Franklin County, located in Ohio, houses the state capital, Columbus, and various other towns and cities. With a population of around 1.3 million people, it stands as Ohio’s most populous county and the 34th most populous in the entire United States.
However, safety levels within different parts of Franklin County vary. According to data from CrimeGrade.org, the county’s overall crime grade is an F, indicating it’s safer than just 5% of U.S. counties.
The county experiences a violent crime rate of 5.96 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 33.16 per 1,000 residents. These figures surpass the national averages of 3.36 and 18.46 respectively.
In this article, we will delve into the five most perilous neighborhoods in Franklin County, as determined by the per capita crime rate map from CrimeGrade.org. We’ll also offer insights into the demographics, history, and challenges within each neighborhood.
English Woods
Situated in the southwest region of Columbus, near Hilliard’s border, English Woods is enclosed by Roberts Road to the north, I-270 to the east, Renner Road to the south, and Alton Darby Creek Road to the west.
This neighborhood, inhabited by around 4,500 individuals, predominantly of white and Hispanic origins, presents a median household income of $40,625—lower than the county average of $54,559.
With a crime rate of 15.88 per 1,000 residents, English Woods boasts the highest crime rate in Franklin County, exceeding the national average by more than three times.
The area grapples with substantial rates of burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, as well as violent crimes including robbery and assault. Contributing factors to these high crime rates include poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang involvement.
South Fairmount
Found in the western sector of Columbus, close to Upper Arlington’s boundary, South Fairmount is bordered by W Henderson Road to the north, Kenny Road to the east, Fishinger Road to the south, and Riverside Drive to the west.
With approximately 6,000 residents, primarily white and Asian, the neighborhood’s median household income is $51,250, slightly below the county’s average.
South Fairmount possesses a crime rate of 14.76 per 1,000 residents, ranking as the second-highest in Franklin County and over four times the national average.
Similar to other neighborhoods, South Fairmount encounters elevated levels of burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, as well as violent crimes like robbery and assault. The neighborhood’s elevated crime rate is influenced by factors such as poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang activity.
Sedamsville
Situated in the southern area of Columbus, near Grove City’s border, Sedamsville is bounded by I-71 to the north and east, Stringtown Road to the south, and Demorest Road to the west.
With a population of about 7,500 people, mostly black and Hispanic, Sedamsville’s median household income stands at $28,750, merely half of the county average.
Recording a crime rate of 13.33 per 1,000 residents, Sedamsville ranks as the third-highest in Franklin County, surpassing the national average by more than three times.
The neighborhood contends with substantial rates of burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, as well as violent crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault. Factors such as poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang engagement contribute to the area’s heightened crime rate.
South Cumminsville
Positioned in the northern section of Columbus, bordering Worthington, South Cumminsville is enclosed by Morse Road to the north, I-71 to the east, E Cooke Road to the south, and Indianola Avenue to the west.
With an approximate population of 9,000 individuals, primarily black and Hispanic, the median household income in South Cumminsville is $32,500, below the county’s average.
South Cumminsville experiences a crime rate of 12.22 per 1,000 residents, placing it fourth highest in Franklin County and exceeding the national average by more than three times.
The neighborhood contends with considerable rates of burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, as well as violent crimes like murder, rape, robbery, and assault. Factors such as poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang involvement are instrumental in the elevated crime rates.
East Westwood
Found in the eastern part of Columbus, near Whitehall’s border, East Westwood is bordered by E Broad Street to the north, I-270 to the east, E Livingston Avenue to the south, and James Road to the west.
With an approximate population of 11,000 residents, mainly black and Hispanic, the median household income in East Westwood is $35,000, lower than the county’s average.
East Westwood possesses a crime rate of 11.11 per 1,000 residents, ranking as the fifth highest in Franklin County and more than three times the national average.
The neighborhood contends with significant rates of burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, as well as violent crimes like murder, rape, robbery, and assault. Contributing factors include poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang activity.
Conclusion
Franklin County, Ohio, is a diverse county boasting numerous attractions and opportunities. However, it grapples with serious challenges related to crime and safety, particularly within specific neighborhoods. The five most hazardous neighborhoods in Franklin County are English Woods, South Fairmount, Sedamsville, South Cumminsville, and East Westwood.
These neighborhoods present high rates of both property and violent crimes, impacting the well-being and quality of life of their inhabitants. Underlying causes include poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang engagement.
Enhancing safety within these neighborhoods necessitates increased investment, intervention, prevention, and collaborative efforts involving various stakeholders, including government bodies, law enforcement, community organizations, businesses, and residents.