COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A new report dives into the underlying causes of violent criminal offenses in Ohio, pointing to housing affordability, neighborhood zoning and more as drivers of crime.
More than 30,000 violent crimes, including homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, were reported in the state in 2023, a new report by the nonprofit Health Policy Institute of Ohio states.
Ohio ranks 34th in the nation for homicide deaths, which peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not returned to pre-pandemic rates, according to the report. The leading method of homicide in Ohio is the use of firearms, with 80% of homicides being gun-related in 2022.
The report emphasizes how social structures and community conditions can support or prevent violent crime. State leaders can improve the safety of communities by addressing drivers of violent crime, the Health Policy Institute of Ohio states.
Multiple historical policies and practices have resulted in poor community stability, lower home valuations, increased foreclosures and limited economic mobility in majority-Black, Hispanic and Asian neighborhoods, the report says. One example is the construction of the International Highway System through communities of color in the 1950s.
“As a result, many of these communities experienced concentrated disadvantage, which includes limited educational and employment opportunities and higher rates of poverty, unemployment and food insecurity that continue today,” the report states.
Concentrated disadvantages, or the geographic clustering of people of a lower socioeconomic status caused by historic and ongoing policies, are associated with higher rates of violent crime.
Income inequality is listed as another driver of violent crime. Ohio ranks 30 out of 50 states and Washington, D.C. on income inequality, which puts people at risk for a shortened life span, poor health and increased neighborhood violence.
Research shows that increases in income supports, such as earned income tax credits and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, can lead to reduced violence. Similarly, a quality education, access to healthcare and affordable housing can help deter violent crime, by reducing residents’ financial stress and providing more work opportunities.
Since violence is highly concentrated in specific areas known as hotspots, zoning and neighborhood planning impact violent crime. Concentrated poverty, crowded housing and vacant buildings and lots can increase violent crime. Conversely, neighborhood factors such as painted crosswalks, parks and tree canopies can deter crime.
Additionally, a relationship exists between how many alcohol outlets a community has and the amount of violent crime it faces. Off-premise outlets such as liquor and convenience stores are associated with higher rates of violent crime compared to on-premise outlets such as bars and restaurants. Ohio ranks 34th in the nation for excessive drinking, and liquor sales have steadily increased over recent years, according to the report.
Criminal justice practices and policies also play a role in the state’s violent crime. Research suggests additional police officers in a community can reduce crime rates. Currently, multiple Ohio law enforcement agencies are facing recruitment struggles.
“Our law enforcement agencies are struggling to fill their essential positions, which are crucial for safe communities,” Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said during a July speech.
However, the evidence also suggests the threat of incarceration does not deter crime. Having been incarcerated also does not deter future crime and may increase the likelihood of a person reoffending, the report says, leading it to list mass incarceration as a driver of violent crime. The report states this is because incarceration is “traumatic” and does not provide resources for a person to re-enter society, limiting the "chances for Ohioans to break generational cycles of poverty and incarceration."
In order to reduce violent crime in Ohio, the report suggests strengthening the social and economic stability of individuals, families and communities. Interventions may include increasing housing affordability, changing alcohol policies as well as education, employment and criminal justice reform.
Other suggestions include implementing mentorship programs, more firearm-safety policies and working to eliminate inequality.
