Is Tiffin Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Tiffin, Ohio, is a vibrant Midwestern city that captivates visitors with its rich history and welcoming atmosphere.

Located in Seneca County, this community is a blend of old-world charm and modern vitality.

It is less than an hour to the shores of Lake Erie.

Tiffin’s history is palpable as you stroll through its downtown streets, with well-preserved historic buildings showcasing intricate architecture.

The city’s industrial heritage is still celebrated, and it’s evident in places like the Tiffin Glass Museum, a testament to the once-thriving glass industry that defined the region.

The city’s commitment to education is another notable aspect, with Heidelberg University and Tiffin University calling Tiffin home.

These institutions infuse the area with a youthful energy and cultural diversity, making it a melting pot of ideas and innovation.

You also get plenty of riverfront views along the Sandusky River that cuts through the heart of the city. 

On the surface, Tiffin looks like a lot like many standard Midwestern towns.

We’re going to explore the unique things to do here and assure you that Tiffin is a safe place to visit.

Warnings & Dangers in Tiffin

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk here, with crime rates well below average and plenty of community-oriented things to do. It's not the most exciting city, but it's a great place for a family vacation.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Seneca-Crawford Area Transportation (SCAT) is the public bus system here. I recommend that you review the routes before relying on this. Taxis and rideshares will be easy to find. Your best investment is in a rental car so you can explore the region. There are several scenic routes near Tiffin.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

The risk is low, with just three pickpockets or purse snatchings over the past five years. You should still use standard cautions, but this isn't a crime problem in Tiffin.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

The Midwest is known for its volatile weather that can change quickly. Spring brings thunderstorms and tornadoes, with damaging winds, heavy rain, and intense lightning. Winters can be a mix of dangerously cold weather, snow storms, blizzards and ice storms. As long as you stay weather-aware, you won't be caught off guard. However, it's still a medium risk.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The city hasn't had more than four robberies in a year since 2015, giving it another low risk. It's still not low enough to let your guard down.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is another low-risk with a small town in a more remote area of Ohio. Cities like Cleveland and Cincinnati would have a higher risk.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Given that this town of 18,000 people is highly residential and not a big tourist destination, most of the scams are typical residential scams. You can always check the police department, sheriff's office, Better Business Bureau, and Attorney General's office for current scams before you go. The risk is low.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Nothing in the crime statistics or recent news reports suggests Tiffin has a higher risk for women. The risk stays low, and it's still important to use common sense and standard safety practices, even with a low crime rate.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Tiffin's tap water has a low risk as there are no active violations. In fact, the National Center for Water Quality Research is located in Tiffin at Heidelberg University, offering a great opportunity for water testing more often.

Safest Places to Visit in Tiffin

The name of the tourism website is Destination Seneca County, but there is a section dedicated to Tiffin.

You can download the Seneca County Community Guide on the website without having to give personal contact information.

That’s always a plus when I’m traveling!

Seneca County is just 30 miles wide and 20 miles long, so even if an attraction is outside of Tiffin but in the county, it’s still worth considering if it piques your interest.

Discover the city’s glassmaking heritage at the Tiffin Glass Museum, where you can admire an extensive collection of glass art and learn about Tiffin’s history in the glass industry.

Some pieces are for sale and look for scheduled events to heighten the experience.

Take a leisurely stroll through the historic downtown area, where you can admire the well-preserved architecture and explore unique shops, boutiques, and art galleries.

It’s worth the ticket price to see a show at The Ritz Theatre, which had its heyday in the 1920s and 1930s but is not renovated for a new generation of guests.

The Seneca County Museum provides insights into the county’s history through exhibits and artifacts and is housed in an 1853 home that first belonged to Tiffin’s first millionaire.

Explore the picturesque campus of Heidelberg University, known for its beautiful architecture and serene environment.

You can take a self-guided tour and appreciate the academic atmosphere.

The American Civil War Museum of Ohio in Tiffin has many exhibits and artifacts from Ohio’s role in the Civil War.

You can watch a short documentary about the war before walking through the galleries.

Tours are self-guided.

Tiffin has plenty of outdoor parks, but I’d recommend looking for places that are state parks or natural preserves, as those offer more space and better activities than a traditional community park.

Some great options are:

• Howard Collier State Nature Preserve
• Clinton Nature Preserve
• Mercy Community Nature Preserve
• Steyer Nature Preserve
• Tiffin University Nature Preserve
• Zimmerman Nature Preserve

Tiffin also has many statues, historical markers, and murals that are detailed on the tourism website.

They would make a nice addition on the way to different attractions.

Places to Avoid in Tiffin

Visitors don’t need to worry about booking a hotel room in a bad part of town or walking through dangerous neighborhoods.

Those places don’t exist in Tiffin.

You want to avoid having high demands for a hotel in Tiffin, as there aren’t that many options.

If you need to look elsewhere, there are more hotels 35 minutes west in Findlay.

Winter guests should know that in the event of a major storm, you’ll be stuck in Tiffin until the roads can get clear.

There aren’t a lot of nearby towns where you could explore.

Be sure to stock up on supplies like water, batteries, and non-refrigerated snacks in case that happens.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Tiffin

So... How Safe Is Tiffin Really?

Tiffin is a safe city, according to 2022 crime data.

The violent crime rate is 30% lower than the state average and 48% lower than the national average.

Every violent crime over the past five years has involved people who know each other.

There were no random acts of violence against strangers.

In addition, 65% of violent crimes happened in private homes.

The only red flag on that topic is that before 2022, Tiffin hadn’t seen a year with even 20 violent crimes since 2014.

In 2018, there were just two reports of violent crime.

However, 2022 brought 37 violent crimes, which is a 32% increase from the next highest year.

It would take several years of that kind of incremental increase to raise the risk rating here, but it definitely is something to keep an eye on.

Theft rates are slightly higher than the national average, but a large chunk of those are put into a category called “Other Theft.”

I can tell you that 15% of thefts in 2022 involved car break-ins or car accessory thefts.

Ohio has been dealing with a rash of stolen cars for a few years now, but that trend hasn’t hit Tiffin.

Tiffin is a place where common sense goes a long way.

People here are more likely to help you than pose a threat, but you should always use general caution when meeting new people.

How Does Tiffin Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

A visa or visa waiver is necessary for international visitors to enter the country. The U.S. State Department website is your go-to resource for determining your eligibility for a visa waiver. You can also use the Visa Wizard module on their site for assistance. If you are attending a university in Tiffin, you will need a student visa.

Currency

You can only use the U.S. Dollar here and don't wait until you're in the small town of Tiffin to get cash. You should be able to get the lowest fees at your home bank. If you are flying into an international airport, those usually have currency exchange options as well. Some ATMs offer currency conversion with a debit card.

Weather

You'll get a mix of all four seasons throughout the year, but fall and spring can sometimes switch seasons in a day. Because of that, bring some different layers of clothing to adapt. Winters will be cold with accessories and an insulated coat needed. There isn't always snow on the ground, so check the forecast before you pack snow boots. Summers are hot and humid, and you'll want clothes that can handle a lot of sweat. Bug spray and sunscreen are also needed.

Airports

You can get to Cleveland's airport in less than two hours and Columbus's airport in 90 minutes. Cleveland is the larger option and the one I'd recommend. You can also fly out of Toledo, which is an hour northwest.

Travel Insurance

For vacations to places prone to weather-related travel issues, travel insurance is always a smart choice. Don't forget about medical coverage as well if your health plan isn't valid in the US. It's also wise to verify rental car insurance will protect you fully in case of any accidents.

Tiffin Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Ohio - Safety by City