of 466.01 per 100,000 residents in December 2023, as reported by the Cleveland Police Department. The Cleveland Police Department has reported that of these crimes, the majority of them happened in a residence or home, and the victim’s relationship with the offender is often unknown. If a weapon was used in these crimes, it is most frequently a firearm or personal weapon.
Cleveland, OH, has a property crime rate of 321.1 per 100,000 residents, as reported in December 2023 by the Cleveland Police Department. The department has reported that a majority of these crimes occurred in a residence or home or on a road, alley, street, or sidewalk. The victim’s relationship with the offender of the crime is often unknown. Ohio at large has a property crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents so we can see that Cleveland is quite high.
The primary difference between violent and property crimes is the nature of the offense and the level of harm or threat. Violent crimes involve direct harm or the threat of harm to an individual, and these crimes are characterized by the use or threat of force against people. Examples of violent crimes include murder, assault, robbery (where force or intimidation is present), and rape. Violent crimes are generally viewed as more severe because they impact physical safety.
Property crimes involve the destruction, theft, or unauthorized use of someone’s property without necessarily using force or threatening harm to individuals. Common property crimes include burglary, larceny/theft, motor vehicle theft, and vandalism.
While property crimes may not involve physical harm, they often result in financial loss, which can have serious impacts on victims. In general, violent crimes involve force or threat of force, and property crimes don’t.
Crime data is often separated into violent crimes and property crimes to give clear and succinct insights into the nature of the criminal activity, how it may impact a community, and the types of interventions that are needed from law enforcement and policy makers. Below are key ways why this distinction is important:
A: Cleveland is generally ranked as the city with the most crime in Ohio with a population of 363,764 residents, with a violent crime rate of 16.2 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 47.9 per 1,000 residents. Cleveland’s standing in crime ranking is influenced by various social and economic factors, as well as the concentration of certain types of crime in specific neighborhoods.
A: Living in Cleveland can be safe, and as with every major city, safety can vary greatly depending on the neighborhood. While Cleveland does rank high for crime in Ohio, many areas are relatively safe and the city has many resources for residents that prioritize safety overall. Understanding city dynamics, participating in community programs, and choosing a low-crime-rated neighborhood can contribute to a safe living experience locally.
A: The town with the lowest crime rate in Ohio is Broadview Heights, with a population of 19,490, a violent crime rate of 0.1 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1.4 per 1,000 residents. While Broadview Heights is located close to Cleveland, the city with the highest crime rate in the state, it is a highly safe area making it attractive for many families.
A: To find information on Cleveland crime rates, there are several resources available that are frequently updated. While there are reputable sources to find accurate data, it is important to remember that it takes time to receive data so it may take time to retrieve an analysis on this current year. The FBI has the UNHCR program that collects and publishes annual crime statistics, and the City of Cleveland Police Department is also a reputable source.
A: While crime rate statistics can provide useful insights, they are not always fully accurate or comprehensive. Many crimes go unreported, which means that any official data may not reflect actual crime levels. For a holistic view of safety, it is helpful to combine crime statistics with other sources, like community feedback, to capture a fuller picture of the safety of an area.
If you or a loved one is facing a criminal charge in Cleveland, it can be advantageous to partner with a trusted criminal defense lawyer who can not only guide you through your case but also offer solid legal representation to help you receive a fair result. Reach out today to set up an initial consultation and learn how our legal team can support you through your legal matter.