| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Youngstown/100k people | Ohio/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,132 | n/a (estimate) | 3,557 | 2,076 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 18 | n/a | 30.0 | 6.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 36 | n/a | 60.1 | 48.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 61 | n/a | 101.8 | 53.1 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 296 | n/a | 493.8 | 185.9 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 411 | n/a (estimate) | 686 | 294 | 370 |
| Burglary | 447 | n/a | 745.7 | 255.3 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,004 | n/a | 1,674.9 | 1,292.9 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 270 | n/a | 450.4 | 234.5 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 1,721 | n/a (estimate) | 2,871 | 1,783 | 1,954 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Youngstown is 53% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 411 violent crimes reported in Youngstown, equivalent to 686 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 85.4%. Additionally, Youngstown recorded 1721 property crimes, amounting to 2871 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 46.9%.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Youngstown ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Youngstown, there were a total of 18 murders, translating to 30 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Youngstown ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 270 vehicle thefts, amounting to 450 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Youngstown 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 223.
What do the local residents think about crime in Youngstown? Well, based on a recent survey of 119 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 27% of Youngstown residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 73% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Youngstown 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. Youngstown has a total crime rate that is 53% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 5.84 daily crimes (1.13 violent daily crimes and 4.72 daily property crimes) in Youngstown.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Youngstown. 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 Youngstown has increased by 5.1%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 15.8%, while property crime has increased by 11.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Youngstown.
The Youngstown area comprises a diverse array of over 30 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Kirkmere, Arlington and Smokey Hollow which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Brier Hill, East Side and Downtown exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Youngstown neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.
In Youngstown, the current unemployment rate stands at 7.1%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Youngstown crime rates.
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 Youngstown, there are 2.94 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.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Youngstown, the average monthly rent stands at $638, while the national average is $949 per month.
| Item | Youngstown | Ohio | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 196 | 17,044 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.9 | 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 |
| Columbiana, OH | 6,498 | 0 | 309 | 309 |
| Canfield, OH | 7,226 | 13 | 424 | 437 |
| Poland, OH | 2,425 | 89 | 540 | 629 |
| Brookfield Center, OH | 1,375 | 110 | 664 | 774 |
| New Middletown, OH | 1,389 | 120 | 725 | 844 |
| Bessemer, PA | 1,041 | 135 | 712 | 846 |
| Churchill, OH | 1,995 | 125 | 756 | 881 |
| Youngstown, OH | 64,152 | 686 | 2,871 | 3,557 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| South Hill, WA | 64,104 | 475 | 4,235 | 4,710 |
| Lake Elsinore, CA | 64,201 | 191 | 2,482 | 2,673 |
| Cheyenne, WY | 64,099 | 279 | 3,636 | 3,914 |
| San Marcos, TX | 64,053 | 641 | 2,607 | 3,247 |
| Bellevue, NE | 63,970 | 182 | 1,398 | 1,580 |
| Youngstown, OH | 64,152 | 686 | 2,871 | 3,557 |
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