Chillicothe, OH Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Chillicothe, OH

What is Chillicothe's overall crime grade?

Chillicothe earns an overall crime grade of B for 2026, which places it in a relatively favorable position compared to many Ohio cities of similar size. A B grade indicates that while crime is not absent, the city's rates are meaningfully below the national average in several key categories. Property crime remains the more common concern — as it is in most small cities — while violent crime rates are comparatively lower. With a population of 21,668 and a population density of 796 residents per square mile, Chillicothe's crime exposure is shaped by its moderately dense urban core alongside quieter residential pockets.

How does Chillicothe's poverty rate affect its crime statistics?

Chillicothe's poverty rate of 18.1% and unemployment rate of 6.1% are both above Ohio's statewide averages, and research consistently shows a correlation between economic stress and certain crime categories — particularly property crime. With a median household income of $45,251 and a median home value of $117,179, many residents face real financial pressure. That said, a B overall crime grade suggests that community programs, law enforcement presence, and neighborhood engagement are helping to offset some of the risk factors that these economic indicators might otherwise predict. Residents in higher-density corridors closer to the downtown core tend to see more property crime incidents than those in lower-density residential areas on the city's edges.

What types of crime are most common in Chillicothe?

Across Chillicothe, property crimes — including theft, burglary, and vehicle break-ins — represent the largest share of reported incidents. This pattern is consistent with national trends for cities with similar economic profiles. Larceny-theft in particular tends to be concentrated in commercial corridors and parking areas. Violent crimes, including assault, represent a smaller but notable portion of total incidents and are more likely to occur in densely populated neighborhoods near the downtown area. Substance-related offenses also contribute to the city's crime profile, a well-documented challenge in Ross County that local authorities have prioritized. The city's B grade reflects that, while these categories are present, their frequency remains at a manageable level relative to comparable Ohio communities.

Is Chillicothe safe to live in?

For most residents, Chillicothe is a livable and reasonably safe city — a B crime grade is a meaningful signal of that. The city's median rent of $747 and median home value of $117,179 make it one of the more affordable places to settle in Ohio, and many families find the cost-of-living trade-off worthwhile. Safety, however, varies by neighborhood and time of day. Areas near the historic downtown and Ross County Courthouse corridor tend to have more foot traffic and, correspondingly, more reported incidents. Residential streets further from the commercial center generally report fewer incidents. Practicing standard precautions — securing vehicles, reporting suspicious activity, and staying connected to neighborhood watch networks — goes a long way in a city of this size.

What are the safest areas in Chillicothe?

While granular block-by-block data shifts over time, residents consistently identify quieter, well-maintained residential areas on Chillicothe's outer edges as lower-crime zones. Neighborhoods near local parks, schools, and established community anchors tend to benefit from higher levels of informal surveillance and community cohesion — both of which are associated with lower crime rates. In contrast, higher-density stretches closer to the city's commercial core, particularly along major arterial roads, account for a disproportionate share of property crime reports. Using Chillicothe's interactive crime map to filter incidents by type and date is the most reliable way to assess current conditions in any specific area before making a housing or routing decision.

How does Chillicothe compare to other Ohio cities on crime?

Chillicothe's B crime grade positions it favorably within the landscape of small Ohio cities, particularly those facing comparable economic headwinds. Cities with similar poverty rates (around 18%) and unemployment figures (around 6%) often score lower. The B grade suggests that Chillicothe's law enforcement strategies, community engagement efforts, and the stabilizing effect of its historical and cultural institutions — including tourism tied to the Scioto Adena heritage — contribute positively to public safety outcomes. That said, the city is not without challenges, and residents should treat the crime map as a living document, checking it regularly as patterns can shift across seasons and in response to local economic changes.