Is Yellow Springs Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Just east of Dayton, the Bohemian vibe of Yellow Springs, Ohio, draws tourists in for its unique atmosphere and amazing outdoor features.

The name comes from the iron-rich water supply that was believed to be healing by Indigenous people and became a tourism destination later when a health spa was built around it.

That same vibe envelops this village today.

Yellow Springs’ walkable downtown is the epicenter of this artistic energy.

As you wander the streets, the town’s eclectic mix of shops, art galleries, and farm-to-table restaurants offers a one-of-a-kind experience.

This is also a college town, with historic Antioch College –founded in 1852 – ranking as one of the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the country.

While visiting, you can drink local brews among a crowd or visit various farms, from dairy to producer to flowers.

Fall is an extra special time here, with Halloween hay rides and pumpkin patches among the stunning fall foliage.

Beyond the town, Yellow Springs boasts nearby waterfalls, deep gorges, and hiking trails at places like John Bryan State Park and Glen Helen Nature Preserve.

These natural wonders offer a peaceful retreat into lush woodlands, dramatic cliffs, and meandering rivers, making it a four-season outdoor paradise.

I would also strongly recommend ditching the typical hotel and looking at the creative options in Yellow Springs.

You can stay in a renovated jail, a large barn, a tiny house, or a historic mansion.

I was particularly fond of the cabin rentals.

In Yellow Springs, the line between visitor and local blurs, and it’s not just about what you can do but who you become while you’re here.

Warnings & Dangers in Yellow Springs

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low overall risk in Yellow Springs and a surprising number of things to do in a small space while still having more remote activities in nature.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Greene County CATS system is the public transportation here, but it's more to get you between small communities than around town. This is a very walkable city, and you'll likely have to wait for a taxi or rideshare. Your own rental vehicle opens the door to so many possibilities during your trip.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Over the past five years, no pickpockets or purse snatching have been reported. The risk is low, but always use extra caution when you're visiting during a busy festival or weekend night.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

All risks here come with plenty of advance notice, but it's still a medium risk due to the number of outdoor attractions. Spring can bring severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, large hail, and high winds. Flash flooding is also possible with intense lightning. Winters can bring snow storms, blizzards, ice storms, power outages, and dangerously cold temperatures.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The robbery risk here is low, and muggings are not common at all. While you still want to use precautions as you would in any new town, it's just not a big problem here.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is another low risk as it's a small town surrounded by a rural area. You can always report anything suspicious to keep the risk low.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

I can't really find any reports of even common scams here, so that's a low risk. You can always visit the Federal Trade Commission website to see common scams across America and check local social media sites to see if a new scam has popped up.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women will adore Yellow Springs, and there's something for all ages and interests. Your personal safety should always come first, but you should feel free to explore the community in the downtown and in local parks. Just always use caution about how much you share with others. Never trust someone to watch your purse, bag, or backpack.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The tap water is safe to drink, and residents are even encouraged to test their own water if they have concerns. You can read the water testing process on the village website.

Safest Places to Visit in Yellow Springs

YellowSpringsOhio.org is the official tourism site for the village.

You can also sign up for the newsletter to stay aware of upcoming events.

Half of the fun in Yellow Springs is enjoying the community events.

Yellow Springs boasts a charming downtown area where you can lose yourself in a delightful mix of quirky shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

The streets are lined with colorful buildings across three blocks with more than 60 businesses.

You’ll also get live street performers.

Head outdoors to Young’s Dairy, a beloved institution that is more than just an ice cream parlor.

This family-owned farm offers delicious homemade ice cream, a petting zoo, a mini-golf course, and a restaurant serving farm-fresh meals.

It’s a perfect place to savor local flavors and enjoy family-friendly fun.

You can pick your own flowers at the Village Flower Farm.

The schedule can be found on the business’s social media sites.

This is ideal for spring or summer visitors.

Nature enthusiasts will also love the Glen Helen Nature Preserve, a tranquil haven for hiking and exploration.

Follow the winding trails through lush forests, and don’t forget to visit the picturesque Yellow Spring, a natural spring that gave the town its name.

John Bryan State Park is a natural wonder and one of the top draws to this community.

With over 700 acres of lush woodlands, dramatic cliffs, and the Little Miami River, it’s a hiker’s paradise.

Explore captivating trails, like the Clifton Gorge, and enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, and camping.

If you’re in the mood for some hands-on creativity, check out the John Bryan Community Pottery Studio.

Here, you can unleash your artistic side by crafting your own pottery or simply watch local artisans at work.

For a unique cinematic experience, head to the Little Art Theatre.

This historic venue showcases indie films and often hosts community events, making it a cultural gem in Yellow Springs.

History buffs will appreciate a visit to the Antioch College campus, which is steeped in a rich history and features striking architecture.

Take a walk through this beautiful campus and soak in the historical ambiance.

You can also expand your trip to Clifton, just three miles east, where there’s a historic mill still operating by the power of the river.

Also, look for events at the Clifton Opera House.

Places to Avoid in Yellow Springs

Yellow Springs is designed to attract tourists, and with the low crime rate, you won’t find bad parts of town or dangerous neighborhoods.

At the same time, the weekends can be very crowded.

If you want to avoid crowds, come during the week.

There’s still a lot to do, and the same great businesses are open.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Yellow Springs

So... How Safe Is Yellow Springs Really?

Going all the way to 2000, Yellow Springs has only had three years when there were more than 10 violent crimes.

Only one of those years is since 2007.

Since 2020, no more than two have happened in a year.

Over the past five years, just 17% of violent crime victims were strangers to their attackers.

In 2022, all victims were related to the attacker.

Theft is 17% lower than the national average.

In a town this small, the “per 100,000 people” rate can be easily skewed, but with a raw number of 43 thefts, this is still a safer-than-average town when it comes to theft.

The majority of thefts fall into the “other” category, which rules out car break-ins, bicycle thefts, pickpockets, and shoplifting.

Even when a domestic double homicide happened in 2022, neighbors still said they felt safe in the community.

Here are two of their quotes.

“I wouldn’t say that anyone would have to worry about living in Yellow Springs, or being in Yellow Springs or even around the area.”

“It’s kind of few and far between here, but at the same time this kind of thing can happen anywhere.”

So there you have it from a statistical and personal account – Yellow Springs is a safe place to visit.

But you never want to let your guard down in any new city.

How Does Yellow Springs Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Entry into the country for international visitors necessitates a visa or visa waiver. You can check your eligibility for a visa waiver on the U.S. State Department website. You should also have a valid passport that isn't within six months of expiring.

Currency

The U.S. Dollar is the only currency you can use here, and small towns like Yellow Springs won't have exchange services. In fact, your home bank will offer the best rates for that.

Weather

You can pack casual, comfortable clothing for the season. Spring and fall can have temperatures all over the place. Bring layers and comfortable shoes. You'll want bug spray, too, when it's warm outside. Summers will be humid, which means you want fabrics that can handle a lot of sweat. Winters generally require a thick coat and full accessories to cover exposed skin.

Airports

Dayton International Airport is an easy 25-mile drive west. John Glenn Columbus International Airport is 60 miles east, but that's all interstate driving, so you can make it in under 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 only valid in your home country, too. Confirm rental car policies protect you fully from accidents with uninsured drivers, collisions, or roadside assistance.

Yellow Springs Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Ohio - Safety by City