Sitting along the Ohio River, Cincinnati is known for its diverse cultural scene, rich history, and 19th century architecture. However, crime problems make home security systems in Cincinnati a requirement. While Cincinnati has made progress overall of late, challenges remain. For example, violent crime increased in 2024.
With a total crime index of three — with 100 being the safest — Cincinnati is safer than just 3% of U.S. cities, according to the latest Neighborhood Scout data, which includes information from multiple sources. With some 311,000 residents, here’s how the Ohio city looks crime-wise compared to some other U.S. municipalities of its size.
Violent Crime in Cincinnati
The chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime in Cincinnati is one in 137. Of the 15,574 crimes reported in Cincinnati over the most recent 12-month period, 2,265 were violent. Of the 15,574 crimes reported, 2,265 were violent. The FBI defines violent crime as as being one of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, rape, and aggravated assault.
By comparison, Toledo, another Ohio city, has similar issues. Toledo has about 265,000 residents and a TCI of four. If you’re there, there’s a one in 88 chance you’ll experience violent crime. Of the 11,038 crimes reported. 3,030 were violent.
Then there is St. Paul, Minnesota, with more than 303,000 residents and a total crime index of six. The chances of being victimized by violent crime are one in 162. Of 11,180 crimes reported over 12 months, 1,874 were in the violent category.
But in Newark, New Jersey, a city with a population of nearly 305,000 and a TCI of 11, 1,519 of its 8,535 crimes were violent. There, you have a one in 201 chance of victimization. In Greensboro, a North Carolina city with a population of about 302,000 and a crime index of three, your chances of falling victim to violent crime is one in 120. Of 14,079 total crimes, 2,527 were violent.
Plano, Texas, with some 290,000 residents, is another city close in size to Cincinnati. But it has a relatively high TCI of 23 and a comparably low chance of victimization by violence. In over a 12-month period, just 470 of 5,312 crimes were violent.
Property Crime in Cincinnati
Then there is property crime, defined by the FBI as burglary, arson, motor vehicle theft, and larceny theft. In Cincinnati, your chances of experiencing this type of crime are one in 23 — for a rate of 42.78 per 1,000 residents. There were 15,574 crimes logged over 12 months,13,309 of which were property crimes, including 1,933 were burglaries.
Compare Cincinnati’s data with that of Toledo, where you have a one in 33 chance of being victimized, for a rate of 30.18 per 1,000 residents. Toledo reported 8,008 property crimes over 12 months — 1,292 of them burglaries.
As for St. Paul’s property crime picture, you have a one in 33 chance of victimization. Of all crimes in The Glass City, 9,306 were in the property category. Newark also fares somewhat better than Cincinnati on the property crime front. Residents there have a one in 43 chance of being victimized by property crime. Of 7,016 property crimes in Newark, 450 were burglaries.
In Greensboro, meanwhile, there’s a one in 26 chance of experiencing a property crime. That’s a rate of 38.21 per 1,000 residents. Of the city’s 11,552 property crimes, 1,706 were burglaries. By contrast, there’s a one in 60 chance you’ll experience a property crime in Plano, for a rate of 16.69 per 1,000 residents.
Cincinnati’s Police Department
The Cincinnati Police Department has about 1,000 officers who patrol 52 neighborhoods covering 80 square miles. Department responsibilities are divided among four districts, plus a Central Business district that’s responsible for patrolling downtown.
The other districts are:
- District 1: Includes the Mt. Adams, Over-the-Rhine, Pendleton, Queensgate, and West End neighborhoods.
- District 2: Includes the largest area of Cincinnati, including Evanston, East Walnut Hills, and Hyde Park.
- District 3: Includes the Western side of Cincinnati, including East Price Hill, West Price Hill, and Lower Price Hill.
- District 4: Includes Mount Auburn, Corryville, Walnut Hills, Avondale, North Avondale, and more.
Every district fields a violent crimes squad, uniformed patrols, investigative units, and specialized tasks.
How to Stay Safe
Monitored home security systems can help play a crucial role in preventing crime by working closely with local police like those in the Cincinnati area. These systems work in tandem with law enforcement and first responders to lessen the chance of being the victim of a crime or emergency.
With a monitored security system, when an alarm is triggered, the security company’s monitoring center immediately assesses the situation and notifies law enforcement if necessary. By providing real-time information, such as the nature of the alarm and whether it’s a break-in or fire, first responders can respond more quickly and efficiently. The partnership between first responders and a monitored home security company helps enhance public safety and reduce response times.
In Summary
Compared to other cities with similar populations, incidences of violent crimes, in particular, are higher in Cincinnati. Meanwhile, in the U.S. as a whole, a residential break-in occurs every 26 seconds. Further, homes with no security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized wherever they are. Some 83% of would-be burglars search for the presence of an alarm system before attempting a break-in. That’s why monitored home security systems from Guardian Protection offer around-the-clock monitoring to give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered by professionals who work closely with first responders, every hour of the day.
