OhioPop. 311,224Big cities
Is Cincinnati a Good Place to Live? Cincinnati, Ohio: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Cincinnati ranks #1194 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #49 of 53 big cities and #12 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,001/mo, #6 of 53) and affordable homes ($230,900, #12 of 53), and trails on high poverty (25.5%, #51 of 53) and low household income ($52,909, #49 of 53).
Cincinnati by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Cincinnati'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 Cincinnati?
Cincinnati's cost of living index is 95.4, 5% below the US level of 100 and #452 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,001/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $249,297, in line with the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
| Measure | Cincinnati | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 95.4#452 of 1,308 | 92.8 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $249,297#248 of 1,187 | $248,803 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,414/mo#267 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $230,900#329 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,001/mo#215 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 4.4x#690 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 22.7%#747 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Cincinnati 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. Cincinnati is in the Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN metro.
Ohio housing market →Is Cincinnati safe?
Cincinnati recorded 785 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.4 times the US rate of 328 and 2.8 times Ohio's 276. That ranks #1002 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #40 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cincinnati Police Department. Property crime runs 3,606 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Cincinnati | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 785#1002 of 1,085 | 276 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 3,606#1019 of 1,085 | 1,429 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Cincinnati?
The median household in Cincinnati earns $52,909, 36% below the US figure of $83,163 and 27% below Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 25.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Cincinnati | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $52,909#1185 of 1,312 | $72,212 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 4.9%#804 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 25.5%#1246 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| 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 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Ohio is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Cincinnati?
The median resident of Cincinnati is 33.2 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 41.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #418 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 39.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Cincinnati | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 33.2 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 41.8%#418 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 39.8% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Cincinnati's schools and health?
Cincinnati's 83 public schools graduate 73.9% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $18,533 spent per pupil. 38.3% of adults are obese and 14.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Cincinnati | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 73.9%#998 of 1,063 | 86.2% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 17.1#746 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $18,533#302 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 38.3%#1026 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 14.1%#1093 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 19.8%#1147 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.6%#604 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Ohio is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 41,264 students are enrolled in Cincinnati's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Cincinnati?
The average commute in Cincinnati is 22.4 minutes (Ohio 23.8); 5.3% of workers take transit and 15% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Cincinnati scores 12.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #374 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.3°F and winters 34.6°F, with 43.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Cincinnati | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 22.4 min#534 of 1,312 | 23.8 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.4%#469 of 1,312 | 5.3% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 64.6% | 75.2% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 5.3% | 1% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 5.4% | 2% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 15% | 11.9% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 12.7#374 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | 40.6 | 23.6 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 45 | 25.7 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 54.6 | 33.4 | 3.9 |
| Apr | 66.6 | 42.5 | 4.4 |
| May | 75.4 | 52.7 | 4.7 |
| Jun | 83.3 | 61.2 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 86.6 | 65.3 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 85.9 | 63.7 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 79.7 | 55.9 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 67.9 | 44.2 | 3.1 |
| Nov | 55.1 | 34.1 | 2.9 |
| Dec | 44.6 | 28 | 3.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cincinnati Muni Airport Lunken Fld.
| Measure | Cincinnati | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 54.8°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 74.3°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 34.6°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 43.4 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cincinnati Muni Airport Lunken Fld.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Cincinnati?
Hamilton County's air had a median air quality index of 54, and 34% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hamilton County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 89% of US counties.
| Measure | Cincinnati | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 54#970 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 13#916 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.1%#173 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Hamilton County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Hamilton County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.017% | 78% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0032% | 53% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0013% | 40% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0014% | 40% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.062% | 24% 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 Cincinnati compare with similar-size cities?
