OhioPop. 366,097Big cities
Is Cleveland a Good Place to Live? Cleveland, Ohio: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Cleveland ranks #1271 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #53 of 53 big cities and #16 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($102,000, #1 of 53) and low rents ($945/mo, #2 of 53), and trails on low household income ($40,801, #53 of 53) and high poverty (30.6%, #53 of 53).
Cleveland by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Cleveland'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 Cleveland?
Cleveland's cost of living index is 93.9, 6% below the US level of 100 and #414 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $945/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $120,419, 52% below the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
| Measure | Cleveland | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 93.9#414 of 1,308 | 92.8 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $120,419#13 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 | $1,391/mo#248 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $102,000#12 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $945/mo#145 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 2.5x#41 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 27.8%#1185 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.
Cleveland 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. Cleveland is in the Cleveland-Elyria, OH metro.
Ohio housing market →Is Cleveland safe?
Cleveland recorded 1,365 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4.2 times the US rate of 328 and 5 times Ohio's 276. That ranks #1073 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #49 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cleveland Police Department. Property crime runs 3,964 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Cleveland | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 1,365#1073 of 1,085 | 276 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 3,964#1041 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 Cleveland?
The median household in Cleveland earns $40,801, 51% below the US figure of $83,163 and 43% below Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 30.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Cleveland | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $40,801#1301 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% | 30.6%#1297 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 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 Cleveland?
The median resident of Cleveland is 36.3 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 22.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1082 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Cleveland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 36.3 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 22.4%#1082 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 41.7% | 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 Cleveland's schools and health?
Cleveland's 138 public schools graduate 65.7% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 16.9 students per teacher and $21,808 spent per pupil. 42.2% of adults are obese and 17.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Cleveland | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 65.7%#1048 of 1,063 | 86.2% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 16.9#722 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $21,808#129 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 42.2%#1214 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 17.7%#1280 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 19.6%#1122 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.4%#991 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. 45,745 students are enrolled in Cleveland's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Cleveland?
The average commute in Cleveland is 22.5 minutes (Ohio 23.8); 6.5% of workers take transit and 11.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Cleveland scores 13.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.5°F and winters 31.8°F, with 33.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Cleveland | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 22.5 min#544 of 1,312 | 23.8 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.1%#411 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% | 6.5% | 1% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 5.2% | 2% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 11.5% | 11.9% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 13.3#280 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 | 35.3 | 23.5 | 1.8 |
| Feb | 37.3 | 24.5 | 1.5 |
| Mar | 44.9 | 31.2 | 2.4 |
| Apr | 57.1 | 41.3 | 3.1 |
| May | 67.9 | 53.1 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 76.7 | 63.3 | 2.8 |
| Jul | 80.7 | 67.9 | 3.7 |
| Aug | 79.7 | 67 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 73.5 | 60.1 | 2.9 |
| Oct | 62.5 | 49.2 | 3.2 |
| Nov | 50.5 | 38.4 | 2.9 |
| Dec | 40.1 | 29.8 | 2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport.
| Measure | Cleveland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 52.3°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 72.5°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 31.8°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 33.3 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 Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Cleveland?
Cuyahoga County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 43% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cuyahoga County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 95% of US counties.
| Measure | Cleveland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 53#913 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.08%#79 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 Cuyahoga County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Cuyahoga County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.0065% | 42% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0012% | 32% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.065% | 28% 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 Cleveland compare with similar-size cities?
Cleveland is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #53 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 366,097.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, OHPop. 366,097 | #1271 | 40.5 | $40,801 | $945/mo | 1,365 | 22.5 min |
| Tampa, FLPop. 401,618 | #649 | 55.8 | $75,475 | $1,701/mo | 334 | 24.8 min |
| Wichita, KSPop. 397,945 | #1135 | 47.1 | $64,620 | $975/mo | 1,209 | 18.4 min |
| Arlington, TXPop. 397,742 | #930 | 51.2 | $75,171 | $1,470/mo | 406 | 26.6 min |
| Aurora, COPop. 394,432 | #911 | 51.5 | $88,368 | $1,835/mo | 763 | 28.6 min |
| New Orleans, LAPop. 371,853 | #1089 | 48.0 | $56,631 | $1,251/mo | part year | 22.6 min |
| Honolulu, HIPop. 345,482 | #417 | 59.7 | $86,504 | $1,823/mo | county/metro | 21.9 min |
| Anaheim, CAPop. 344,521 | #878 | 52.0 | $95,227 | $2,175/mo | 548 | 27.4 min |
| Henderson, NVPop. 332,141 | #682 | 55.3 | $90,138 | $1,824/mo | 225 | 24.3 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 Cleveland compare with the rest of Ohio?
Cleveland ranks #16 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 40.5 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 43% below the Ohio median. Violent crime is 5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 52% 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 Cleveland's score calculated?
Cleveland scores 40.5 out of 100, #1271 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 Cleveland. Similar-size median 53.8.
32.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Cleveland's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
14.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Cleveland. Similar-size median 54.8.
25.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Cleveland's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
46.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Cleveland's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
85.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Cleveland. Similar-size median 47.2.
2.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Cleveland. Similar-size median 42.4.
39.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Cleveland. Similar-size median 53.7.
59.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Cleveland's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
64.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
64.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Cleveland'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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland
Is Cleveland, OH a good place to live?
Cleveland ranks #1271 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #53 of 53 big cities and #16 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($102,000, #1 of 53) and low rents ($945/mo, #2 of 53), and trails on low household income ($40,801, #53 of 53) and high poverty (30.6%, #53 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Cleveland?
Cleveland's cost of living index is 93.9, 6% below the US level of 100 and #414 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $945/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $120,419, 52% below the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
What is the crime rate in Cleveland?
Cleveland recorded 1,365 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4.2 times the US rate of 328 and 5 times Ohio's 276. That ranks #1073 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #49 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cleveland Police Department. Property crime runs 3,964 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Cleveland?
The median household in Cleveland earns $40,801, 51% below the US figure of $83,163 and 43% below Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 30.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Cleveland?
Median rent in Cleveland is $945/mo (Census), #145 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,391/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 27.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Cleveland?
The typical home value in Cleveland is $120,419, down 1.4% in a year, against $248,803 for Ohio and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $102,000.
How are the public schools in Cleveland?
Cleveland's 138 public schools graduate 65.7% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 16.9 students per teacher and $21,808 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Cleveland?
The average commute is 22.5 minutes, #544 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.8 minutes across Ohio. 4.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Cleveland?
Cleveland averages 52.3°F over the year, 72.5°F in summer and 31.8°F in winter, with 33.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Cleveland walkable?
Cleveland scores 13.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #280 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 Cleveland at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cuyahoga County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 95% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Cleveland?
Cuyahoga County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 43% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Cleveland?
Cleveland has 366,097 residents. The median resident of Cleveland is 36.3 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 22.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1082 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Cleveland compare with the rest of Ohio?
Cleveland ranks #16 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 40.5 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 43% below the Ohio median. Violent crime is 5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 52% below the typical Ohio home.
What cities are similar in size to Cleveland?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Cleveland's population of 366,097 are Tampa, FL (#649 overall), Wichita, KS (#1135 overall), Arlington, TX (#930 overall), Aurora, CO (#911 overall), and New Orleans, LA (#1089 overall). Cleveland is #1271.