Ohio is a state with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. However, not all of its cities are equally loved by the residents and visitors. Some cities have a reputation for being dangerous, boring, or unfriendly. Here are seven of the most hated cities in Ohio, according to some online sources and opinions.
1. Chillicothe
Chillicothe was once the capital of Ohio, but now it is the capital of crime. According to Upgraded Home, Chillicothe is the most dangerous city in Ohio, with a violent crime rate of 475 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 7,268 per 100,000 people. The city also has a high poverty rate of 31.7% and a low median income of $38,000. Chillicothe is not a place where you would want to live or visit.
2. Canton
Canton is famous for being the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but that is not enough to make it a desirable destination. Canton is also one of the most dangerous cities in Ohio, with a violent crime rate of 1,429 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 3,411 per 100,000 people. The city has a low quality of life, with a poverty rate of 30.8% and a median income of $32,000. Canton is more dangerous than 99% of other American cities, according to Axios.
3. Cleveland
Cleveland is the second-largest city in Ohio and the cultural and economic hub of the state. However, it is also a city with many problems, such as crime, poverty, and pollution. Cleveland has a violent crime rate of 1,556 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 4,411 per 100,000 people. The city has a poverty rate of 35.2% and a median income of $29,000. Cleveland also ranks among the worst cities in the country for air quality, according to the American Lung Association.
4. Springfield
Springfield is a small city in southwestern Ohio, but it has a big crime problem. Springfield has a violent crime rate of 1,122 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 5,569 per 100,000 people. The city has a poverty rate of 35.8% and a median income of $35,000. Springfield is also known for having a high rate of opioid addiction and overdose deaths, according to the Springfield News-Sun.
5. Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a city on the Ohio River, near the border with Kentucky. It used to be a thriving industrial and shipping center, but it has declined significantly in recent decades. Portsmouth has a violent crime rate of 1,026 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 6,179 per 100,000 people. The city has a poverty rate of 38.5% and a median income of $30,000. Portsmouth is also notorious for being the epicenter of the opioid crisis in Ohio, according to The Atlantic.
6. Whitehall
Whitehall is a suburb of Columbus, but it is not a typical suburban paradise. Whitehall has a violent crime rate of 1,026 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 7,179 per 100,000 people. The city has a poverty rate of 25.5% and a median income of $41,000. Whitehall is also home to several hate groups, such as the neo-Nazi Daily Stormer and the anti-LGBTQ Mission: America, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center.
7. Logan
Logan is a city in southeastern Ohio, near the Hocking Hills State Park. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, but it is also a hotbed of racism and intolerance. Logan has a history of being a stronghold of the Ku Klux Klan, with several active Klaverns in the past. According to RoadSnacks, Logan is one of the most racist cities in Ohio, based on the number of KKK members and hate crimes.
Conclusion
Ohio is a diverse and dynamic state, with many attractions and opportunities. However, it also has some cities that are widely disliked and avoided by many people. These cities have high rates of crime, poverty, and social problems, and low rates of livability and happiness. These are the seven most hated cities in Ohio, according to some online sources and opinions.