Is Kettering Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Southeast of Dayton, Ohio, sits the dense suburban community of Kettering, with almost 60,000 residents.

Kettering’s story begins with its establishment in the early 19th century, and over the years, it has evolved into a place well-known for its influence in electronics, technology, and aviation.

It’s not the most exciting community if you’re looking for a big tourist area, but it’s close enough to Dayton that you can get a little bit of everything.

The city is home to picturesque parks like Gazebo Gardens, Delco Park, and Indian Riffle Park, offering beautiful green spaces for relaxation and outdoor recreation.

The recently renovated Rosewood Arts Centre stands as a testament to Kettering’s commitment to the arts, providing a space for creativity and cultural enrichment.

One of Kettering’s claims to fame is its connection to Rob Dyrdek, the skateboarding legend and TV personality.

Dyrdek graduated from high school here before he went into professional skateboarding and then into fame with Rob & Big, then Ridiculousness.

Skateboarding fans will find a huge space left as a legacy by Dyrdek, and here’s a hint – bring your board.

Kettering definitely has a suburban vibe and was once the fastest-growing city in the state.

With interstates nearby and easy access to Dayton, there are a lot of benefits to this safe and quiet community.

Whether you’re exploring the art scene, enjoying the serene parks, or simply savoring the local cuisine, Kettering offers a warm and welcoming environment for travelers.

Warnings & Dangers in Kettering

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The overall risk is low, but there are a few hot spots for crime we need to discuss. You shouldn't have concerns about visiting Kettering.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Check out the Dayton Regional Transit Authority to see if the fixed-route options work for your travel needs. Rideshares, taxis, and rental cars are easy to find here. All options are a low risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Just four purse snatchings have been reported in the past five years, and 2022 had no reports of pickpockets or purse snatchings. The risk is low, as is the theft rate when compared to the national average.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

You get a mixed bag of weather throughout the year, so treat this as a medium risk. Winters can get blizzards, ice storms, and snow storms. Conditions can be blinding or dangerously cold at times. Spring brings the risk of severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, and that risk runs through the summer.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Robberies are down 83% since 2015, with just six reported in 2022. That's a low risk. However, don't let your guard down in any city you visit.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There's no reason Kettering would be a potential target, but in a larger city like Dayton, it's always wise to report suspicious activity. The Homeland Security Department also issues Terrorism Advisory Bulletins throughout the year for an overview of concerns in the country.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Scams here are targeted at residents, but the Better Business Bureau in Dayton should have a list of the most common scams. The police will also post new reports on social media. It helps to know the signs of common scams to keep the risk low.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

This is another low-risk, but you'll still need to use all the same safety steps as you would in a place with a higher risk. Keep in mind the risk levels could change when you leave Kettering.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The Water Quality Reports and other helpful information come from Montgomery County. There's a low risk in the water supply, but it's helpful to know what to do in case of a boil order or water main break. All of that is detailed on the county's website under "Water Quality."

Safest Places to Visit in Kettering

Kettering doesn’t have a tourism website, but you can use the Dayton CVB website to find options in the region.

There is also a section on Kettering.

I don’t want to mislead you – there’s not a lot to do for tourists in this city.

You’ll likely have to head to Dayton for a more robust list of things to do.

To see what’s going on at local parks, check out PlayKettering.org.

A seasonal guide is posted with a list of activities, making this one of the best resources to explore outdoor spaces in Kettering.

Catch a live performance at The Fraze Pavilion.

This outdoor amphitheater hosts concerts, shows, and events, providing an excellent entertainment option.

This is one of the biggest attractions in Kettering.

The Rosewood Arts Center has rotating exhibits, classes, and activities throughout the year.

You can check the schedule to see if anything piques your interest.

There are several drop-in studio options for those who will just be here for a few days.

The center underwent renovations in 2023, and this is now a spot more popular than ever!

Hills & Dales MetroPark is filled with wooded trails to explore and even includes a historic feature known as “Frankenstein’s Castle.”

It’s also where the city golf course is located.

Kettering also has the Adventure Reef Water Park for a great way to cool off on the hot and humid summer days.

Local celebrity Rob Dyrdek created a Skate Plaza here as a model for a franchise that spread nationwide.

It’s 40,000 square feet and a great place for skateboarders to try their skills, but it’s also designed to allow fans to watch the antics.

Just five miles from Kettering is Carillon Historical Park, a historical treasure of information from pioneers to the Wright Brothers to geological history in the region.

You’re also one of the closest Dayton communities to Caesar Creek State Park, with a beach, lake, and trails.

Places to Avoid in Kettering

There aren’t dangerous neighborhoods or parts of town too dangerous to visit in Kettering.

You really don’t need to avoid any section of town.

You also won’t find any hotels in Kettering, as it’s a dense suburban area.

If you look at a map, you’ll see that I-75 and I-675 scoop around the bottom of the region where Kettering is.

Those interstates have plenty of hotels.

I guess that’s one reason you might want to avoid Kettering unless you really need to visit there.

You’ll have to drive at least a short distance to get there, and you won’t find a lot of activity in this suburb.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Kettering

So... How Safe Is Kettering Really?

Kettering is, by and large, a safe suburb of Dayton.

The violent crime rate is 82% lower than the state average.

A minuscule percentage of violent crimes happen against strangers – most are among people who know each other.

Theft rates are 21% lower than the national average, and 12% of thefts are related to car break-ins or accessory thefts.

The local police work with the community members to mark catalytic converters to reduce the risk of those being stolen.

On concerning theft rate is a statewide issue – motor vehicle thefts.

Since 2018, vehicle theft has been up 85% and now stands at more than seven thefts a month.

It’s more important than ever to lock your car, don’t leave the keys inside, and remove all valuables when you park.

Kettering hits this wonderful sweet spot where it’s not full of poverty and crime, but it’s also not so safe and affluent that “average” people would feel out of place.

It’s a friendly community where it’s safe to walk around at night (with proper safety steps, of course).

The only challenge is that there isn’t much to do in Kettering proper, so you’ll likely be heading to Dayton, which has its own list of crime concerns and great reasons to visit.

How Does Kettering Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

To access the country, international travelers are required to obtain a visa or a visa waiver. The U.S. State Department website contains detailed information about visa waiver eligibility. You'll also need a valid passport.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar is accepted as currency. You can use credit cards for most purchases, which is also a great way to have better fraud or theft protection. Currency exchange options include banks (if you're a member) or ATMs. Dayton's airport does not have currency exchange options.

Weather

You can dress casually and comfortably here, but be ready with various layers since temperatures can fluctuate. Winters will be cold and snowy at times. Summers will be hot and humid. You'll want bug spray and sunscreen.

Airports

Dayton International Airport is just 20 minutes north of Kettering. You can get to the larger Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in an hour.

Travel Insurance

For getaways to destinations prone to weather disturbances, travel insurance is always advisable. Don't overlook supplementary health insurance if your coverage is in your home country only. Confirm rental car policies protect you fully in case of any accidents or emergency roadside needs.

Kettering Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Ohio - Safety by City