| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Urbana/100k people | Ohio/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 201 | n/a (estimate) | 1,800 | 1,845 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 71.6 | 45.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 17.9 | 45.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 35.8 | 197.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 14 | n/a (estimate) | 125 | 294 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 35.8 | 206.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 180 | n/a | 1,612.0 | 1,132.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 26.9 | 212.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 187 | n/a (estimate) | 1,675 | 1,551 | 1,760 |

The Urbana crime rates are 15.1% 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 14 violent crimes in Urbana (125 per 100,000 people), which is 65.1% lower than the national average and there were a total of 187 property crimes (1675 per 100,000 residents) which is 4.9% lower than average.
In the latest reported crime year, Urbana 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.
Urbana maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Urbana, 1675 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.
Is Urbana a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Urbana has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 15%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.55 daily incidents, encompassing 0.04 violent crimes and 0.51 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Urbana as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Urbana. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Urbana has decreased by 11.8%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 46.2%, while property crime has decreased by 7.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Urbana.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, 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 Urbana, the cost of living is 9.54% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The median home price in Urbana is $195,512, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter 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 Urbana, the average rental rates are $1,046 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Urbana | Ohio | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 21 | 17,044 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Choctaw Lake, OH | 2,151 | 46 | 243 | 289 |
| Mechanicsburg, OH | 1,996 | 0 | 357 | 357 |
| De Graff, OH | 1,445 | 105 | 552 | 656 |
| West Liberty, OH | 1,639 | 106 | 558 | 664 |
| North Lewisburg, OH | 1,633 | 109 | 575 | 684 |
| St. Paris, OH | 2,209 | 135 | 710 | 844 |
| Northridge, OH | 7,500 | 213 | 1,122 | 1,335 |
| Urbana, OH | 11,687 | 125 | 1,675 | 1,800 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ravenna, OH | 11,685 | 134 | 1,780 | 1,914 |
| Roma, TX | 11,681 | 260 | 684 | 944 |
| Beachwood, NJ | 11,679 | 95 | 729 | 824 |
| Terryville, NY | 11,698 | 272 | 1,229 | 1,501 |
| Campbellsville, KY | 11,676 | 230 | 1,075 | 1,305 |
| Urbana, OH | 11,687 | 125 | 1,675 | 1,800 |