What determines how safe or dangerous a city will be? According to a recent study, the driving factors appear to be high unemployment rates, access to quality education, and availability of economic opportunities. So how do cities in central and northeastern Ohio compare to the country’s best and worst cities?
Most Dangerous Cities
The study outlined the Top 10 most dangerous cities in the United States:
- Detroit, Michigan
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Oakland, California
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Cleveland, Ohio – ranked ninth with 1,334 violent crimes per 100,000, 63 murders, and a poverty rate of 39.2%. The median income per household is $24,701, which is one of the lowest in the country. Cleveland’s poverty rate is the third highest of all U.S. major cities.
- Stockton, California
Despite wide variance in crime rates, types and frequency, the data suggests some common trends. In fact, the top ten most dangerous cities share two statistical characteristics:
- Lower high school graduation rates compared to the national average.
- Higher unemployment rates compared to the national average.
Safest Cities
America’s safest cities tend to be more desirable because of their proximity to metropolitan areas that provide cultural benefits as well as access to higher paying jobs. Educational opportunities and a higher median income differentiate these ten cities from the rest:
- Irvine, California
- Murrieta, California
- Cary, North Carolina
- Olathe, Kansas
- Naperville, Illinois
- Frisco, Texas
- Gilbert, Arizona
- Temecula, California
- Glendale, California
- Edison Township, New Jersey
Columbus and Surrounding Areas
So how do we in central Ohio compare to these cities? With a population of 822,553 in Columbus, our size is comparable to several of the cities cited in the study.
Even though we don’t make the top 10 most dangerous cities list, Columbus only scores 8 out of 100 in its crime index. Columbus’ violent crime rate is 7.56 compared to the national average of 3.8, and it far exceeds Ohio’s average rate of 2.86. Similarly, Columbus’ property crime rate is higher (42.64) than the national average of 27.3.
Based on these statistics, what can a resident in central Ohio do to make their surroundings as safe as possible? Diligence and taking proactive measures at home is the best place to begin.
- Make sure all doors and windows are locked.
- Ensure locks are secure and sturdy.
- Replace old and outdated door locks.
- Assure window locks are functioning as designed.
- Invest in a home security system. A state-of-the-art surveillance arrangement will keep your possessions and family safe 24/7.
- Consider storing guns, jewelry, or antiques in safes for added protection in case of break-ins.
All Secured Security Services, LLC can work with you to ensure your family, business, and home are safe. Retain your peace of mind with a security system designed for your unique needs and budget. To get started on your security plan in 2016, contact us today.