Canton, Ohio, once considered a quiet city, has recently captured attention for all the wrong reasons. A recent evaluation has ranked this city as the fourth most dangerous in the state—a startling change that demands closer examination of its causes and implications.
The Alarming Statistics
This Article Includes
The statistics paint a grim picture: Canton suffers from some of the highest rates of violent crime in the state, irrespective of its modest size. Crimes such as rape, murder, non-negligent manslaughter, armed robbery, and aggravated assault are prevalent. In 2019, with a population just over 70,000, Canton reported 1,398 violent crimes and a staggering 5,292 cases of property crime.
Crime Breakdown in Canton
According to available data, these are the most common crime categories in Canton:
- Larceny: This is the most reported property crime in Canton, with 2,429 incidents in 2019, totaling 3,463 cases per 100,000 residents—higher than the national rate of 1,550 per 100,000.
- Burglary: Canton also sees a significant number of burglaries, with 962 cases in 2019, or 1,372 incidents per 100,000 people, compared to the national rate of 341 per 100,000.
- Vehicle Theft: In 2019, Canton reported 321 cases of motor vehicle theft, significantly higher than the national rate of less than 220 per 100,000.
- Aggravated Assault: This is the most common violent crime in Canton, with 652 reported cases in 2019, or 930 incidents per 100,000 residents, far exceeding the national average of 250 per 100,000.
- Robbery: Canton also sees a high rate of robbery, with 188 reported cases in 2019, or 268 incidents per 100,000 people, compared to the national rate of 82 per 100,000.
Comparing to National Averages
Canton’s violent crime rate is significantly higher than the national average:
- In 2019, Canton reported a violent crime rate of 1,050.2 per 100,000 people, compared to the national rate of 294 per 100,000.
- In 2020, Canton’s violent crime rate increased to 1,180 per 100,000, further highlighting the city’s struggle with violent crime.
Trends Over the Last Five Years
Canton’s crime rate has fluctuated over the past five years:
- In 2017, Canton reported 1,500 crime incidents per 100,000 population.
- The rate fell to 1,273 in 2018 but rose again to 1,559 in 2019.
- In 2020, the rate decreased slightly to 1,218, only to increase once more to 1,205 incidents per 100,000 people in 2021.
Conclusion
The sharp increase in crime rates in Canton is a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. Addressing economic disparities, investing in community services, and supporting law enforcement are crucial steps toward a safer future. The story of Canton underscores the fact that every community is susceptible to change, especially in these uncertain times. The ultimate fate of Canton lies in the hands of its residents—whether they can come together to restore safety or continue down a dangerous path remains to be seen.
