Montgomery County, Ohio, situated in the southwestern part of the state, houses a population of over 530,000. This county is renowned for its industrial and aerospace attractions, including the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, and the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. However, it also grapples with its share of crime and violence.
Within Montgomery County, there exist both safer neighborhoods and more perilous ones that both visitors and residents should approach with caution. Presented below are the five most hazardous neighborhoods in Montgomery County, as determined by crime statistics and assessments from various sources.
Dayton
Dayton, a city boasting around 140,000 inhabitants, serves as the county seat and the largest urban center in Montgomery County. Situated along the Great Miami River, it stands as one of Ohio’s oldest and most historic cities.
The city is also home to notable landmarks such as the Carillon Historical Park, the Dayton Art Institute, and the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. However, Dayton also grapples with a high crime rate, surpassing the national average by 102%.
Its violent crime rate is 316% higher than the national average, translating to an average of one crime occurring every 18 minutes. The city holds a population density of roughly 2,500 individuals per square mile, and the likelihood of falling victim to a crime here may be as high as 1 in 15.
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Trotwood
Trotwood, a city with a population of approximately 24,000, lies to the west of Dayton along State Route 49. Established as a village in 1901, it takes its name from a character in Charles Dickens’ novel “David Copperfield.”
The city hosts various parks, schools, churches, and businesses. Nonetheless, Trotwood contends with a crime rate 72% above the national average. Its violent crime rate stands at 184% higher than the national average, with a crime happening roughly every 25 minutes.
The city’s population density is around 1,000 residents per square mile, and the likelihood of being a victim of crime here might be as high as 1 in 19.
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Harrison Township
Harrison Township, with a population of around 25,000, lies north of Dayton alongside Interstate 75. Established in 1816 from portions of Randolph Township and Wayne Township, it encompasses communities such as Fort McKinley, Shiloh, and Northridge.
However, Harrison Township struggles with a crime rate 66% higher than the national average. Its violent crime rate exceeds the national average by 167%, resulting in an average of one crime occurring every 27 minutes.
The township maintains a population density of roughly 2,000 residents per square mile, and the likelihood of being a crime victim here might be as high as 1 in 21.
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Riverside
Riverside, a city hosting about 25,000 residents, lies to the east of Dayton along U.S. Route 35. Established in 1995 from parts of Mad River Township and Bethel Township, it features attractions like the Wright Brothers Memorial Park, the Stebbins High School Stadium, and the Riverside Historical Society Museum.
Yet, Riverside contends with a crime rate 59% higher than the national average. Its violent crime rate surpasses the national average by 150%, translating to a crime taking place roughly every 29 minutes. The city holds a population density of about 1,500 residents per square mile, and the likelihood of falling victim to a crime here may be as high as 1 in 23.
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Jefferson Township
Jefferson Township, housing approximately 6,000 inhabitants, lies to the south of Dayton along State Route 4. Established in 1805 from parts of German Township and Washington Township, it features historic sites such as the Sunwatch Indian Village Archaeological Park, the Possum Creek MetroPark Farmhouse Complex, and the Jefferson Schoolhouse.
Nevertheless, Jefferson Township contends with a crime rate 50% higher than the national average. Its violent crime rate surpasses the national average by 127%, resulting in an average of one crime occurring every 31 minutes. The township maintains a population density of about 300 residents per square mile, and the likelihood of being a victim of crime here might be as high as 1 in 25.
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Conclusion
The above neighborhoods represent the five most dangerous areas within Montgomery County, Ohio, as determined by available data. However, it’s essential to recognize that crime can manifest anywhere and at any time, underscoring the importance of remaining vigilant and attentive to one’s surroundings.
Whether residing in or visiting these areas, taking precautions such as securing doors and windows, avoiding poorly lit or isolated locations at night, reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement, and potentially installing a home security system can contribute to personal safety.