Lima, Ohio, is often considered one of the most dangerous cities in the country. While historically the city had a high violent crime rate above the national average, there has been a rough decline of 20-24% in violent crime rates from 2022 to 2025.
If you want to find a safe neighborhood in Lima, Ohio, you have to know the common statistics that influence crimes in certain areas. Generally, the suburbs are safer, with most of the crime being concentrated in the downtown in crime-ridden cities like Lima.
A combination of socioeconomic factors, poverty, and unemployment is the common fuel of crime-ridden areas in the city, especially the downtown and the city center. However, the suburb surrounding the city center is considered relatively safer in Lima, Ohio.
Why Is the City Center in Lima, Ohio, Dangerous?
Despite being a relatively small city, Lima often competes with major cities like Cincinnati in crime. The crime rate is among the highest for a city with a metro population of just under one hundred thousand in the country.
Common driving factors for crime in Lima include the following:
- Areas with lower socioeconomic status and higher unemployment see the highest crime rate, especially property crimes.
- The dilapidated, vacant houses in the densely populated downtown areas are easy targets for property theft and vandalism.
- Criminal activities such as drug sales (selling meth and opioids) and illegal firearm possession bring associated violence with them.
- There have been reports of juvenile offenses involving firearms and a high concentration of youths from lower socioeconomic status engaging in crimes.
- Aggravated assaults and armed robberies are also common in Lima, with most of them being concentrated in and around the downtown areas.
Is the Crime in Lima, Ohio, Declining?
Yes, since 2022, crime rates in Lima have been declining. The reports show a 20 to 24% reduction in crime rates.
However, regardless of this downward trend in crime, the overall crime rate still remains higher than the national average.
Most crime in the city is concentrated in the Central Business District (CBD) and the areas south of it.
Safe Neighborhoods in Lima, Ohio
Fort Shawnee
Fort Shawnee is consistently ranked as the safest area in Lima’s metropolitan area. It offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a low crime rate and top-tier public schools.
Cridersville
Located just south of Lima, Crider’s Villa is a secure suburban residential village with active community watch programs and low violent/property crimes.
Elida
A very safe, family-oriented suburb with great schools and a sense of great community.
Allentown
Another safe residential neighborhood in Lima that has a secure feel and clean streets.
Hume
Hume is a quiet, family-friendly, residential suburb in Lima with tree-lined streets and low crime rates.
Oakview
Oakview has a mix of modern and traditional homes with strong community ties and watches.
Kemp
Kemp is a secure, quiet, suburban community in Lima with a semi-urban charm.
Why Are Suburban Neighborhoods Safe in Lima, Ohio?
- Lower population density and higher rates of homeownership are major reasons why the suburbs are safer in contrast to the city center.
- The small suburban communities have police departments that serve a small population with active neighborhood watch programs.
- Higher socioeconomic status with high rates of employment, income, and education, as opposed to the downtown areas.
- Safe areas are geographically isolated from the crime-ridden main city areas with a semi-rural vibe.
- Modern infrastructure, like great street lighting and wider roads, makes it less susceptible to crimes.
Key Takeaways
- A lower unemployment rate, poverty, and vacant houses cause the most property crimes in Lima.
- Lima has historically been affected by drug-related crimes, and there has been a surge of juvenile offenses.
- The crime rate has been declining since 2022 in Lima, but the overall crime rate still remains high.
- Some of the safest neighborhoods in Lima, Ohio, include Elida, Fort Shawnee, Kemp, and Allentown.
- Higher socioeconomic status, lower population density, better communities with watch programs, and modern infrastructure are why the suburbs are safer in Lima, Ohio.
