OhioPop. 189,247Mid-size cities
Is Akron a Good Place to Live? Akron, Ohio: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Akron ranks #1246 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #241 of 256 mid-size cities and #15 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($122,000, #3 of 256) and low rents ($955/mo, #5 of 256), and trails on low graduation rates (71.6%, #200 of 205) and low household income ($48,076, #249 of 256).
Akron by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Akron's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Akron?
Akron's cost of living index is 93.4, 7% below the US level of 100 and #395 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $955/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $141,681, 43% below the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
| Measure | Akron | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 93.4#395 of 1,308 | 92.8 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $141,681#32 of 1,187 | $248,803 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,167/mo#82 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $122,000#38 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $955/mo#160 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 2.5x#41 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 23.8%#872 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Ohio is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Akron housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Akron is in the Akron, OH metro.
Ohio housing market →Is Akron safe?
Akron recorded 871 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.7 times the US rate of 328 and 3.2 times Ohio's 276. That ranks #1023 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #216 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Akron Police Department. Property crime runs 2,852 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Akron | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 871#1023 of 1,085 | 276 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,852#927 of 1,085 | 1,429 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Ohio is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Akron?
The median household in Akron earns $48,076, 42% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 5.6% (US 4.3%). 23.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Akron | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $48,076#1254 of 1,312 | $72,212 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.6%#945 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 23.3%#1200 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Ohio is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Akron?
The median resident of Akron is 36.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 23.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1035 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Akron | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 36.9 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 23.6%#1035 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 50.7% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Akron's schools and health?
Akron's 64 public schools graduate 71.6% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 13 students per teacher and $19,888 spent per pupil. 42.7% of adults are obese and 16.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Akron | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 71.6%#1025 of 1,063 | 86.2% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 13#169 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $19,888#212 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 42.7%#1234 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 16.5%#1246 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 20.6%#1219 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 10.4%#706 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Ohio is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 22,594 students are enrolled in Akron's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Akron?
The average commute in Akron is 22.2 minutes (Ohio 23.8); 2% of workers take transit and 11.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Akron scores 8.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.6°F and winters 31.2°F, with 32.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Akron | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 22.2 min#520 of 1,312 | 23.8 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.2%#431 of 1,312 | 5.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 71.7% | 75.2% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2% | 2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 11.2% | 11.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8.1#1031 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Ohio is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 36.7 | 21 | 1.8 |
| Feb | 39.6 | 22.4 | 1.5 |
| Mar | 49.1 | 29.6 | 2.5 |
| Apr | 62.4 | 39.8 | 2.8 |
| May | 72.9 | 50.5 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 81.2 | 59.7 | 3.7 |
| Jul | 85.1 | 64 | 3.7 |
| Aug | 83.6 | 62.3 | 3 |
| Sep | 76.9 | 54.9 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 64.5 | 44.3 | 2.5 |
| Nov | 51.7 | 34.5 | 2.3 |
| Dec | 41 | 26.8 | 2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Akron Fulton International Airport.
| Measure | Akron | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 52.3°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 72.6°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 31.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 32.5 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Akron Fulton International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Akron?
Summit County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 64% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Summit County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, ice storm, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
| Measure | Akron | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.08%#57 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Summit County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Summit County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.011% | 86% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0012% | 63% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0019% | 49% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0039% | 33% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.051% | 12% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Akron compare with similar-size cities?
Akron is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #241 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 189,247.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akron, OHPop. 189,247 | #1246 | 42.6 | $48,076 | $955/mo | 871 | 22.2 min |
| Providence, RIPop. 191,767 | #617 | 56.4 | $68,119 | $1,408/mo | 287 | 25 min |
| Glendale, CAPop. 190,748 | #900 | 51.7 | $88,393 | $2,182/mo | 234 | 27.1 min |
| Brownsville, TXPop. 189,177 | #1243 | 42.7 | $52,130 | $923/mo | 405 | 21.4 min |
| Tempe, AZPop. 188,065 | #538 | 57.4 | $79,663 | $1,743/mo | 418 | 20.9 min |
| Paradise, NVPop. 185,913 | #1205 | 44.7 | $59,190 | $1,372/mo | no data | 23.2 min |
| Chattanooga, TNPop. 185,783 | #949 | 50.9 | $64,523 | $1,256/mo | 680 | 18.5 min |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLPop. 185,604 | #931 | 51.2 | $83,130 | $1,854/mo | 673 | 26.1 min |
| Newport News, VAPop. 184,216 | #880 | 52.0 | $69,634 | $1,339/mo | 794 | 23.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Akron compare with the rest of Ohio?
