Is Franklinton safe?
Columbus, Ohio · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Franklinton as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Franklinton
“Go with care. East Franklinton offers a booming arts, dining, and brewery scene that is generally lively and safe during standard business hours, but West Franklinton continues to experience high rates of property and violent crime. Stick to busy, well-lit commercial corridors along Broad Street and around the art studios, and avoid poorly lit side streets after dark.”
Targeted police enforcement and ongoing city initiatives continue to address recurring property crime, vehicle break-ins, and open-air drug activity along west Broad and Sullivant corridors.
About the area
Franklinton is one of Columbus's oldest neighborhoods, historically known as 'The Bottoms,' and is currently undergoing significant post-industrial redevelopment. The eastern section adjacent to Downtown has transformed into an active arts and brewery hub, while the western portion remains a lower-income residential area with lingering economic challenges.
- Arts District
- Brewery Hub
- Industrial Revival
- Transitional
Walking and biking in Franklinton
Walk score: 74/100 · Bike score: 76/100
CoGo Bike Share stations are well-distributed throughout East Franklinton, offering seamless access to the Scioto Trail and the Scioto Mile riverfront greenway.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- High daytime foot traffic and active commercial vibrancy in the East Franklinton Arts District
- Rapid commercial investment bringing well-lit modern housing and mixed-use developments
- Direct, well-maintained pedestrian and bike connectivity to Downtown Columbus across the Scioto River
Cons
- Elevated violent and property crime rates compared to Columbus city and national averages
- High poverty rate exceeding 30% and elevated housing vacancy across sections of West Franklinton
- Frequent vehicle break-ins and opportunistic theft in public parking lots and side streets
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and individuals experiencing housing instability are common, particularly along West Broad Street, Sullivant Avenue, and near highway underpasses and social service providers.
What Franklinton is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Quiet with active commuter traffic and construction crews; safe for jogging and walking along major streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Lively with visitors, remote workers, and gallery patrons; generally safe in commercial zones.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Vibrant around brewery patios and restaurants, though situational awareness is required when walking between venues.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet on residential streets with a heightened risk of opportunistic crime and street encounters; best to use rideshares.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), with the high-frequency COTA Route 10 running continuously along West Broad Street and connecting directly to Downtown Columbus.
Street parking is available on side streets and metered corridors along Broad Street, alongside dedicated pay surface lots and garages near modern developments like Gravity charging around $5 to $10.
Things to do in Franklinton
- Explore artist studios and galleries during Franklinton Fridays at 400 West Rich
- Enjoy outdoor games, live events, and craft beer at Land-Grant Brewing Company
- Tour contemporary exhibits and take in skyline views at the nearby National Veterans Memorial and Museum
Local favorites
- Land-Grant Brewing Company · Brewery · 4.7★ (1650)A popular, spacious craft brewery with a large outdoor beer garden, food trucks, and regular community events.
- Strongwater Food and Spirits · New American Restaurant · 4.5★ (780)An industrial-chic dining and event venue housed in a converted 100-year-old warehouse serving craft cocktails.
- BrewDog Franklinton · Brewpub · 4.5★ (1820)A multi-level craft beer bar and restaurant featuring a sprawling rooftop patio with views toward Downtown.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.
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