Ohio : Safety by City
- Akron
- Ashtabula
- Canton
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Cuyahoga Falls
- Dayton
- Defiance
- Elyria
- Findlay
- Kettering
- Logan
- Lorain
- Mansfield
- Medina
- Middletown
- Parma
- Port Clinton
- Put-in-Bay
- Sandusky
- Tiffin
- Toledo
- Vandalia
- Westerville
- Yellow Springs
- Youngstown
- Zanesville
Findlay is in northeastern Ohio, the micropolitan center of Hancock County.
With a population of 40,000 in the city and the count population of 75,000, you get a mix of small-town charm with some bigger city amenities.
To avoid burying the lead, you also get a safe community to visit and explore.
The city has a diversified economy based on manufacturing, education, healthcare, retail, and agriculture.
The American flag flies in many places here, as Findlay is known as Flag City USA. You can explore that history at places like the Hancock Historical Museum.
Findlay is also the hometown of former NFL star Ben Roethlisberger, who played three sports at the high school before going on to football fame.
Even with its more rural surroundings, you can still get to cities like Columbus, Toledo, Detroit, and Cleveland, all within two hours.
The charm in Findlay is centered around “Midwestern Nice” residents and local activities that support the community.
Let’s check out the safety aspects of Findlay while highlighting some of the things to do.
Warnings & Dangers in Findlay
OVERALL RISK: LOW
There's a low risk in Findlay, but that wasn't always the case. An improved crime rate and some local attractions off safe places to explore and enjoy.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
The Findlay tourism website has a list of transportation options, including taxi companies, rideshare options, and rental cars. All options come with a low risk.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Over the past five years, Findlay has had an average of 10 pickpockets or purse snatchings a year. That's one of the highest I've seen in Ohio for cities of similar size. While the risk is low, it's not as low as in some other areas. Use proper precautions like keeping your wallet in a front pants pocket or wearing a cross-body, small purse to keep the risk low. Don't wear valuables or carry a lot of cash.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Findlay can get severe weather in the warm months, including tornadoes and big snowstorms or blizzards in the winter. Treat this with a medium risk so you can always stay weather-aware.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Even at the highest robbery rate in a year over the past five years, Findlay was 25% lower than the national average. The risk is low but never low enough to let your guard down.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
This is another low risk as it's a smaller town in a rural area. Places like Cleveland and Cincinnati would have a higher risk.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
The most common scams reported here are spoofing calls, where it looks like the Sheriff's Office is calling a resident. There's really no reason for a tourist to be worried about a scam, but keeping informed about the trending scams is helpful.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
There's a low risk for women, as with anyone else visiting Findlay. Using common sense and basic personal safety skills go a long way here.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Findlay's water has faced some challenges in recent years, from an odd taste or odor to the presence of algae that comes from Lake Erie. While the water is safe to drink, it might not taste or smell normal at times. The city does a great job of alerting residents to this issue on social media.
Safest Places to Visit in Findlay
VisitFindlay.com is the official tourism website for the city and all of Hancock County.
The website does have a separate section for Downtown Findlay.
You can also follow them on Facebook @VisitFindlay to check out more hyper-local events.
A great place to start is the Hancock Historical Museum.
Explore the history of Findlay and Hancock County through fascinating exhibits and artifacts.
Gain insights into the city’s past and its evolution into the vibrant place it is today.
Riverside Park is along the scenic Blanchard River, offering a peaceful oasis for nature lovers.
Stroll along the trails, have a picnic, or simply relax by the river.
Mazza Museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of original children’s book illustrations.
The museum has permanent and rotating exhibits, along with special events throughout the year.
Findlay Reservoir is a serene spot for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching.
In winter, it freezes over and becomes a popular ice fishing spot.
Wander through the historic downtown area, where you’ll discover a mix of boutique shops, dining options, and art galleries.
Check local events on Facebook @DowntownFindlay.
Visit the Jones Mansion, an architectural gem as it hasn’t been altered (aside from structural improvements) since it was built in 1865.
Kids will love the Children’s Museum of Findlay, with more than 20 exhibits, including a glow zone and sock hockey field.
