| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Kettering/100k people | Ohio/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 873 | n/a (estimate) | 1,543 | 1,845 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 10 | n/a | 17.7 | 45.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 7 | n/a | 12.4 | 45.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 7 | n/a | 12.4 | 197.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 24 | n/a (estimate) | 42 | 294 | 359 |
| Burglary | 88 | n/a | 155.6 | 206.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 677 | n/a | 1,196.9 | 1,132.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 84 | n/a | 148.5 | 212.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 849 | n/a (estimate) | 1,501 | 1,551 | 1,760 |

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Kettering is 27.2% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 24 violent crimes reported in Kettering, equivalent to 42 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 88.2%. Additionally, Kettering recorded 849 property crimes, amounting to 1501 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 14.7%.
Kettering stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 42 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Kettering secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
Kettering 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.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Kettering residents. Out of the respondents (6 in total), 100% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Kettering were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 0% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Kettering 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. Kettering has a total crime rate that is 27% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.39 daily crimes (0.07 violent daily crimes and 2.33 daily property crimes) in Kettering.
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 Kettering 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 Kettering has increased by 2.7% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 57.1% and property crime has increased by 6.9%.
Kettering has a population density of 3053.4 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Kettering crime rates.
In Kettering, 90.4% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community 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 Kettering, the average rental rates are $1,255 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Kettering | Ohio | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 105 | 17,044 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 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 |
| Five Points, OH | 1,663 | 41 | 218 | 259 |
| Bellbrook, OH | 7,424 | 40 | 457 | 497 |
| Enon, OH | 2,572 | 88 | 466 | 554 |
| Holiday Valley, OH | 1,613 | 93 | 490 | 583 |
| Farmersville, OH | 1,131 | 95 | 502 | 598 |
| Hunter, OH | 4,010 | 102 | 537 | 638 |
| Springboro, OH | 19,037 | 46 | 602 | 648 |
| Kettering, OH | 57,103 | 42 | 1,501 | 1,543 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lakewood, NJ | 57,098 | 150 | 585 | 735 |
| Southaven, MS | 57,133 | 304 | 2,025 | 2,329 |
| Manhattan, KS | 57,133 | 370 | 1,651 | 2,021 |
| Apex, NC | 57,037 | 173 | 905 | 1,078 |
| Oak Lawn, IL | 57,180 | 180 | 1,727 | 1,907 |
| Kettering, OH | 57,103 | 42 | 1,501 | 1,543 |