| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Dayton/100k people | Tennessee/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 125 | n/a (estimate) | 1,674 | 2,624 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 37.4 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 13.4 | 58.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 17 | n/a | 227.7 | 488.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 18 | n/a (estimate) | 241 | 592 | 359 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 67.0 | 251.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 93 | n/a | 1,245.8 | 1,443.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 9 | n/a | 120.6 | 336.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 107 | n/a (estimate) | 1,433 | 2,032 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Dayton is 21% 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 Dayton, there were 18 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 241 per 100,000 individuals, 32.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 107 property crimes, amounting to 1433 per 100,000 residents, 18.6% lower than the U.S. average.
Dayton showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Dayton 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 Dayton crime rate is 21% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.34 crimes per day - 0.05 violent crimes and 0.29 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Dayton has increased by 9.7%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Dayton, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 80%, while property crime has increased by 2.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Dayton is a safe place to live.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Dayton crime rates. Dayton registers a population density of 963.3 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Dayton, 66.6% 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.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Dayton, the average rental rates are $953 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Dayton | Tennessee | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 20 | 11,551 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.7 | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Tennessee /100K | National /100K |
| Tennessee | 24,578 | 412 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Mowbray Mountain, TN | 2,003 | 86 | 295 | 381 |
| Spring City, TN | 2,316 | 0 | 615 | 615 |
| Sale Creek, TN | 2,988 | 191 | 656 | 848 |
| Graysville, TN | 1,679 | 297 | 1,020 | 1,317 |
| Charleston, TN | 687 | 444 | 888 | 1,332 |
| Pikeville, TN | 2,515 | 105 | 1,474 | 1,580 |
| Decatur, TN | 1,667 | 303 | 2,302 | 2,604 |
| Dayton, TN | 7,510 | 241 | 1,433 | 1,674 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Tolleson, AZ | 7,510 | 1,008 | 9,158 | 10,167 |
| Ephraim, UT | 7,509 | 0 | 573 | 573 |
| Hudsonville, MI | 7,507 | 310 | 986 | 1,297 |
| University Park, IL | 7,513 | 302 | 1,724 | 2,026 |
| Valley Falls, SC | 7,507 | 353 | 1,586 | 1,939 |
| Dayton, TN | 7,510 | 241 | 1,433 | 1,674 |