Litzenberg Memorial Woodlands is a beautiful 227-acre park that features lush woodlands, meandering trails, and serene ponds.
Several historical sites and horseback riding trails make this a wonderful destination, especially during fall foliage.
Places to Avoid in Findlay
Findlay doesn’t have neighborhoods that are too dangerous to visit, though the higher crime rates are just north and east of downtown.
One thing you want to avoid is a false sense of safety in a low-risk community.
In post-pandemic America, crime rates have spiked.
That includes a rash of juvenile crimes that should make you stay away from large groups of pre-teens and teenagers.
Findlay statistically has a low risk, but there are also news reports of multiple business break-ins downtown, an increase in car thefts, and 32% of all thefts being shoplifting.
All of these can happen around you in Findlay (or any community).
It’s just important to avoid letting your guard down simply because a community is “safe.”
Safety Tips for Traveling to Findlay
- Findlay does have its own police department. You can call them at (419) 424-7150 with specific questions. It’s a good idea to follow them on Facebook @FindlayPolice, too, so you can stay updated on public safety issues.
- Use the Everbridge program to sign up for emergency alerts in Hancock County and Findlay. There’s a link through the Emergency Management page of Hancock County, too. With this system, you can enter your email and/or phone number to get weather alerts and other public safety issues to your mobile device.
- Findlay Police offers a Citizen Connect program that displays real-time crime data updated daily. One of the key features I like for a tourist is that you can set an alert for incidents that happen within a certain range of your hotel.
- Findlay offers several ways to report a crime or suspicious activity. While you should always call 911 in the event of an emergency, calling the non-emergency dispatch numbers allowed you to report issues like graffiti, broken windows on a business after an assumed robbery, etc. Those numbers are 419-424-7150 or 419-424-7163. If you suspect drug activity, call 419-425-TIPS.
- There is a curfew in Findlay for kids 17 and younger. During the week, anyone 13 and younger must be with a guardian by 9:00 p.m., and those 14-17 need to be home by 10:00 p.m. On weekends, those hours change from 10:00 p.m. to 12:01 a.m. for the aforementioned age groups.
- One of the most frustrating things I run across while trying to research information for you is finding parking information. City websites are great at detailing what to do when you get a parking ticket but don’t offer preventative information about where to park and how to pay. Findlay does have metered street parking and some garage spaces, but there are also some garages dedicated to residents or business owners with a permit.
- During heavy snowfall, parking on the street can be banned in Findlay. This is to allow the snow plows to get through and clear the streets. If snow is in the forecast, park in a garage or any other legal option that isn’t on the street.
- The city lists all construction projects going on throughout the city on local roads. It’s helpful to review this before your trip so you can avoid those areas on your GPS. You can also use Ohgo’s website and app to see travel conditions throughout the region and state.
- If fishing is on your Findlay itinerary, you’ll need a license from the Ohio Department of Fish & Game. You can purchase those online. Be sure to get a non-resident license.
- You might notice a lot of construction along the river in downtown Findlay. This area is prone to flooding, so the goal is to create a landscape that encourages visitors but also protects from floodwaters taking over the streets. If you ever come across a flooded road, don’t drive on it. Turn around, don’t drown, as the saying goes.
So... How Safe Is Findlay Really?
Findlay’s violent crime rate is 41% lower than the national average.
Crime is also down 47% percent since the 10-year-high in 2017.
In a bigger scope, Findlay’s violent crime rate is 56% lower than the national average.
Then there’s more positive news for a visitor – Just 8% of violent crimes in the past five years happened against strangers, and 64% of violent crimes happened in public homes.
While there’s always a risk of a random act of violence, Findlay seems to be one of the safer communities for those concerned about that topic.
The theft rates are 5% higher than the national average, but that’s fueled by the 32% of thefts that are shoplifting.
While most cities I research have a car break-in rate of around 30% of all thefts, it’s just 15% in Findlay.
You keep that risk low by locking your car and leaving personal items out of plain sight.
Robbery rates are 70% lower than the national average, offering yet another positive aspect of safety in Findlay.
