Best Cities for Retirees in Ohio
Ohio ranks #29 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 59.9. Dublin is its best city for retirees at 75.2.
- Ohio, all states
- #29 of 50
- Population
- 49,294
Ohio for Retirees: The Full Picture
Ohio sits at #29 out of 50 for retirees — solidly in the middle tier. The state offers healthcare that, while accessible, isn't among the nation's strongest alongside below-average living costs (cost-of-living index: 92.8). It's a state where retirement can work well with proper planning, though it lacks the standout advantages of top-tier retirement destinations.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Ohio's health score of 45/100 is a concern — at 75.6 years, life expectancy trails the national average, and access to quality care can be uneven. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 9.36% of income. The 6% income tax rate is worth factoring into retirement income projections. Property taxes run 1.43% (effective rate), which is above average and can meaningfully affect housing costs for homeowners on fixed incomes.
Housing affordability is a clear draw — a typical home value of $248,803 makes it feasible to downsize and free up equity. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 73/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # City | Grade | Retirees score | Overall | Health | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Dublin | A+ | 75.2 | 71.5 | 76 | 100 | 56 | 49,294 |
| 2Lakewood | A | 67.7 | 64.9 | 67 | 51 | 77 | 50,007 |
| 3Parma | B+ | 66.5 | 60.8 | 57 | 52 | 81 | 79,870 |
| 4Kettering | B+ | 66.4 | 61.8 | 54 | 57 | 81 | 57,206 |
| 5Cuyahoga Falls | B | 62.5 | 57.0 | 51 | 53 | 81 | 50,909 |
| 6Euclid | C+ | 57.8 | 52.9 | 32 | 32 | 84 | 48,823 |
| 7Elyria | C | 55.6 | 51.9 | 33 | 33 | 84 | 53,035 |
| 8Newark | C | 55.1 | 51.2 | 38 | 36 | 81 | 50,783 |
| 9Columbus | C+ | 54.5 | 54.5 | 47 | 36 | 74 | 914,802 |
| 10Middletown | D | 53.5 | 48.4 | 28 | 34 | 81 | 51,617 |
| 11Hamilton | D | 49.3 | 47.9 | 28 | 28 | 81 | 63,468 |
| 12Cincinnati | D | 47.2 | 45.2 | 38 | 16 | 79 | 311,224 |
| 13Lorain | D | 47.1 | 44.5 | 22 | 15 | 85 | 65,395 |
| 14Toledo | D | 46.7 | 42.9 | 32 | 17 | 87 | 267,463 |
| 15Akron | D | 45.7 | 42.6 | 26 | 18 | 85 | 189,247 |
| 16Cleveland | F | 42.9 | 40.5 | 26 | 3 | 86 | 366,097 |
| 17Dayton | F | 42.6 | 38.5 | 21 | 10 | 87 | 136,579 |
| 18Springfield | F | 42.2 | 36.2 | 20 | 18 | 88 | 58,190 |
| 19Canton | F | 41.2 | 37.7 | 17 | 8 | 90 | 69,755 |
| 20Youngstown | F | 41.1 | 39.7 | 11 | 0 | 93 | 59,331 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Ohio for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ohio a good state for retirees?
Ohio ranks #29 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 59.9/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (78/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (10/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Ohio?
Dublin ranks #1 in Ohio for retirees with a score of 75.2/100, followed by Lakewood and Parma.
What factors are most important for retirees in Ohio?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.