| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Athens/100k people | Ohio/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 266 | n/a (estimate) | 1,060 | 1,845 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 12.0 | 45.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 15.9 | 45.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 17 | n/a | 67.7 | 197.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 24 | n/a (estimate) | 96 | 294 | 359 |
| Burglary | 22 | n/a | 87.6 | 206.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 204 | n/a | 812.6 | 1,132.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 16 | n/a | 63.7 | 212.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 242 | n/a (estimate) | 964 | 1,551 | 1,760 |

The Athens crime rates are 50% 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 24 violent crimes in Athens (96 per 100,000 people), which is 73.4% lower than the national average and there were a total of 242 property crimes (964 per 100,000 residents) which is 45.2% lower than average.
Athens distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 96 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Athens among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Athens reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
AreaVibes surveyed 25 local residents in Athens to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 56% of people answered that there was very little crime in Athens and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 44% 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 determine if Athens 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. Athens has a total crime rate that is 50% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.73 daily crimes (0.07 violent daily crimes and 0.66 daily property crimes) in Athens.
Year-over-year crime rates in Athens has decreased by 50.8% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Athens is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 11.1%, while property crime has decreased by 52.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Athens.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Athens, 94.9% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Athens, the cost of living is 4.44% lower than the national average.
In Athens, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.34 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Athens | Ohio | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 32 | 17,044 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.3 | 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 |
| The Plains, OH | 2,886 | 54 | 287 | 341 |
| Glouster, OH | 1,674 | 153 | 808 | 961 |
| Amesville, OH | 139 | 321 | 1,692 | 2,012 |
| Albany, OH | 992 | 344 | 1,812 | 2,156 |
| Carbon Hill, OH | 226 | 357 | 1,886 | 2,243 |
| Buchtel, OH | 510 | 360 | 1,897 | 2,256 |
| Jacksonville, OH | 357 | 371 | 1,959 | 2,331 |
| Athens, OH | 25,971 | 96 | 964 | 1,060 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bloomingdale, FL | 25,961 | 156 | 828 | 984 |
| El Cerrito, CA | 25,955 | 480 | 3,044 | 3,524 |
| Balch Springs, TX | 25,952 | 418 | 2,815 | 3,233 |
| North Tustin, CA | 26,001 | 210 | 898 | 1,108 |
| Kingsville, TX | 25,932 | 255 | 1,767 | 2,022 |
| Athens, OH | 25,971 | 96 | 964 | 1,060 |