Does Ohio have high gun crime? Ohio’s firearm death rate is slightly above the national average, though not among the very highest in the country.
The reality is complex. While statewide numbers place Ohio closer to the middle of the pack, its major cities, like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, face concentrated and persistent gun violence challenges.
If you need legal assistance related to a firearm matter, a Columbus gun crime lawyer can provide crucial guidance. Localized events and headlines often shape the perception of gun crime, but a closer look at the statistics reveals a nuanced reality of gun violence in Ohio.
What You Should Do if You are Facing a Gun Crime Charge in Ohio
Ohio imposes serious penalties for firearm-related offenses, including lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines, and loss of civil rights. Individuals charged with gun crimes face life-changing consequences.
That is why working with an experienced gun crime attorney in Columbus is critical. Our skilled attorneys at Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt can:
- Examine whether police followed constitutional search and seizure rules
- Challenge ballistic evidence or eyewitness credibility
- Seek reduced charges or alternative sentencing when possible
- Defend your rights in court
- Restore your gun rights in Ohio
Recognized as Ohio’s premier criminal defense firm for over 30 years, we handle cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.
Our founding attorney, Brad Koffel, has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America since 2007, and various entities consistently recognize the firm for excellence in criminal defense. We offer personalized accessibility and reasonable payment options.
For a free legal consultation, call (614) 884-1100
Is Gun Violence in Ohio More Prevalent Than in Other States?
When looking at national comparisons, Ohio does not rank at the top for firearm deaths but consistently lands somewhere slightly above the U.S. average.
According to Johns Hopkins, the latest state gun violence data for Ohio recorded 1,768 firearm deaths in 2023, including 690 homicides and 1,039 suicides. This reflects a 68% increase from 2014 to 2023, mirroring national trends of rising gun deaths.
The answer to whether Ohio is a high gun crime state compared to its peers is mixed. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), states in the south and west often report significantly higher firearm mortality rates.
Ohio, by contrast, sits closer to the national median but leans toward the higher side, with a gun death rate of 15 in 2023, compared to the national average of 13.9.
The Demographic Disparities of Gun Crime in Ohio
In Ohio, certain demographic groups are at a significantly higher risk of being victims of gun violence. For example, according to data from Johns Hopkins, black people are 16 times more likely to die by gun homicide than white people. This disparity is even more pronounced among specific age groups.
Black males between 15 and 34 make up just 2% of Ohio’s population, but account for 39% of all gun homicide deaths and are 35 times more likely to die by gun homicide than their white counterparts.
These statistics underscore that while Ohio’s overall rates may appear moderate, gun crime is most acutely felt in specific communities of color.
This disproportionate impact is a critical factor in understanding gun crime in Ohio. The concentration of gun violence in urban areas and communities of color often correlates with high poverty rates and a lack of resources.
These systemic issues create a cycle of violence that is rooted in social and economic disparities. The legal and criminal aspects of gun crime are intertwined with complex social realities.
Where Ohio’s Gun Crime is Concentrated
Gun crime in Ohio is not spread evenly but concentrated in its major urban areas. According to The Trace’s map of gun violence in Ohio, using data collected by the Gun Violence Archive, Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati consistently account for a disproportionate share of gun-related incidents.
This geographic divide explains why overall Ohio gun crime numbers may appear average while certain neighborhoods experience severe and ongoing violence.
This geographic concentration is often linked to a combination of socioeconomic factors, including poverty, lack of educational and employment opportunities, and systemic issues that have historically affected these communities.
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Gun Crime Rates in Ohio Have Increased in Recent Years
The answer to whether Ohio has high gun crime is complicated and requires context. Data from Johns Hopkins demonstrates that Ohio’s overall firearm mortality rate rose sharply between 2014 and 2023.
Much of that increase occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Ohio and the U.S. experienced spikes in homicides and shootings.
However, recent research from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office indicates that the 2022 change in the concealed carry law did not drive violent crime in Ohio cities. In fact, gun-related offenses declined in six of the state’s eight largest cities in the first year after the law’s passage. Cities like Dayton and Cincinnati saw slight increases, underscoring that trends are localized and influenced by factors beyond legislation.
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How Ohio’s Gun Laws Affect Gun Crime
Relatively permissive gun rights in Ohio, including constitutional carry and stand your ground (Section 2901.09), often fuel debates about whether they increase or decrease violent crime. Data suggests the connection is not straightforward.
The Ohio AG’s study found no direct evidence that the permitless carry law caused a statewide surge. Instead, urban gun crime levels appear shaped more by community conditions and repeat violent actors than by broad policy shifts. This indicates that Ohio’s gun crime issue reflects a more complex interaction of law enforcement and community-level challenges, rather than simply its legal framework.
The Most Common Types of Gun Crimes in Ohio
Ohio gun crime is not limited to homicides. According to the Ohio Legislative Service Commission’s report on Ohio’s violent and property crime rates, other common gun-related offenses include:
- Aggravated assaults: 58.3% of violent crime in 2022
- Robberies: 21.5% of violent crime in 2022
Ohio’s violent crime rate in 2022 was higher than that of three of its four surrounding states. However, according to Johns Hopkins’ report on Annual Gun Violence Data 2023, the state’s overall gun death rates were lower than those of three of its surrounding states. These figures demonstrate that Ohio’s gun crime rates are multifaceted and complex.
Contact a Columbus Gun Crime Attorney Today
Yes, Ohio’s gun crime rates are slightly above the national average, but not at the very top nationally. The data shows a complex picture.
Trends in recent years reveal both increases, especially during the pandemic, and localized declines following policy changes, underscoring the need for careful, data-driven analysis.
The bottom line is that Ohio’s gun crime problem is serious, but nuanced. For those charged with firearm-related offenses, securing representation from an experienced gun crime lawyer is one of the most crucial steps you can take.
If you or a loved one is facing a firearm-related charge in Ohio, contact Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt today to discuss your case and begin building a strong defense.
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