Like many American communities, Findlay also deals with a drug problem.
A Hancock County Task Force has been hard at work focusing on narcotic busts.
You should never take any drugs from people, even if it looks like prescription drugs.
Only use certified pharmacies.
How Does Findlay Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Findlay | 78 |
| San Francisco | 61 |
| Philadelphia | 60 |
| Houston | 59 |
| Atlanta | 58 |
| St. Louis | 58 |
| Los Angeles | 56 |
| Belize City (Belize) | 37 |
| La Paz (Bolivia) | 52 |
| Sao Paulo (Brazil) | 45 |
| Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | 43 |
| Sofia (Bulgaria) | 73 |
| Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
Useful Information
Visas
International travelers must secure a visa or visa waiver to gain entry into the country. The U.S. State Department website provides detailed information on your eligibility for a visa waiver. You can also use the Visa Wizard module on their site to determine the required visa.
Currency
You can only use the U.S. Dollar here. The safest way to exchange currency is inside a bank, but you won't be able to do that unless you are a member of that bank. Your home bank will offer the best fees. Most international airports will offer the service, but don't expect that at regional banks. Credit cards offer the best fraud protection, anyway.
Weather
Plan for four distinct seasons here, but the Midwest is famous for spring and fall having fluctuating temperatures. It could be 70°F one day and freezing the next. Pack layers. You'll need all the winter accessories from November through March. Summers will be warm and humid. Bring sunscreen and bug spray.
Airports
Toledo's airport is the closest just an hour north, but you'll find more international flight options out of Cleveland, Detroit, and Columbus. Each of those is about two hours by car. Detroit is the easiest drive as you take I-75 the entire way.
Travel Insurance
When traveling somewhere with unpredictable weather that could disrupt your plans, purchasing travel insurance is always a good idea. Also, consider travel health insurance if your existing policy doesn't cover you in the US. There is no free healthcare here, even for minor injuries. Review your rental car insurance to confirm you're protected if there's an accident.
Findlay Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 1 | 2 | 8 | 16 | 22 | 27 | 29 | 28 | 24 | 17 | 9 | 3 |
| Low °C | -8 | -6 | -2 | 4 | 10 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 13 | 6 | 1 | -5 |
| High °F | 34 | 36 | 46 | 61 | 72 | 81 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 63 | 48 | 37 |
| Low °F | 18 | 21 | 28 | 39 | 50 | 61 | 64 | 63 | 55 | 43 | 34 | 23 |
Ohio - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Akron | 49 |
| Ashtabula | 45 |
| Canton | 32 |
| Cincinnati | 48 |
| Cleveland | 55 |
| Columbus | 57 |
| Cuyahoga Falls | 80 |
| Dayton | 40 |
| Defiance | 75 |
| Elyria | 74 |
| Findlay | 78 |
| Kettering | 71 |
| Logan | 78 |
| Lorain | 67 |
| Mansfield | 62 |
| Medina | 71 |
| Middletown | 76 |
| Parma | 74 |
| Port Clinton | 76 |
| Put-in-Bay | 77 |
| Sandusky | 76 |
| Tiffin | 78 |
| Toledo | 69 |
| Vandalia | 76 |
| Westerville | 77 |
| Yellow Springs | 74 |
| Youngstown | 52 |
| Zanesville | 68 |
I visited Findlay last summer and felt completely safe exploring the town solo. The locals were friendly, and I encountered no issues during my stay.
As a frequent traveler, safety is always a top concern for me. After spending a week in Findlay, I can confidently say it’s a peaceful destination with a low crime rate.
I did some research before my trip to Findlay, and all the information pointed towards it being a safe haven for tourists. My experience matched those expectations, and I had a fantastic time exploring the area
I’ve lived in Findlay for several years now, and it’s a community that prioritizes safety and security. Visitors can feel at ease knowing that measures are in place to ensure their well-being.
Safety is a priority for any traveler, and I can attest that Findlay delivers on that front. From well-lit streets to helpful locals, it’s a destination where you can relax and enjoy your journey without worry.