For your next trip to Ohio, wondering if Columbus is a safe city, if there are dangerous neighborhoods and areas to avoid?

Nowadays, whether for a business trip, a tourist stay or a search for accommodation, it is better to find out about the neighborhoods in advance. Indeed, in major American and European cities, violence has increased sharply in recent years.

And we will see that even if the capital of Ohio is not one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, there are still dangerous neighborhoods.

To help you identify neighborhoods to avoid in Columbus, this guide takes stock of the safety of the city's main areas in 2024 and provides you with a map of the city's neighborhoods.

Is Columbus safe or dangerous in 2024?

To tell if Columbus is safe or dangerous, you have to compare its crime rate to that of other cities in the world and in the United States.

Consequently, when compared globally according to Numbeo.com , Columbus has a fairly low crime index (44.12). According to the most recent figures, this metropolis is much safer than cities like London , Rome , Dublin , Stockholm , or Buenos Aires.

And if we compare at the national level, the latest Worldpopulationreview ranking does not mention Columbus among the most dangerous cities in the United States, unlike Detroit , Memphis , Baltimore , St. Louis or Cleveland.

This is also confirmed by the Numbeo 2024 ranking . Indeed, Columbus is ranked near the bottom of the list in 41st place. With a crime index of 44.12 , Columbus is in the lower range.

In comparison, Columbus would be less dangerous than cities like Chicago , Houston , Atlanta , Philadelphia or New Orleans.

See the map of the Numbeo.com site:

Columbus Crime Rates in 2024

According to the latest FBI statistics and crime rankings, Columbus has an overall crime rate 63% higher than the national average. And regarding violent crime, its crime rate is 52% higher.

For more details on the type of crime and the evolution of the rate, here is a well-informed website: allcolumbusdata.com

The official government website states that a policy aimed at improving city security has been put in place to combat violence and insecurity in Columbus.

Is Columbus safe for tourists?

Yes, Columbus is a safe city for tourists. However, as in all major cities, tourists should always exercise caution.

In fact, visitors to Columbus should only avoid a few less safe or less attractive neighborhoods. And on tourist sites as everywhere else, they will also have to remain vigilant, particularly for the risks of pickpockets, scams or theft of telephones, for example.

Neighborhoods and areas of the metropolis

Columbus which is the largest city in Ohio is divided into many neighborhoods whose names and boundaries are unofficial.

However, large areas allow you to find your way around the city of Columbus (see list of Columbus neighborhoods on Wikipedia ):

• Downtown Columbus
• The Short North
• South Side and South East
• East Side
• Clintonville
• Southwest
• West Side
• Northside and NorthwestEdit
• UniversityDistrict
• Northeast
• Glenbrook
• Far East neighborhoods
• Far North/Northland
• south-end
• The Far South
• South side
• North central
• Northeast
• South Alum Creek
• Westland

Map of Columbus Neighborhoods

To better locate the dangerous areas of Columbus, as well as the safest ones, here is a map of the main neighborhoods: Google Maps

Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Columbus

“Dangerous” refers to neighborhoods that have the highest per capita rates of violent crime and property crime. This does not mean that you are risking your life in these neighborhoods! But these are simply the least safe neighborhoods in Columbus:

Here is the list of the 10 most dangerous neighborhoods in Columbus in 2024:

• Franklinton
• South Linden
• Milo Grogan
• South Linden
• lincoln village
• North central
• Weinland Park
• Southwest
• University
• Southside

This non-exhaustive list is compiled by cross-referencing numerous online statistics and rankings such as neighborhoodscout.com , areavibes.com, upgradedhome.com, crimegrade.org and crime data published on the official Columbus website.

Areas to avoid in Columbus

In addition to these dangerous neighborhoods listed above, here is a list of areas to avoid in Columbus especially at night:

• The Fort Columbus Airport area,
• Olentangy River Road,
• Lilly Avenue,
• Livingston Avenue Corridor,
• Sullivant Avenue (only the part between the Central Avenue Intersection and Gift Street),
• Areas east of the High Street near the University Campus,
• A few streets in the Southern end of Cleveland Avenue are also best avoided at night.

Safest neighborhoods in Columbus

According to real estate agencies and many forums, the safest neighborhoods in Columbus are:

• Grandview Heights
• North
• Worthington Hills / Antrim
• Lake Darby
• Olentangy Highlands / Worthingview
• Lockville / Lockville Station
• White Ash South
• Western Hills
• Westbrooke-Heritage
• Cross creek
• fodor

These neighborhoods are the ones with lower crime rates than other neighborhoods in Columbus. They are less dangerous than the others but not all necessarily safe.

Best area to stay in Columbus

It is difficult to select the best neighborhood in Columbus to live in or to live in temporarily. Indeed, the city has a mix of unique neighborhoods with a different atmosphere. Indeed, outside of the neighborhoods listed below, all Columbus neighborhoods are safe, friendly, and have their own unique identity.

According to blogs, forums and real estate agencies, here is the list of the best neighborhoods to stay in Columbus:

• Grandview Heights: One of the best neighborhoods to live in
• Bexley : Historic district of the city
• Worthington : Very safe neighborhood with a very good school system
• Brewery District : District renowned for its gastronomy and its brasseries
• Victorian Village et North Shorts : Preferred neighborhoods for outings, museums, art and shows
• Harrison West : Historic, safe and residential neighborhood

Where to stay in Columbus for tourists?

For tourists looking for accommodation in Columbus, the best area is undoubtedly Downtown.

Indeed, the districts of Uptown, Arena, Short North, Flytown and Discovery District are considered part of the city center. This is the most central area which includes the business center and the main cultural, commercial and leisure attractions (entertainment, theatres, restaurants, bars, shops).

Is Downtown Columbus safe?

The city center is not considered a dangerous area. Although there is crime, this central area's crime level is not among the highest in the city. In many forums, we can read that we can calmly walk around Downtown without fear.

In general, tourists prefer to stay in Downtown because it is the best area to enjoy the many tourist attractions such as:

• Capitol Square
• The Museum of Art
• The magnificent public library
• Topiary Park
• The Ohio Statehouse
• Kelton House
• Columbus Commons Park
• The Scioto Mile

Where to stay in Downtown?

Downtown is made up of several small neighborhoods, all very interesting for a tourist stay. But if you're looking for the best location, it's in the Arena and Short North Arts District neighborhoods north of Downtown that you'll be close to the Greater Columbus Convention Center and in the heart of the action (concert halls, Nationwide Arena, Arena Grand Theatre, Goodale Park, restaurants, shops).

It is in this area (Arena-Short North Arts District) that the most beautiful hotels in the city are located, such as:

• Hampton Inn & Suites
• Hilton Downtown
• The Graduate
• Le Meridien – The Joseph

And if you're looking for a hotel with the best value for money and an ideal location, look no further than the Sonesta Downtown . This lovely hotel is just 376 meters from the Convention Center and very close to BalletMet, Capitol Square, and the College of Art and Design.

And if you are looking for a slightly cheaper hotel but also in a well-located area for a tourist stay, here is the 50 Lincoln Short North Bed & Breakfast.

In the heart of Downtown in the area of ​​the most beautiful hotels, it is not a huge hotel but a small establishment in a beautiful historic building that is less impersonal and warmer:

Its retro atmosphere and its garden at the back of the building create a romantic atmosphere conducive to holidays and relaxation.

Note that this establishment received the Travelers' Choice from Tripadvisor 2 years ago and has a rating of 5/5!

All the information below is sourced from the Internet (media, blogs, forums, local press, rankings and statistics). It is therefore a summary of data that does not include any judgment or discriminatory statement.