| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Amherst/100k people | Ohio/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 161 | n/a (estimate) | 1,239 | 1,845 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 15.4 | 45.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 23.1 | 45.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 26 | n/a | 200.1 | 197.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 31 | n/a (estimate) | 239 | 294 | 359 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 38.5 | 206.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 123 | n/a | 946.4 | 1,132.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 15.4 | 212.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 130 | n/a (estimate) | 1,000 | 1,551 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Amherst is 41.5% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Amherst, there were 31 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 239 per 100,000 individuals, 33.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 130 property crimes, amounting to 1000 per 100,000 residents, 43.2% lower than the U.S. average.
In the latest reported crime year, Amherst recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
To determine if Amherst 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. Amherst has a total crime rate that is 42% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.44 daily crimes (0.08 violent daily crimes and 0.36 daily property crimes) in Amherst.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Amherst crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Amherst has increased by 47.7% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 520% and property crime has increased by 25%.
In Amherst, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.8%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. 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 Amherst crime rates.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Amherst, 87.5% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Amherst are $1,176, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Amherst | Ohio | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 25 | 17,044 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Grafton, OH | 6,168 | 17 | 243 | 261 |
| Avon Lake, OH | 25,262 | 19 | 290 | 310 |
| Sheffield, OH | 4,444 | 79 | 415 | 493 |
| LaGrange, OH | 2,441 | 83 | 439 | 522 |
| Vermilion, OH | 10,808 | 47 | 560 | 606 |
| Wakeman, OH | 1,355 | 100 | 527 | 627 |
| Sheffield Lake, OH | 9,354 | 212 | 446 | 658 |
| Amherst, OH | 12,470 | 239 | 1,000 | 1,239 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cloquet, MN | 12,471 | 175 | 525 | 700 |
| Platteville, WI | 12,471 | 367 | 1,274 | 1,641 |
| Lewisburg, TN | 12,475 | 716 | 1,932 | 2,648 |
| North Merrick, NY | 12,464 | 145 | 655 | 800 |
| Durham, NH | 12,464 | 41 | 224 | 265 |
| Amherst, OH | 12,470 | 239 | 1,000 | 1,239 |