A+
52%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
81%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
46%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleBowling Green/100k peopleOhio/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime311n/a (estimate)1,0271,8452,119
Murder0n/a0.05.05.0
Rape5n/a16.545.737.5
Robbery2n/a6.645.560.6
Assault14n/a46.2197.4256.1
Violent crime21n/a (estimate)69294359
Burglary21n/a69.3206.0229.2
Theft262n/a865.11,132.81,272.1
Vehicle theft7n/a23.1212.5258.8
Property crime290n/a (estimate)9581,5511,760

Bowling Green crime map

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The Bowling Green crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Bowling Green as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Bowling Green crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Bowling Green crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Bowling Green, OH

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Bowling Green crime rate is lower than the national average by 51.6%. Specifically, there were 21 violent crimes in Bowling Green, equivalent to 69 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 80.7%. Furthermore, Bowling Green recorded 290 property crimes, amounting to 958 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 45.6%.

Bowling Green shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 69 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Bowling Green an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.

In the latest reported crime year, Bowling Green 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Bowling Green?

What do the local residents think about crime in Bowling Green? Well, based on a recent survey of 14 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 79% of Bowling Green residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 21% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Bowling Green a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Bowling Green a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Bowling Green crime rate is 52% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.85 crimes per day - 0.06 violent crimes and 0.79 property crimes.

Has Crime in Bowling Green Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Bowling Green has decreased by 33.1% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Bowling Green 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 4.6%, while property crime has decreased by 34.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Bowling Green.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bowling Green

In Bowling Green, 91.2% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Bowling Green, the cost of living is 2.25% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Bowling Green has a median home price of $312,897, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Compare Bowling Green, OH Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Bowling Green crime rates are 52% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Bowling Green are 81% lower than the national average
      • In Bowling Green you have a 1 in 98 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Bowling Green is safer than 71% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Bowling Green has decreased by 26%

      Bowling Green, OH Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Bowling Green (per 100,000 people)

        The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Bowling Green for every 100,000 residents. The Bowling Green total amount of daily crime is 1.80 times less than the Ohio average and 2.06 times less than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Bowling Green, is 4.24 times less than the Ohio average, and it is 5.18 times less than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Bowling Green has a daily crime average that is 1.62 times less than the Ohio average and 1.84 times less than the daily national rate.

        How Safe is Bowling Green (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Bowling Green in comparison to other Ohio communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Bowling Green safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Bowling Green being safer than 67% of cities in Ohio and 71% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Ohio cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Bowling Green. In conclusion, Bowling Green ranks above average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Bowling Green

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Bowling Green is 1 in 1443
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Bowling Green is 1 in 105
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Bowling Green is 1 in 98
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in Bowling Green? If you reside in Bowling Green, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 1443. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 105 change that you will become a victim of a property crime. These sorts of crimes against personal property include: burglary, theft, and auto theft. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in Bowling Green, is 1 in 98.

        Year Over Year Crime In Bowling Green (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Bowling Green is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Bowling Green has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have increased by 44% in Bowling Green, while property crimes in Bowling Green have decreased by 28%. Total crime has decreased by 26% year over year.

        Bowling Green police department

        Item Bowling Green Ohio National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)5417,044558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.82.73.3
        There are a total of 54 Bowling Green police officers. This results in 1.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 33.8% less than the Ohio average and 45% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Ohio

        State Total offenders Ohio /100K National /100K
        Ohio17,872156266
        There are a total of 17,872 sex offenders in Ohio. This yields a total of 156 sex offenders in Ohio per 100,000 residents which is 41% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Whitehouse, OH4,79520157177
        Haskins, OH1,15369362430
        Perrysburg, OH22,28828447474
        Pemberville, OH1,46680423503
        Millbury, OH1,35789470559
        Luckey, OH1,05699521619
        Woodville, OH2,08799521620
        Bowling Green, OH32,672699581,027

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Des Moines, WA32,6912972,8493,146
        Bangor, ME32,7031614,2384,399
        North Olmsted, OH32,619639991,062
        Kaysville, UT32,61797532629
        Liberty, MO32,6042031,5721,775
        Bowling Green, OH32,672699581,027
        Source: The Bowling Green, OH crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.