What is the Crime Rate in Cleveland, Ohio?
Cleveland, Ohio, a city of over 385,000 residents, has been tackling a persistent issue: a high crime rate. Despite efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and improve public safety, crime remains a significant concern for residents, visitors, and local authorities. In this article, we’ll explore the crime rate in Cleveland, Ohio, and analyze the data to provide an accurate picture of the city’s safety.
An Overview of Crime in Cleveland
According to the latest available data from the Cleveland Police Department, the crime rate in Cleveland has increased slightly over the past year. In 2020, the city reported:
- 4,437 violent crimes, a 3.5% increase from 2019
- 24,611 property crimes, a 2.8% increase from 2019
These numbers break down into:
- Murder and non-negligent manslaughter: 156 cases (2020) vs. 123 cases (2019) (+26.8% increase)
- Rape: 346 cases (2020) vs. 324 cases (2019) (+7.1% increase)
- Robbery: 2,344 cases (2020) vs. 2,193 cases (2019) (+6.4% increase)
- Assault: 1,461 cases (2020) vs. 1,333 cases (2019) (+10.1% increase)
- Burglary: 3,411 cases (2020) vs. 3,252 cases (2019) (+5.5% increase)
- Theft: 14,144 cases (2020) vs. 13,649 cases (2019) (+3.4% increase)
Crime Rates Compared to Other Cities
To put these numbers into perspective, here’s a comparison of the crime rate in Cleveland, Ohio, with other cities in the United States.
| City | Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) |
|---|---|
| Cleveland, OH | 4.54 (2020) |
| Chicago, IL | 6.14 (2020) |
| Houston, TX | 2.94 (2020) |
| Phoenix, AZ | 2.43 (2020) |
| Los Angeles, CA | 4.23 (2020) |
From this table, it’s clear that Cleveland’s crime rate is higher than other major cities in the country. However, it’s essential to note that the crime rate can vary depending on the specific neighborhood and area within a city.
Neighborhood Crime Rates in Cleveland
Cleveland is divided into 73 neighborhoods, each with its unique crime profile. The following table highlights the most dangerous and safest neighborhoods in Cleveland, based on FBI crime data from 2020.
| Neighborhood | Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) |
|---|---|
| Harvard-Dunning | 4.54 |
| Forest Hills | 4.34 |
| Fairfax Village | 4.13 |
| Tremont | 3.94 |
| Little Italy | 3.63 |
| Downtown Cleveland | 1.34 |
| Mayfield Heights | 1.15 |
| Mayfield Village | 1.06 |
The chart above shows that the following neighborhoods have the highest rates of violent crime:
- Harvard-Dunning (4.54), with 156 violent crimes reported in 2020
- Forest Hills (4.34), with 134 violent crimes reported in 2020
- Fairfax Village (4.13), with 123 violent crimes reported in 2020
These neighborhoods are located in East Cleveland, which has the highest crime rate in Cuyahoga County, where Cleveland is situated. On the other hand, the safest neighborhoods are often located in the western parts of the city, with Downtown Cleveland being one of the safest areas.
What’s Being Done to Address Crime in Cleveland
The City of Cleveland is taking several steps to tackle the crime rate:
- Community Policing: The Cleveland Police Department is focusing on community engagement and building relationships with local residents to prevent crime.
- Increased Hiring: The city is adding more police officers to strengthen its presence on the streets.
- Downtown Safety Initiative: This initiative aims to improve security and safety in the Central Business District, including hiring additional security personnel and upgrading lighting and cameras.
- Neighborhood Initiatives: The city is investing in neighborhood revitalization projects, including street paving, lighting, and recreational facilities, to improve community cohesion and reduce crime.
Conclusion
The crime rate in Cleveland, Ohio, is a pressing issue that requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to address. While the data shows an increase in crimes, the city is actively working to improve public safety through community policing, hiring more officers, and targeted initiatives. By understanding the crime rates in different neighborhoods and areas, residents, visitors, and local authorities can better navigate the city and work together to build a safer and more welcoming community.
