This paper analyzes characteristics of strong ground motion recorded during the August 24, 2016, Italy M_W6.2 earthquake. Regression analysis is used to obtain the amplitude attenuation of ground motion occurring during this earthquake. A comparison is then conducted with other models and attenuation characteristics are found to be in basic agreement with those of other prediction equations; however, the far-field actual observed values are lower than those of predicted values. The response spectra during different periods and with differing site conditions are subsequently calculated using a damping ratio of 5%. Results show that large amplitude response spectra at four near-source stations are higher than the design response spectrum of the Europe seismic design code of 2008, and that peak values of response spectra are focused on a range between 0 and 0.5 s. The earthquake caused relatively serious damage to Rieti, Italy, particularly to short-period structures; this is mainly because:(1) the earthquake was a shallow destructive event and local buildings were built with un-reinforced bricks and cement; and (2) the seismic fortification level was not high enough. In relation to these earthquake damage characteristics, it is evident that the central Italian region needs to improve seismic fortification during practical construction to ensure the security level of structures.