Hamilton County, Ohio, situated in the southwestern part of the state, boasts a population exceeding 800,000. Renowned for its urban and suburban allure, the county is home to attractions like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Great American Ball Park, and the Kings Island amusement park.
Nevertheless, it grapples with its fair share of crime and violence. Within Hamilton County, there exist neighborhoods that vary in safety, with some being more perilous and warranting caution for both residents and visitors.
Here are the five most hazardous neighborhoods in Hamilton County, identified through analysis of crime statistics and assessments from various sources.
Westwood
Westwood, a Cincinnati neighborhood west of downtown, stretching along Montana Avenue and Harrison Avenue, holds the city’s highest population count, housing over 30,000 residents. Historical landmarks such as Westwood Town Hall and Westwood First Presbyterian Church grace this area.
Yet, Westwood also stands out for its elevated crime rate, surpassing the national average by 102%. The incidence of violent crime in Westwood sits 316% above the national average, equating to a crime occurrence roughly every 18 minutes on average.
With a population density of approximately 5,000 individuals per square mile, the likelihood of falling victim to crime here could be as high as 1 in 15.
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Downtown
Cincinnati’s central business district, known as Downtown, aligns along the Ohio River and Interstate 71. Serving as the city’s economic and cultural epicenter, Downtown boasts a skyline dotted with skyscrapers, museums, theaters, and dining establishments.
Iconic sites like Fountain Square, Paul Brown Stadium, and the Taft Museum of Art reside here. However, Downtown is also identified as a relatively unsafe zone within Hamilton County, exhibiting a crime rate 72% above the national average.
The occurrence of violent crime in Downtown surpasses the national average by 184%, translating to a crime every 25 minutes on average. With a population density of roughly 3,000 individuals per square mile, the chance of falling prey to crime here could be as high as 1 in 19.
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Over-the-Rhine
Over-the-Rhine, a historic Cincinnati neighborhood north of downtown, spans Vine Street and Main Street. Established in the early 19th century by German immigrants and named after their European homeland across the Rhine River, the area boasts an architectural heritage characterized by brick buildings and Italianate styles.
While renowned for its history, Over-the-Rhine also registers a crime rate 66% higher than the national average. Violent crime in this neighborhood exceeds the national average by 167%, leading to a crime occurrence approximately every 27 minutes on average. With a population density of around 10,000 individuals per square mile, the likelihood of encountering crime here could be as high as 1 in 21.
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Avondale
Avondale, situated northeast of downtown Cincinnati along Reading Road and Forest Avenue, was originally established in 1864 as a suburban haven for affluent residents, resulting in the construction of numerous mansions and estates.
Notable institutions, including the Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and Xavier University, contribute to Avondale’s character. Nonetheless, the neighborhood contends with a crime rate 59% higher than the national average.
Violent crime occurrences in Avondale surpass the national average by 150%, translating to a crime every 29 minutes on average. With a population density of approximately 6,000 individuals per square mile, the chance of encountering crime here could be as high as 1 in 23.
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West Price Hill
West Price Hill, located to the west of downtown Cincinnati along Glenway Avenue and Warsaw Avenue, originated in the late 19th century as a residential enclave for laborers and immigrants. The neighborhood features parks, schools, churches, and commercial establishments.
Despite its amenities, West Price Hill grapples with a crime rate 50% higher than the national average. Violent crime incidents in this neighborhood surpass the national average by 127%, resulting in a crime every 31 minutes on average. With a population density of roughly 4,000 individuals per square mile, the likelihood of encountering crime here could be as high as 1 in 25.
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Conclusion
Based on available data, these five neighborhoods stand out as the most dangerous within Hamilton County, Ohio. However, it is crucial to recognize that crime can manifest anywhere and at any time, underscoring the importance of vigilance and awareness of one’s surroundings.
Whether living in or visiting these areas, adopting precautions such as securing doors and windows, avoiding dimly lit or isolated spots at night, promptly reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement, and considering the installation of a home security system remains essential.