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Is Canton a Good Place to Live? Canton, Ohio: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Canton ranks #1295 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #520 of 524 smaller cities and #19 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($850/mo, #3 of 524) and affordable homes ($97,800, #5 of 524), and trails on low household income ($43,188, #519 of 524) and high violent crime (1,091 per 100,000, #437 of 444).
Canton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Canton'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 Canton?
Canton's cost of living index is 89.4, 11% below the US level of 100 and #188 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $850/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $175,781, 29% below the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
| Measure | Canton | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 89.4#188 of 1,308 | 92.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $175,781#74 of 1,187 | $248,803 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,096/mo#52 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $97,800#9 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $850/mo#50 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.3x#17 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.6%#845 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Canton 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. Canton is in the Canton-Massillon, OH metro.
Ohio housing market →Is Canton safe?
Canton recorded 1,091 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.3 times the US rate of 328 and 4 times Ohio's 276. That ranks #1050 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #437 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Canton Police Department. Property crime runs 3,395 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Canton | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 1,091#1050 of 1,085 | 276 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 3,395#999 of 1,085 | 1,429 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Canton?
The median household in Canton earns $43,188, 48% below the US figure of $83,163 and 40% below Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 6% (US 4.3%). 27.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Canton | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $43,188#1292 of 1,312 | $72,212 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 6%#981 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 27.4%#1271 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Ohio is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Canton?
The median resident of Canton is 35.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 16.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1239 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Canton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 35.2 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 16.4%#1239 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 48.7% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Canton's schools and health?
Canton's 29 public schools graduate 77.4% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 17.9 students per teacher and $17,751 spent per pupil. 46.9% of adults are obese and 17.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Canton | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 77.4%#936 of 1,063 | 86.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17.9#828 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,751#355 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 46.9%#1302 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 17.1%#1266 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 21.7%#1280 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11.9%#864 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Ohio is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 11,502 students are enrolled in Canton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Canton?
The average commute in Canton is 19.1 minutes (Ohio 23.8); 2.5% of workers take transit and 8.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Canton scores 9.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #750 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72°F and winters 30.4°F, with 41.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Canton | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 19.1 min#272 of 1,312 | 23.8 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.3%#247 of 1,312 | 5.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 75.1% | 75.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.5% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.6% | 2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 8.8% | 11.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.5#750 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 35.5 | 20.3 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 38.6 | 21.9 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 48.4 | 29.4 | 3.2 |
| Apr | 61.8 | 39.8 | 3.9 |
| May | 72.3 | 50.4 | 4.1 |
| Jun | 80.4 | 59.4 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 84.3 | 63.4 | 4.1 |
| Aug | 82.7 | 61.9 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 75.9 | 54.9 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 63.4 | 44 | 3.3 |
| Nov | 50.7 | 34.2 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 39.9 | 26.1 | 2.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Akron Canton Airport.
| Measure | Canton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 51.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 72°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 30.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 41.6 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Akron Canton Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Canton?
Stark County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 53% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Stark County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 95% of US counties.
| Measure | Canton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 49#814 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.08%#86 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Stark County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Stark County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.0071% | 78% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0053% | 38% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0014% | 34% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.058% | 19% 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 Canton compare with similar-size cities?
Canton is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #520 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 69,755.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canton, OHPop. 69,755 | #1295 | 37.7 | $43,188 | $850/mo | 1,091 | 19.1 min |
| Apex, NCPop. 70,630 | #12 | 74.9 | $144,135 | $1,902/mo | 53 | 25.2 min |
| St. Cloud, MNPop. 70,629 | #925 | 51.3 | $61,374 | $1,003/mo | 361 | 19.8 min |
| Eau Claire, WIPop. 70,322 | #357 | 60.8 | $67,395 | $1,045/mo | 168 | 16.7 min |
| Gaithersburg, MDPop. 69,825 | #103 | 68.2 | $112,467 | $2,058/mo | 216 | 29.4 min |
| Decatur, ILPop. 69,815 | #1257 | 41.9 | $51,592 | $845/mo | 682 | 17.7 min |
| Lakewood, NJPop. 69,585 | #950 | 50.9 | $56,968 | $1,718/mo | no data | 20.8 min |
| Yuba City, CAPop. 69,471 | #1069 | 48.5 | $75,477 | $1,454/mo | 399 | 26.9 min |
| Portland, MEPop. 68,854 | #131 | 67.1 | $79,540 | $1,577/mo | 245 | 19.4 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 Canton compare with the rest of Ohio?
Canton ranks #19 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 37.7 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 40% below the Ohio median. Violent crime is 4 times the statewide rate. Homes are 29% 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 Canton's score calculated?
Canton scores 37.7 out of 100, #1295 of 1,312 (grade F, 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 Canton. Similar-size median 55.5.
27.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Canton's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
18.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Canton. Similar-size median 58.9.
16.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Canton's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
49.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Canton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
89.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Canton. Similar-size median 56.1.
8.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Canton. Similar-size median 42.4.
32.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Canton. Similar-size median 50.0.
49.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Canton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
44.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
68.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Canton's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Canton 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 Canton
Is Canton, OH a good place to live?
Canton ranks #1295 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #520 of 524 smaller cities and #19 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($850/mo, #3 of 524) and affordable homes ($97,800, #5 of 524), and trails on low household income ($43,188, #519 of 524) and high violent crime (1,091 per 100,000, #437 of 444).
What is the cost of living in Canton?
Canton's cost of living index is 89.4, 11% below the US level of 100 and #188 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $850/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $175,781, 29% below the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
What is the crime rate in Canton?
Canton recorded 1,091 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.3 times the US rate of 328 and 4 times Ohio's 276. That ranks #1050 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #437 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Canton Police Department. Property crime runs 3,395 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Canton?
The median household in Canton earns $43,188, 48% below the US figure of $83,163 and 40% below Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 6% (US 4.3%). 27.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Canton?
Median rent in Canton is $850/mo (Census), #50 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,096/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Canton?
The typical home value in Canton is $175,781, up 4.6% in a year, against $248,803 for Ohio and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $97,800.
How are the public schools in Canton?
Canton's 29 public schools graduate 77.4% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 17.9 students per teacher and $17,751 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Canton?
The average commute is 19.1 minutes, #272 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.8 minutes across Ohio. 3.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Canton?
Canton averages 51.7°F over the year, 72°F in summer and 30.4°F in winter, with 41.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Canton walkable?
Canton scores 9.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #750 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 Canton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Stark County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 95% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Canton?
Stark County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 53% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Canton?
Canton has 69,755 residents. The median resident of Canton is 35.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 16.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1239 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Canton compare with the rest of Ohio?
Canton ranks #19 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 37.7 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 40% below the Ohio median. Violent crime is 4 times the statewide rate. Homes are 29% below the typical Ohio home.
What cities are similar in size to Canton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Canton's population of 69,755 are Apex, NC (#12 overall), St. Cloud, MN (#925 overall), Eau Claire, WI (#357 overall), Gaithersburg, MD (#103 overall), and Decatur, IL (#1257 overall). Canton is #1295.