Is South Campus / Ohio State University a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Columbus, 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)
205 Registered Offenders Nearby
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, medical emergency reported near Westerville Estates on Finch Road at cross streets Huron Avenue and Harlem Road. Medic 451 dispatched to respond. | N Huron Ave, Columbus, OH 43204 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services responded to a report of abdominal pain near Airport Drive and Cassidy Avenue, at a hotel location. | Airport Dr, Columbus, OH 43219 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, eMS dispatched to a location near Airport Drive and Chase Drive for abdominal pain. Medic 20 assigned to the scene. | Airport Dr, Columbus, OH 43219 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, eMS is dispatched to a reported hemorrhage at a location on Clinton Street near North Fourth Street, with Medic 13 responding. | Clinton St, Columbus, OH 43202 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical responders were dispatched for a reported hemorrhage at a location on Clinton Street near North Fourth Street and a dead end in Columbus, Ohio. | Clinton St, Columbus, OH 43202 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers responded to reports of a man in a black shirt and black shorts running in and out of traffic near East Fifth and Cleveland Avenue, reportedly approaching cars and asking for help before leaving the area. | Cleveland Ave & E 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 | Disturbance |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports a repeat disturbance at a residence near Plum St in Columbus, where a caller says a roommate is still arguing and officers are requested to return. | Plum St, Columbus, OH 43204 | Domestic Dispute |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, there is a medical alarm at a location near North Champion Avenue, apartment number withheld, near Hawthorne Avenue and Haley Hill Drive. Dispatch one and Medic one are assigned. | N Champion Ave, Columbus, OH 43203 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, firefighters are dispatched to a reported fire alarm at a business on South Front Street in Columbus, with an engine and ladder company responding and nearby cross streets mentioned for location. | S Front St, Columbus, OH | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers conducted a coordinated perimeter and search, including use of a K-9 and a drone, for at least one fleeing suspect reported hiding near houses and a camper in the area of Thomas Avenue, Union, and Central. A camper near Thomas Avenue was checked and found clear, and a witness reported seeing one person run through the area into nearby woods. | Thomas Ave, Columbus, OH 43223 | Suspicious Activity |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Nearby neighborhoods
South Campus / Ohio State University Overview
South Campus is a densely urban neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, with a median home price of $379,187, above most Ohio neighborhoods.
The area is dominated by small to medium apartment buildings, with 100% renter occupancy and a high vacancy rate of 19.3%, reflecting its student population.
Quick Facts
| College Enrollment | 99.4% |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
South Campus real estate consists mainly of small apartment buildings and complexes, with full renter occupancy and a high vacancy rate.
| Renter Occupied Rate | 100.0% |
|---|---|
| Small Apartment Buildings (2-4 units) | 57.8% |
| Vacancy Rate | 19.3% |
| Population Density | 34,889 persons/sq mile |
What buyers will notice right away
Families & Lifestyle
South Campus is a vibrant college neighborhood with a high percentage of students and sales/service workers.
| Children in Poverty | 100.0% |
|---|---|
| College Enrollment | 99.4% |
Demographics
| Sales and Service Occupations | 40.1% |
|---|---|
| Executive, Management & Professional Occupations | 34.1% |
| Chinese Language Speakers | 5.1% |
| English Language Speakers | 86.9% |
Commute
Most residents walk to work, reflecting the neighborhood's urban and student-oriented character.
South Campus offers exceptional walkability and short commutes, ideal for students and urban residents.
| Walk to Work Rate | 58.5% |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 10.6% |
| Bus Commute Rate | 5.5% |
| Typical Commute Time | Under 15 minutes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Campus good for college students?
Yes, it is rated among the top 0.7% of college-friendly neighborhoods in Ohio with high safety and walkability.
What is the rental vacancy rate in South Campus?
The vacancy rate is 19.3%, higher than 86.7% of U.S. neighborhoods, often due to seasonal student turnover.