Ohio
Category Breakdown
Scores by Category
Ohio vs National Average
12-Month Composite Trend
Top Cities in Ohio
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dublin | A+ | 52.9 | 49,328 | $52,434 | 240 | 78 |
| 2 | Cincinnati | A | 50.7 | 309,317 | $70,997 | 294 | 81 |
| 3 | Canton | B+ | 48.4 | 70,447 | $75,263 | 275 | 82 |
| 4 | Akron | B | 48.3 | 190,469 | $57,465 | 271 | 94 |
| 5 | Toledo | B | 48.0 | 270,871 | $62,058 | 245 | 87 |
| 6 | Mason | C+ | 47.3 | 33,964 | $65,904 | 356 | 92 |
| 7 | Westerville | C | 46.2 | 40,396 | $61,377 | 387 | 89 |
| 8 | Columbus | C | 44.4 | 905,748 | $75,601 | 244 | 89 |
| 9 | Cleveland | D | 44.0 | 372,624 | $58,461 | 297 | 102 |
| 10 | Dayton | F | 43.7 | 137,644 | $53,776 | 360 | 89 |
More Midwest States
Ohio Rankings Overview
Ohio earns an overall grade of C+ with a composite score of 45.9 out of 100, ranking #33 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Affordability (74/100) while its biggest challenge is Health (27/100).
Economy & Employment in Ohio
With an unemployment rate of 4.1% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Ohio performs below average on economic indicators. The median household income is $63,715, which ranks below the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Ohio
Ohio's violent crime rate of 303 per 100,000 residents places it in the top half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in Ohio
Ohio ranks #37 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #23 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ohio's overall ranking?
Ohio ranks #33 out of 50 states with a composite score of 45.9/100 and a grade of C+.
Is Ohio a good place to live?
Ohio scores 45.9/100 overall, placing it in the middle tier of US states. It has notable strengths in certain categories while facing challenges in others, making it a reasonable choice depending on individual priorities and preferences.
What is the crime rate in Ohio?
The violent crime rate in Ohio is 303 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Ohio's economy compare?
Ohio's median household income is $63,715 with an unemployment rate of 4.1%. The unemployment rate is above the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is below the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Ohio?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Ohio are Dublin, Cincinnati, and Canton.