Cuyahoga County, located in Ohio, is the second most populous county in the state and ranks 35th in population among all counties in the United States. This county encompasses the city of Cleveland along with several other towns and cities.
With a population of approximately 1.2 million people, it boasts a diverse and culturally rich heritage. However, safety levels within different parts of Cuyahoga County vary significantly. According to data from CrimeGrade.org, Cuyahoga County receives an overall crime grade of D-, indicating it is safer than just 10% of U.S. counties.
The county experiences a violent crime rate of 5.96 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 31.10 per 1,000 residents, both surpassing national averages of 3.36 and 18.46 respectively.
This article examines the five most perilous neighborhoods in Cuyahoga County, based on per capita crime rates from CrimeGrade.org. Each neighborhood’s demographics, historical background, and challenges are also discussed.
Industrial Valley
Industrial Valley lies in the southeastern part of Cleveland, close to Newburgh Heights. Bounded by I-490 to the north, I-77 to the east, Harvard Avenue to the south, and E 55th Street to the west, this neighborhood is home to around 3,000 people, mainly from black and Hispanic communities. The median household income is $19,375, less than half of the county’s average of $46,309.
With a crime rate of 15.88 per 1,000 residents, Industrial Valley holds the highest crime rate in Cuyahoga County, more than four times the national average.
The neighborhood grapples with substantial rates of burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and violent crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, and assault. Contributing factors to this high crime rate include poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang involvement.
North Broadway
Located in the eastern part of Cleveland near Garfield Heights, North Broadway is bordered by Broadway Avenue to the north and east, I-77 to the south, and E 55th Street to the west. It houses around 4,500 individuals, predominantly from black and Hispanic backgrounds. The median household income here is $21,875, less than half of the county’s average.
With a crime rate of 14.76 per 1,000 residents, North Broadway holds the second-highest crime rate in Cuyahoga County, exceeding the national average by over four times. Like Industrial Valley, North Broadway faces significant issues related to burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and violent crimes.
These include murder, rape, robbery, and assault. Contributing factors to the high crime rate mirror those of Industrial Valley, encompassing poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang activity.
Kinsmith
Kinsmith, situated in the southeastern part of Cleveland near Shaker Heights, is enclosed by Woodland Avenue to the north, E 93rd Street to the east, Kinsman Road to the south, and E 55th Street to the west.
With a population of around 6,000, largely from black and Hispanic communities, this neighborhood features a median household income of $23,750, half of the county’s average.
Kinsmith reports a crime rate of 13.33 per 1,000 residents, ranking as the third-highest crime rate in Cuyahoga County, surpassing the national average by over three times.
Similar to the other neighborhoods, Kinsmith contends with elevated rates of burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and violent crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, and assault. The underlying factors contributing to the high crime rate are comparable: poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang engagement.
The Stockyard
Found in the western part of Cleveland near Brooklyn, The Stockyard is bordered by Clark Avenue to the north, W 65th Street to the east, Denison Avenue to the south, and W 130th Street to the west. Housing approximately 9,000 residents, mainly white and Hispanic, the neighborhood’s median household income is $28,750, lower than the county average.
The Stockyard registers a crime rate of 12.22 per 1,000 residents, ranking as the fourth-highest in Cuyahoga County, exceeding the national average by over three times.
The neighborhood faces substantial challenges related to burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, as well as violent crimes such as rape, robbery, and assault. Contributing factors include poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang activity, mirroring the trends in other neighborhoods.
Central
Central, positioned at the heart of Cleveland near the downtown area, is defined by Euclid Avenue to the north, E 55th Street to the east, Woodland Avenue to the south, and E 22nd Street to the west. With around 11,000 residents, predominantly black and Hispanic, the median household income is strikingly low at $10,000. This is the lowest in the county and among the lowest in the nation.
Central reports a crime rate of 11.11 per 1,000 residents, ranking as the fifth-highest in Cuyahoga County, exceeding the national average by over three times.
The neighborhood contends with heightened rates of burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, as well as violent crimes including murder, rape, robbery, and assault. The underlying factors contributing to the high crime rate are consistent with those found in other neighborhoods: poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang involvement.
Conclusion
Cuyahoga County, Ohio, boasts diversity and vibrancy alongside its attractions and opportunities. Yet, it confronts significant challenges regarding crime and safety, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
The five most hazardous neighborhoods in Cuyahoga County include Industrial Valley, North Broadway, Kinsmith, The Stockyard, and Central. These neighborhoods witness elevated rates of both property and violent crimes, which negatively impact residents’ quality of life.
Contributing factors to these high crime rates encompass poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang activity. To enhance the safety and well-being of these neighborhoods, substantial investment, intervention, prevention, and collaboration are essential among various stakeholders, such as government bodies, law enforcement agencies, community organizations, businesses, and residents.