| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ashland/100k people | Ohio/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 295 | n/a (estimate) | 1,590 | 1,845 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 13 | n/a | 70.1 | 45.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 27.0 | 45.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 14 | n/a | 75.5 | 197.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 32 | n/a (estimate) | 172 | 294 | 359 |
| Burglary | 27 | n/a | 145.5 | 206.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 231 | n/a | 1,245.2 | 1,132.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 27.0 | 212.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 263 | n/a (estimate) | 1,418 | 1,551 | 1,760 |

The Ashland crime rates are 25% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 32 violent crimes in Ashland (172 per 100,000 people), which is 52% lower than the national average and there were a total of 263 property crimes (1418 per 100,000 residents) which is 19.5% lower than average.
During the most recently reported crime year, Ashland experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Ashland residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 18 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 78% of Ashland residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 22% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Ashland, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Ashland presents a total crime rate that is 25% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Ashland experiences an average of 0.81 daily crimes, comprising 0.09 violent incidents and 0.72 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
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 Ashland 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 Ashland has increased by 25% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 52.4% and property crime has increased by 22.3%.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Ashland crime rate. The poverty level in Ashland is 14.1%, while the national average is 15.1%.
In Ashland, the current unemployment rate stands at 1.8%, 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 Ashland 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 Ashland, there are 1.57 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.
| Item | Ashland | Ohio | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 32 | 17,044 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 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 |
| Cinnamon Lake, OH | 1,259 | 109 | 575 | 683 |
| West Salem, OH | 1,583 | 124 | 654 | 778 |
| Greenwich, OH | 1,533 | 131 | 689 | 819 |
| New London, OH | 2,533 | 153 | 808 | 961 |
| Lexington, OH | 5,124 | 184 | 970 | 1,153 |
| New Pittsburg, OH | 376 | 285 | 1,506 | 1,791 |
| Hayesville, OH | 505 | 298 | 1,573 | 1,871 |
| Ashland, OH | 21,043 | 172 | 1,418 | 1,590 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hammond, LA | 21,033 | 550 | 2,429 | 2,979 |
| Katy, TX | 21,057 | 227 | 3,254 | 3,480 |
| American Canyon, CA | 21,061 | 325 | 1,241 | 1,566 |
| Elko, NV | 21,024 | 398 | 1,438 | 1,836 |
| Golden, CO | 21,021 | 124 | 2,387 | 2,511 |
| Ashland, OH | 21,043 | 172 | 1,418 | 1,590 |