| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Nelsonville/100k people | Ohio/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 122 | n/a (estimate) | 2,716 | 1,845 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 44.5 | 45.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 45.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 5 | n/a | 111.3 | 197.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 7 | n/a (estimate) | 156 | 294 | 359 |
| Burglary | 24 | n/a | 534.3 | 206.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 84 | n/a | 1,870.0 | 1,132.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 7 | n/a | 155.8 | 212.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 115 | n/a (estimate) | 2,560 | 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 Nelsonville is 28.2% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 7 violent crimes reported in Nelsonville, equivalent to 156 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 56.6%. Additionally, Nelsonville recorded 115 property crimes, amounting to 2560 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 45.5%.
Nelsonville 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 has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Nelsonville. Based on the results of the surveys (9 responses), 33% of people felt that there was very little crime in Nelsonville and felt safe walking alone at night. While 67% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Nelsonville is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Nelsonville has an overall crime rate that is 28% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.33 daily occurrences, comprising 0.02 violent crimes and 0.32 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Nelsonville as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Nelsonville has increased by 79.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Nelsonville, 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 16.7%, while property crime has increased by 85.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Nelsonville is a safe place to live.
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 Nelsonville, the cost of living is 18.59% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Nelsonville has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.41 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Nelsonville are $1,145, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Nelsonville | Ohio | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 13 | 17,044 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 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 |
| McArthur, OH | 1,550 | 116 | 611 | 727 |
| Glouster, OH | 1,674 | 153 | 808 | 961 |
| Athens, OH | 25,971 | 96 | 964 | 1,060 |
| Hide-A-Way Hills, OH | 866 | 197 | 1,039 | 1,236 |
| Logan, OH | 6,853 | 278 | 1,467 | 1,746 |
| Amesville, OH | 139 | 321 | 1,692 | 2,012 |
| Nelsonville, OH | 4,882 | 156 | 2,560 | 2,716 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Brent, AL | 4,882 | 348 | 3,094 | 3,442 |
| Harrington Park, NJ | 4,882 | 0 | 212 | 212 |
| Lake Montezuma, AZ | 4,882 | 247 | 1,049 | 1,296 |
| Wolverine Lake, MI | 4,880 | 68 | 249 | 317 |
| Smith Mills, MA | 4,885 | 232 | 818 | 1,050 |
| Nelsonville, OH | 4,882 | 156 | 2,560 | 2,716 |