| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Canton/100k people | Ohio/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 4,714 | n/a (estimate) | 6,728 | 2,076 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 10 | n/a | 14.3 | 6.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 154 | n/a | 219.8 | 48.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 92 | n/a | 131.3 | 53.1 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 571 | n/a | 814.9 | 185.9 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 827 | n/a (estimate) | 1,180 | 294 | 370 |
| Burglary | 602 | n/a | 859.1 | 255.3 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 2,711 | n/a | 3,869.0 | 1,292.9 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 574 | n/a | 819.2 | 234.5 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 3,887 | n/a (estimate) | 5,547 | 1,783 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Canton crime rate is higher than the national average by 189.5%. Specifically, there were 827 violent crimes in Canton, equivalent to 1180 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 219.2%. Furthermore, Canton recorded 3887 property crimes, amounting to 5547 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 183.8%.
Having a crime rate of 6728 per 100,000 residents, Canton experiences a crime rate that is 189.46% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Canton contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
With a violent crime rate of 1180 crimes per 100,000 residents, Canton is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Canton ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 85 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Canton has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 10 murders in Canton, which is 14 murders per 100,000 people.
Canton reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 5547 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 19 chance of falling victim to property crime in Canton, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Canton ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 574 vehicle thefts, amounting to 819 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Canton within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 123.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Canton residents. Out of the respondents (118 in total), 25% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Canton were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 75% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Canton is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Canton has a total crime rate that is 189% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 12.92 daily crimes (2.27 violent daily crimes and 10.65 daily property crimes) in Canton.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Canton. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Canton has increased by 2.8%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 19.3%, while property crime has increased by 9.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Canton.
In Canton, 80% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Canton, there are 2.24 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
In Canton, the average rental rates are $705 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | Canton | Ohio | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 163 | 17,044 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 2.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Ohio /100K | National /100K |
| Ohio | 17,872 | 156 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Strasburg, OH | 2,661 | 37 | 260 | 297 |
| Lake Mohawk, OH | 1,643 | 48 | 292 | 340 |
| New Franklin, OH | 14,143 | 58 | 560 | 618 |
| Bolivar, OH | 1,081 | 110 | 664 | 774 |
| Clinton, OH | 1,283 | 112 | 679 | 790 |
| Hills and Dales, OH | 336 | 119 | 720 | 839 |
| Magnolia, OH | 1,219 | 124 | 753 | 877 |
| Canton, OH | 70,863 | 1,180 | 5,547 | 6,728 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Weston, FL | 70,965 | 119 | 720 | 839 |
| Wilmington, DE | 70,655 | 1,201 | 3,373 | 4,573 |
| St. Charles, MO | 70,650 | 212 | 1,747 | 1,960 |
| North Richland Hills, TX | 70,585 | 227 | 1,987 | 2,214 |
| Casas Adobes, AZ | 70,516 | 467 | 2,225 | 2,692 |
| Canton, OH | 70,863 | 1,180 | 5,547 | 6,728 |
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