Akron ranks #15 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 42.6 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 33% below the Ohio median. Violent crime is 3.2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 43% below the typical Ohio home.
| City | Rank in OH | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin, OHPop. 49,294 | #1 | 71.5 | $160,296 | $1,686/mo | 109 |
| Lakewood, OHPop. 50,007 | #2 | 64.9 | $68,954 | $1,070/mo | 81 |
| Kettering, OHPop. 57,206 | #3 | 61.8 | $74,681 | $1,051/mo | 86 |
| Parma, OHPop. 79,870 | #4 | 60.8 | $69,295 | $1,087/mo | 150 |
| Cuyahoga Falls, OHPop. 50,909 | #5 | 57.0 | $72,705 | $1,038/mo | 228 |
| Columbus, OHPop. 914,802 | #6 | 54.5 | $66,082 | $1,295/mo | 380 |
| Euclid, OHPop. 48,823 | #7 | 52.9 | $50,285 | $1,025/mo | 106 |
| Elyria, OHPop. 53,035 | #8 | 51.9 | $54,945 | $906/mo | 186 |
| Newark, OHPop. 50,783 | #9 | 51.2 | $61,670 | $973/mo | 297 |
| Middletown, OHPop. 51,617 | #10 | 48.4 | $57,102 | $1,007/mo | 165 |
| Hamilton, OHPop. 63,468 | #11 | 47.9 | $55,166 | $1,007/mo | 295 |
| Cincinnati, OHPop. 311,224 | #12 | 45.2 | $52,909 | $1,001/mo | 785 |
| Lorain, OHPop. 65,395 | #13 | 44.5 | $48,685 | $887/mo | 565 |
| Toledo, OHPop. 267,463 | #14 | 42.9 | $49,724 | $901/mo | 872 |
| Akron, OHPop. 189,247 | #15 | 42.6 | $48,076 | $955/mo | 871 |
| Cleveland, OHPop. 366,097 | #16 | 40.5 | $40,801 | $945/mo | 1,365 |
| Youngstown, OHPop. 59,331 | #17 | 39.7 | $34,408 | $728/mo | 690 |
| Dayton, OHPop. 136,579 | #18 | 38.5 | $45,247 | $918/mo | 1,230 |
| Canton, OHPop. 69,755 | #19 | 37.7 | $43,188 | $850/mo | 1,091 |
| Springfield, OHPop. 58,190 | #20 | 36.2 | $47,143 | $851/mo | 1,248 |
All 20 Ohio cities we track, by overall score. Ohio statewide: median income $72,212, violent crime 275.6 per 100,000.
How is Akron's score calculated?
Akron scores 42.6 out of 100, #1246 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Ohio's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Akron. Similar-size median 52.9.
31.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Akron's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
31.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Akron. Similar-size median 53.8.
25.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Akron's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
56.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Akron's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
84.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Akron. Similar-size median 51.2.
18.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Akron. Similar-size median 42.1.
37.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Akron. Similar-size median 50.1.
50.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Akron's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
37.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
74.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Akron's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Akron has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Akron
Is Akron, OH a good place to live?
Akron ranks #1246 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #241 of 256 mid-size cities and #15 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($122,000, #3 of 256) and low rents ($955/mo, #5 of 256), and trails on low graduation rates (71.6%, #200 of 205) and low household income ($48,076, #249 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Akron?
Akron's cost of living index is 93.4, 7% below the US level of 100 and #395 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $955/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $141,681, 43% below the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
What is the crime rate in Akron?
Akron recorded 871 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.7 times the US rate of 328 and 3.2 times Ohio's 276. That ranks #1023 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #216 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Akron Police Department. Property crime runs 2,852 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Akron?
The median household in Akron earns $48,076, 42% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 5.6% (US 4.3%). 23.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Akron?
Median rent in Akron is $955/mo (Census), #160 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,167/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Akron?
The typical home value in Akron is $141,681, up 2.7% in a year, against $248,803 for Ohio and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $122,000.
How are the public schools in Akron?
Akron's 64 public schools graduate 71.6% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 13 students per teacher and $19,888 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Akron?
The average commute is 22.2 minutes, #520 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.8 minutes across Ohio. 4.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Akron?
Akron averages 52.3°F over the year, 72.6°F in summer and 31.2°F in winter, with 32.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Akron walkable?
Akron scores 8.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Akron at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Summit County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, ice storm, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Akron?
Summit County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 64% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Akron?
Akron has 189,247 residents. The median resident of Akron is 36.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 23.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1035 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Akron compare with the rest of Ohio?
Akron ranks #15 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 42.6 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 33% below the Ohio median. Violent crime is 3.2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 43% below the typical Ohio home.
What cities are similar in size to Akron?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Akron's population of 189,247 are Providence, RI (#617 overall), Glendale, CA (#900 overall), Brownsville, TX (#1243 overall), Tempe, AZ (#538 overall), and Paradise, NV (#1205 overall). Akron is #1246.