Ohio, known for its friendly communities, rolling landscapes, and affordable living, attracts thousands of newcomers yearly. However, not every corner of the Buckeye State offers a safe or thriving environment. From high crime rates to economic decline, some areas are best avoided.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of 10 places in Ohio you should never move to, based on crime statistics, unemployment data, and quality-of-life factors. Whether you’re relocating for work or seeking a fresh start, steer clear of these cities—and consider hiring a professional moving company to help you settle in a safer Ohio community instead.
East Cleveland: A Hub of Crime and Poverty
East Cleveland consistently ranks as one of the top 10 places in Ohio you should never move to. With a violent crime rate over 10 times the national average, residents face frequent burglaries, assaults, and property crimes. According to the FBI’s 2022 Crime Report, East Cleveland’s crime index is 1,200% higher than the U.S. average, making it one of Ohio’s most dangerous cities.
The city’s poverty rate exceeds 35%, and decades of population decline have left neighborhoods riddled with abandoned homes. Limited job opportunities and underfunded public services exacerbate the challenges here. Schools in the area rank in the bottom 10% statewide, with graduation rates hovering around 60%. Despite its proximity to Cleveland, the area lacks economic revitalization efforts.
Dayton: Struggling Economy, Rising Crime
Dayton’s crime rates are nearly double the national average, with car thefts and violent assaults making headlines. In 2023, the city reported 1,200 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 400. The city also grapples with a 7.5% unemployment rate, well above the state average, driven by the decline of manufacturing jobs.
While downtown revitalization projects show promise, neighborhoods like Twin Towers and Dayton View remain unsafe. Poor-performing schools and a lack of affordable healthcare further deter families. The Dayton Public School District has a 45% proficiency rate in math, far below Ohio’s 65% average.
Lima: Industrial Decline and Drug Epidemic
Once a thriving industrial hub, Lima now faces a 12% poverty rate and a growing opioid crisis. The city’s violent crime rate is 65% higher than the U.S. average, with drug-related arrests surging by 20% since 2020. Local law enforcement reports that methamphetamine and fentanyl dominate the drug trade, contributing to overdose rates 50% higher than the state average.
Job opportunities are scarce outside of the dwindling factory sector, and public schools struggle with funding cuts. Lima City Schools recently closed two elementary buildings due to budget shortfalls.
Steubenville: High Crime in a Small Package
Despite its small population of 18,000, Steubenville reports a violent crime rate triple the national average. The city gained infamy for high-profile criminal cases, including the 2012 sexual assault case involving high school athletes, which highlighted a toxic local culture.
Economic stagnation and a lack of youth programs contribute to its decline. Nearly 25% of residents live below the poverty line, and the downtown area has lost 30% of its businesses since 2010.
Youngstown: Post-Industrial Decay
Youngstown’s population has halved since its steel industry collapsed in the 1970s, leaving behind vacant lots and a 19% poverty rate. Crime here is rampant, with a homicide rate four times the national average. In 2023, the city recorded 32 homicides—a record high—with gang violence driving much of the bloodshed.
Efforts to attract tech startups have had minimal impact, and neighborhoods like the South Side remain dangerous after dark. Youngstown’s struggles land it on the list of 10 places in Ohio you should never move to for families or professionals. Nearby Canfield or Boardman provide safer alternatives with access to Youngstown’s cultural attractions, like the Butler Institute of American Art, without the risks.
Warren: Poverty and Poor Infrastructure
Warren’s crumbling infrastructure and 13% unemployment rate reflect decades of neglect. The city’s violent crime rate is 150% higher than the national average, with frequent reports of gang activity. In 2022, the Warren Police Department reported a 25% increase in aggravated assaults, many linked to drug disputes.
Flooding issues due to poor drainage systems add to residents’ frustrations. During heavy rains, neighborhoods like Southwest Warren face recurrent water damage, with 15% of homes requiring flood insurance. While Warren’s housing market is cheap (median rent: $650), the trade-offs in safety and services aren’t worth it. Opt for suburbs like Howland or Niles, where infrastructure and schools are better maintained.
Toledo: Sky-High Crime and Unemployment
Toledo’s crime rates are among Ohio’s worst, with 1 in 23 residents experiencing violent or property crime annually. The city’s 6.8% unemployment rate and aging industrial base offer few opportunities for growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Toledo’s manufacturing sector has lost 8,000 jobs since 2000, pushing many into low-wage service roles.
Neighborhoods like Junction and Birmingham are particularly dangerous, with burglary rates triple the national average. Though Toledo boasts cultural attractions like the Art Museum, its challenges outweigh the perks for most newcomers. For a balanced urban experience, explore Perrysburg or Maumee, which offer lower crime and thriving downtowns.
Portsmouth: Ohio’s Opioid Ground Zero
Portsmouth’s opioid overdose rate is triple the state average, earning it the grim nickname “Pill City.” Poverty affects 25% of residents, and the downtown area is lined with shuttered businesses. A 2021 study by the Ohio Department of Health found that Scioto County, where Portsmouth is located, had the state’s highest opioid prescription rate per capita.
The city’s crime rate is 80% higher than the national average, with thefts and drug-related offenses dominating police reports. Portsmouth’s challenges make it one of the 10 places in Ohio you should never move to without a solid exit plan. Neighboring towns like Wheelersburg or New Boston provide safer, family-friendly environments.
Springfield: Crime Without Charm
Springfield’s violent crime rate is double the U.S. average, with robberies and aggravated assaults occurring weekly. The city’s 17% poverty rate and struggling school system further deter families. Clark County’s 2023 education report revealed that Springfield City Schools have a 50% graduation rate, with chronic absenteeism affecting 30% of students.
Despite historic landmarks like the Heritage Center, Springfield lacks the jobs and amenities to offset its risks. Those relocating to Ohio should explore safer alternatives like Yellow Springs or Fairborn, which offer artsy communities and lower crime.
Mansfield: Beautiful Parks, Ugly Crime Stats
Mansfield’s picturesque parks contrast sharply with its crime rates, which are 60% higher than the national average. The city’s 8% unemployment rate and reliance on unstable retail jobs create financial insecurity. Areas like North Lake Park and West End are hotspots for break-ins and drug activity, with police noting a 40% rise in meth-related arrests since 2021.
While Mansfield hosts the famous Ohio State Reformatory (filming site of The Shawshank Redemption), it’s better visited than lived in. For safer small-town living, consider Ashland or Lexington, where crime rates are 50% lower.
Conclusion: Choose Wisely—and Hire Help If Needed
Ohio offers many vibrant communities, but the 10 places in Ohio you should never move to highlighted above prove that research is essential. From East Cleveland’s safety risks to Portsmouth’s opioid crisis, these cities struggle with systemic issues that impact residents’ quality of life.
If you’re determined to settle in the Buckeye State, prioritize cities like Dublin, Columbus, or Cincinnati. And if you’re ready to move, partner with a professional moving company to streamline your transition.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.