Akron, OH Crime Rate & Safety

Akron, OH has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 50% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 181 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 33 chance for property crime. Akron has higher crime than 88% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Akron has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Approximately 65% of the city's 23 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Merriman Hills is one of the safest areas, while Sherbondy Hill has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Akron is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Akron are Merriman Hills, Coventry Crossing, Fairlawn Heights, Ellet, and Firestone Park. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Akron include Sherbondy Hill, Downtown Akron, Summit Lake, West Hill, and Cascade Valley. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Akron is 551.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 45% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 181 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 7.1 per 100K (43% above average); aggravated assault at 406.2 per 100K (51% above average); robbery at 94.6 per 100K (28% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Akron is 3,025.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 65% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 33 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 375.6 per 100K (39% above average); larceny/theft at 2,170.2 per 100K (55% above average); vehicle theft at 479.3 per 100K (50% above average).

Akron's overall crime rate is 50% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (55% above average), while robbery is 28% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Akron has higher crime than 88% of them.

Visitors to Akron should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 65% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Merriman Hills, Coventry Crossing, Fairlawn Heights.

Ohio as a whole has crime that is 3% below the national average. Akron's crime rate is 50% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Ohio city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Akron, with an estimated rate of 2,170.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 55% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,025 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (552 per 100K) in Akron, which is consistent with national trends.