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C

Is Athens, Ohio Safe?

Population 25,313 · Safer than 31% of US cities

Declining· 2023 FBI UCR data

Athens is a smaller community of 25,313 people with a C safety grade. Crime runs close to the national average for violent offenses, and the overall rate sits at 225.5 per 1,000. Property crime makes up the majority of offenses, with theft at 1,451 per 100K.

Athens Crime Rates vs State and National Averages

MetricAthensOhio AvgNational Avg
Violent Crime Rate315.1312.4363.8
Property Crime Rate1940.12033.51,832.3
Murder Rate6.0--5.7
Assault Rate207.0--268.2
Theft Rate1451.0--1,401.5
Vehicle Theft Rate224.0--318.3

All rates per 100,000 residents. 2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report + Census Bureau population estimates.

Overall SafetyC

225.5 crimes per 1,000 residents

Violent CrimeC

315/100K (national avg: 364)

Property CrimeC-

1940/100K (national avg: 1,832)

Key Crime Statistics for Athens

Violent crime in Athens is close to the national average. The rate of 315.1 per 100K falls below the national 363.8.

Property crime is close to the national average at 1940.1 per 100K vs. the national 1,832.3.

Theft is the most reported crime at 1,451 per 100K. The national average is 1,401.5.

Athens Crime Breakdown by Category

Murder6
01.1x national avgAvg: 5.7
Assault207
077% of avgAvg: 268.2
Robbery72
01.1x national avgAvg: 63.3
Burglary262
097% of avgAvg: 269.8
Theft1,451
01.0x national avgAvg: 1,401.5
Vehicle Theft224
070% of avgAvg: 318.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. Vertical marker = national average.

How Athens Compares

Violent Crime Rate (per 100K)

Athens
315.1
State
312.4
National
363.8

Property Crime Rate (per 100K)

Athens
1940.1
State
2033.5
National
1832.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. National averages from 2023 FBI UCR data.

Frequently Asked Questions About Athens Safety

Is Athens safe?
Not especially. Athens earns a C with a crime rate of 225.5 per 1,000 residents, and violent crime runs close to the national average. Standard precautions apply, especially at night.
What is the crime rate in Athens?
225.5 per 1,000 residents. That breaks down to a violent crime rate of 315.1 per 100,000 (the national average is 363.8) and property crime at 1940.1 per 100,000 (national average: 1832.3).
Is Athens safe for tourists?
Exercise extra caution. Athens's C grade reflects real risk, particularly for property crime. Theft (1,451 per 100K) is the biggest concern for visitors. Stay in well-lit, busy areas at night.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Athens?
Neighborhood-level data varies, but suburban residential areas in Athens generally report lower crime than downtown or commercial districts. For block-level detail, check the Athens police department's crime map.
Is crime increasing in Athens?
Yes, there's been an uptick. Athens's crime rates have moved in the wrong direction recently, though the city still holds a C grade overall.
How does Athens compare to other cities in Ohio?
Below average for the state. Athens ranks behind about 75% of Ohio cities on safety, with property crime being the bigger issue at 1.1x the national rate.
How safe is Athens to live in?
Worth factoring into your decision. Violent crime is close to the national average, which is encouraging. The upward trend in crime is concerning.
How bad is crime in Athens?
Bad. A C grade and 225.5 per-thousand rate put Athens below 69% of US cities. Violent crime at 315 per 100K is the core problem.
What is the violent crime rate in Athens?
315.1 per 100,000, which is 13% below the national average of 363.8. That includes assault (207), robbery (72), and murder (6.0) per 100,000.

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View all Ohio city safety grades

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2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report data and Census Bureau population estimates. Safety grades calculated using national and state-level crime rate distributions. Not a substitute for local law enforcement guidance.

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