Cincinnati is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #49 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 311,224.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OHPop. 311,224 | #1194 | 45.2 | $52,909 | $1,001/mo | 785 | 22.4 min |
| Lexington, KYPop. 323,725 | #405 | 59.9 | $69,479 | $1,164/mo | 228 | 20.9 min |
| Orlando, FLPop. 319,758 | #789 | 53.4 | $72,336 | $1,747/mo | part year | 26.2 min |
| Corpus Christi, TXPop. 317,419 | #1181 | 45.6 | $67,394 | $1,292/mo | 799 | 21.3 min |
| Irvine, CAPop. 311,690 | #239 | 63.4 | $136,719 | $2,997/mo | 79 | 24.7 min |
| Newark, NJPop. 310,178 | #1109 | 47.7 | $52,060 | $1,392/mo | 517 | 32.6 min |
| St. Paul, MNPop. 307,284 | #508 | 57.9 | $73,394 | $1,281/mo | 491 | 21.1 min |
| Pittsburgh, PAPop. 304,759 | #364 | 60.7 | $65,742 | $1,261/mo | 468 | 22.7 min |
| Greensboro, NCPop. 301,198 | #1019 | 49.7 | $61,515 | $1,172/mo | 702 | 21.7 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 Cincinnati compare with the rest of Ohio?
Cincinnati ranks #12 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 45.2 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 27% below the Ohio median. Violent crime is 2.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are in line with 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 Cincinnati's score calculated?
Cincinnati scores 45.2 out of 100, #1194 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 Cincinnati. Similar-size median 53.8.
37.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Cincinnati's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
31.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Cincinnati. Similar-size median 54.8.
37.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Cincinnati's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
48.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Cincinnati's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
78.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Cincinnati. Similar-size median 47.2.
16.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Cincinnati. Similar-size median 42.4.
36.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Cincinnati. Similar-size median 53.7.
61.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Cincinnati's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
61.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
60.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Cincinnati's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati
Is Cincinnati, OH a good place to live?
Cincinnati ranks #1194 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #49 of 53 big cities and #12 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,001/mo, #6 of 53) and affordable homes ($230,900, #12 of 53), and trails on high poverty (25.5%, #51 of 53) and low household income ($52,909, #49 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Cincinnati?
Cincinnati's cost of living index is 95.4, 5% below the US level of 100 and #452 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,001/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $249,297, in line with the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
What is the crime rate in Cincinnati?
Cincinnati recorded 785 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.4 times the US rate of 328 and 2.8 times Ohio's 276. That ranks #1002 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #40 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cincinnati Police Department. Property crime runs 3,606 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Cincinnati?
The median household in Cincinnati earns $52,909, 36% below the US figure of $83,163 and 27% below Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 25.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Cincinnati?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $1,001/mo (Census), #215 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,414/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Cincinnati?
The typical home value in Cincinnati is $249,297, up 0.5% in a year, against $248,803 for Ohio and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $230,900.
How are the public schools in Cincinnati?
Cincinnati's 83 public schools graduate 73.9% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $18,533 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Cincinnati?
The average commute is 22.4 minutes, #534 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.8 minutes across Ohio. 4.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Cincinnati?
Cincinnati averages 54.8°F over the year, 74.3°F in summer and 34.6°F in winter, with 43.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Cincinnati walkable?
Cincinnati scores 12.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #374 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 Cincinnati at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hamilton County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 89% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Cincinnati?
Hamilton County's air had a median air quality index of 54, and 34% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Cincinnati?
Cincinnati has 311,224 residents. The median resident of Cincinnati is 33.2 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 41.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #418 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 39.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Cincinnati compare with the rest of Ohio?
Cincinnati ranks #12 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 45.2 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 27% below the Ohio median. Violent crime is 2.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are in line with the typical Ohio home.
What cities are similar in size to Cincinnati?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Cincinnati's population of 311,224 are Lexington, KY (#405 overall), Orlando, FL (#789 overall), Corpus Christi, TX (#1181 overall), Irvine, CA (#239 overall), and Newark, NJ (#1109 overall). Cincinnati is #1194.