Downtown, Akron
Is Downtown a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Akron, Ohio - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe624
Medium617
Low1078
Other4389
331 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape86
Child involved86
Assault53
Other131
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers responded to a hospital emergency room parking lot after security reported a man flailing his arms outside. The man had not gone inside the emergency room, and officers made contact with him near the entrance doors. | Akron General Ave, Akron, OH 44307 | Disturbance |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services dispatched to Byers Avenue near Ack Fowler Senior High Rise, close to Payne Avenue and West Market Street in Cuyahoga Falls. | Byers Ave & Payne Ave, Akron, OH 44302 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers were dispatched for a welfare check at a Circle K on 4th Street after a caller reported the store should be closed but its lights were still on and cars were driving slowly in the area. | 4th St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 | Suspicious Activity |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services dispatched for a sick person near Rocky Brook Drive and Moonless Trail. | Rocky Brook Dr, Akron, OH 44313 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports a possible suspicious person near South Collinwood after a caller saw someone flashing a flashlight through their basement window. | South St, Akron, OH 44314 | Suspicious Activity |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medics were sent to an apartment building on Locust Street for a possible overdose or poisoning. | Locust St, Akron, OH 44307 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a psychiatric medical emergency was reported near East Avenue close to Lakewood Boulevard and National Avenue in Akron. | East Ave, Akron, OH 44314 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services are responding to a sick person near White Avenue between Trestle Avenue and Fifth Avenue. | White Ave, Akron, OH 44307 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services responded to a reported animal bite near Fifth Avenue, close to Ross Street and Maxon Drive in Akron. | 5th Ave, Akron, OH 44306 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews are closing Merriman Road at North Portage Path and Treaty Line due to downed wires and a reported fire, with multiple barricades requested. | Merriman Rd & N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44313 | Fire |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$123,765
Average Rent
$1,346
Vacancy Rate
18.4%
Nearby neighborhoods
Downtown Overview
Downtown is a suburban neighborhood in Akron, Ohio, with mostly small to medium apartments and single-family homes. Many buildings are historic, built before 1940 or between 1970 and 1999.
The neighborhood has a high vacancy rate of 18.4%, indicating many unoccupied properties, and a very high renter occupancy of 92.0%.
SuburbanHistoricHigh Renter Occupancy
Quick Facts
| Renter Occupancy | 92.0% |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Downtown features mostly small to medium apartments and single-family homes, with a very high renter occupancy and elevated vacancy rate.
| Housing Age | Mostly built before 1940 and 1970-1999 |
|---|
What buyers will notice right away
Vacancy rate suggests many unoccupied properties, possibly indicating challenges.
Over 90% renter occupancy reflects a transient or student-heavy population.
Families & Lifestyle
Downtown has a large student population and low income levels, with a notable incarceration rate.
Dynamic student community
Historic neighborhood character
Affordable rental options
Student Hub — Large portion of residents are college students, influencing neighborhood activity.
Low Income — Among the lowest income neighborhoods nationally.
| College Enrollment | 16.7% |
|---|---|
| Incarceration Rate | Higher than 99.2% of U.S. neighborhoods |
Demographics & Culture
| Executive, Management & Professional Occupations | 18.8% |
|---|---|
| Sales & Service Occupations | 32.2% |
| Childhood Poverty Rate | 8.7% |
| Income Rank | Lower than 99.8% of U.S. neighborhoods |
| English Speakers | 95.5% |
| Italian Speakers | 5.6% |
| Top Ancestries | English (9.9%), German (9.2%), Sub-Saharan African (9.2%), Irish (6.4%), Italian (4.2%) |
Commute
Most residents have short commutes, with a majority driving alone or carpooling; bus use is notable.
Short commutes and diverse transportation options support daily life.
Short Commutes — Many residents commute under 30 minutes.
Public Transit Use — Bus commuting is higher than average.
| Commute Time 15-30 min | 42.3% |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 63.4 |
| Carpool Rate | 18.4 |
| Bus Commute Rate | 9 |
Homes for sale near 44308
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the renter occupancy in Downtown?
92.0% of housing is renter occupied, among the highest in the U.S.
Is Downtown a student neighborhood?
Yes, 16.7% of residents are enrolled in college, influencing the neighborhood's character.