| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ashtabula/100k people | Ohio/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 196 | n/a (estimate) | 1,106 | 1,845 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 39.5 | 45.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 11 | n/a | 62.1 | 45.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 15 | n/a | 84.6 | 197.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 33 | n/a (estimate) | 186 | 294 | 359 |
| Burglary | 39 | n/a | 220.1 | 206.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 109 | n/a | 615.0 | 1,132.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 15 | n/a | 84.6 | 212.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 163 | n/a (estimate) | 920 | 1,551 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Ashtabula is 47.8% 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 Ashtabula, there were 33 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 186 per 100,000 individuals, 48.2% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 163 property crimes, amounting to 920 per 100,000 residents, 47.8% lower than the U.S. average.
In the most recently reported crime year, Ashtabula registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
AreaVibes surveyed 35 local residents in Ashtabula to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 11% of people answered that there was very little crime in Ashtabula and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 89% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Ashtabula, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Ashtabula presents a total crime rate that is 48% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Ashtabula experiences an average of 0.54 daily crimes, comprising 0.09 violent incidents and 0.45 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Ashtabula, 72.2% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
In Ashtabula, the cost of living is 16.9% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Ashtabula, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 0 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Ashtabula | Ohio | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 37 | 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 |
| Madison, OH | 3,256 | 59 | 557 | 616 |
| North Kingsville, OH | 2,889 | 108 | 571 | 679 |
| Jefferson, OH | 3,492 | 189 | 662 | 851 |
| Edgewood, OH | 4,493 | 244 | 1,285 | 1,529 |
| Geneva, OH | 6,087 | 280 | 1,475 | 1,755 |
| North Madison, OH | 8,964 | 280 | 1,480 | 1,760 |
| Conneaut, OH | 12,804 | 342 | 1,803 | 2,145 |
| Ashtabula, OH | 18,701 | 186 | 920 | 1,106 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Somerset, MA | 18,700 | 151 | 567 | 718 |
| Trenton, MI | 18,684 | 34 | 542 | 576 |
| St. Marys, GA | 18,720 | 292 | 1,137 | 1,428 |
| North Massapequa, NY | 18,681 | 186 | 841 | 1,027 |
| Sudley, VA | 18,730 | 215 | 1,549 | 1,764 |
| Ashtabula, OH | 18,701 | 186 | 920 | 1,106 |