| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Van Wert/100k people | Ohio/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 384 | n/a (estimate) | 3,485 | 1,845 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 45.4 | 45.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 45.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 21 | n/a | 190.6 | 197.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 26 | n/a (estimate) | 236 | 294 | 359 |
| Burglary | 37 | n/a | 335.8 | 206.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 315 | n/a | 2,859.0 | 1,132.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 6 | n/a | 54.5 | 212.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 358 | n/a (estimate) | 3,249 | 1,551 | 1,760 |

The Van Wert crime rates are 64.5% higher 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 26 violent crimes in Van Wert (236 per 100,000 people), which is 34.3% lower than the national average and there were a total of 358 property crimes (3249 per 100,000 residents) which is 84.6% higher than average.
In the latest reported crime year, Van Wert 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 is the prevailing sentiment among Van Wert residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 5 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 20% of Van Wert residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 80% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if Van Wert 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. Van Wert has a total crime rate that is 64% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.05 daily crimes (0.07 violent daily crimes and 0.98 daily property crimes) in Van Wert.
Year-over-year crime rates in Van Wert has increased by 16% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Van Wert 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 31.6%, while property crime has increased by 22.2%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Van Wert.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Van Wert crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Van Wert has an unemployment rate of 4.1%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Van Wert, 86% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
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 Van Wert, the average rental rates are $1,000 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Van Wert | Ohio | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 28 | 17,044 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 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 |
| Monroeville, IN | 1,355 | 130 | 572 | 702 |
| Delphos, OH | 7,315 | 85 | 625 | 710 |
| Convoy, OH | 1,135 | 131 | 689 | 820 |
| Payne, OH | 1,437 | 141 | 746 | 888 |
| Spencerville, OH | 2,271 | 149 | 786 | 935 |
| Ottoville, OH | 948 | 209 | 1,101 | 1,309 |
| Rockford, OH | 908 | 335 | 1,765 | 2,100 |
| Van Wert, OH | 10,770 | 236 | 3,249 | 3,485 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bedford Heights, OH | 10,768 | 103 | 2,005 | 2,108 |
| Big Rapids, MI | 10,768 | 364 | 1,455 | 1,819 |
| Beverly Hills, MI | 10,767 | 48 | 494 | 542 |
| Prineville, OR | 10,775 | 241 | 730 | 971 |
| Oregon, WI | 10,780 | 42 | 279 | 321 |
| Van Wert, OH | 10,770 | 236 | 3,249 | 3,485 |