OhioPop. 136,579Mid-size cities
Is Dayton a Good Place to Live? Dayton, Ohio: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Dayton ranks #1289 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #255 of 256 mid-size cities and #18 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($918/mo, #1 of 256) and affordable homes ($100,600, #1 of 256), and trails on low graduation rates (64.6%, #205 of 205) and low household income ($45,247, #255 of 256).
Dayton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Dayton'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 Dayton?
Dayton's cost of living index is 92.7, 7% below the US level of 100 and #361 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $918/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $140,625, 43% below the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
| Measure | Dayton | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 92.7#361 of 1,308 | 92.8 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $140,625#31 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 | $1,251/mo#125 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $100,600#11 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $918/mo#113 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 2.2x#12 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 24.3%#924 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.
Dayton 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. Dayton is in the Dayton-Kettering, OH metro.
Ohio housing market →Is Dayton safe?
Dayton recorded 1,230 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.7 times the US rate of 328 and 4.5 times Ohio's 276. That ranks #1059 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #229 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Dayton Police Department. Property crime runs 4,027 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Dayton | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 1,230#1059 of 1,085 | 276 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 4,027#1047 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 Dayton?
The median household in Dayton earns $45,247, 46% below the US figure of $83,163 and 37% below Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 6.1% (US 4.3%). 26.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Dayton | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $45,247#1282 of 1,312 | $72,212 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 6.1%#985 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 26.9%#1267 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 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 Dayton?
The median resident of Dayton is 34.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 21.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1119 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Dayton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 34.1 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 21.6%#1119 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 48.4% | 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 Dayton's schools and health?
Dayton's 48 public schools graduate 64.6% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 15.9 students per teacher and $18,236 spent per pupil. 42.9% of adults are obese and 17.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Dayton | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 64.6%#1053 of 1,063 | 86.2% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.9#617 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $18,236#327 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 42.9%#1242 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 17.6%#1276 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 21.6%#1278 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 11.2%#806 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. 19,594 students are enrolled in Dayton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Dayton?
The average commute in Dayton is 20.3 minutes (Ohio 23.8); 3.1% of workers take transit and 9.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Dayton scores 12.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #355 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.4°F and winters 32.2°F, with 41.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Dayton | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 20.3 min#369 of 1,312 | 23.8 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.7%#524 of 1,312 | 5.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 72.2% | 75.2% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.1% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4.3% | 2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 9.7% | 11.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.8#355 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 | 37.1 | 21.8 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 41.2 | 24.5 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 51.5 | 32.7 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 64.5 | 42.9 | 4.5 |
| May | 74.2 | 53.8 | 4.5 |
| Jun | 82.6 | 62.7 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 85.9 | 66.1 | 4 |
| Aug | 84.6 | 64.3 | 3 |
| Sep | 78.6 | 56.8 | 3.3 |
| Oct | 66.2 | 45.9 | 3 |
| Nov | 52.7 | 35.4 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 41.5 | 27.1 | 3.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Dayton International Airport.
| Measure | Dayton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 53.9°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 74.4°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 32.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 41.3 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 Dayton International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Dayton?
Montgomery County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 60% 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 Montgomery County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 90% of US counties.
| Measure | Dayton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 46#700 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| 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 0.16% | 0.09%#170 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 Montgomery County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Montgomery County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0015% | 68% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0037% | 58% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0028% | 57% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0024% | 56% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.071% | 36% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0032% | 29% 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 Dayton compare with similar-size cities?
Dayton is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #255 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 136,579.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dayton, OHPop. 136,579 | #1289 | 38.5 | $45,247 | $918/mo | 1,230 | 20.3 min |
| Hampton, VAPop. 137,557 | #694 | 55.0 | $69,621 | $1,427/mo | 276 | 22.5 min |
| Elizabeth, NJPop. 137,302 | #858 | 52.3 | $66,555 | $1,523/mo | 345 | 26.7 min |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #383 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 | 18.6 min |
| Stamford, CTPop. 137,144 | #117 | 67.9 | $111,586 | $2,276/mo | 154 | 28.5 min |
| Pasadena, CAPop. 136,969 | #783 | 53.5 | $105,192 | $2,265/mo | 419 | 26.9 min |
| Midland, TXPop. 136,640 | #579 | 56.9 | $89,585 | $1,434/mo | 352 | 20.1 min |
| Coral Springs, FLPop. 136,103 | #509 | 57.9 | $93,602 | $2,084/mo | 119 | 29.9 min |
| Kent, WAPop. 135,603 | #590 | 56.8 | $92,302 | $1,909/mo | 283 | 30.4 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 Dayton compare with the rest of Ohio?
Dayton ranks #18 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 38.5 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 37% below the Ohio median. Violent crime is 4.5 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 Dayton's score calculated?
Dayton scores 38.5 out of 100, #1289 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 Dayton. Similar-size median 52.9.
27.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Dayton's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
14.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Dayton. Similar-size median 53.8.
21.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Dayton's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
41.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Dayton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
86.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Dayton. Similar-size median 51.2.
10.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Dayton. Similar-size median 42.1.
36.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Dayton. Similar-size median 50.1.
53.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Dayton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
62.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
68.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Dayton'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 Dayton 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 Dayton
Is Dayton, OH a good place to live?
Dayton ranks #1289 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #255 of 256 mid-size cities and #18 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($918/mo, #1 of 256) and affordable homes ($100,600, #1 of 256), and trails on low graduation rates (64.6%, #205 of 205) and low household income ($45,247, #255 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Dayton?
Dayton's cost of living index is 92.7, 7% below the US level of 100 and #361 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $918/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $140,625, 43% below the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
What is the crime rate in Dayton?
Dayton recorded 1,230 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.7 times the US rate of 328 and 4.5 times Ohio's 276. That ranks #1059 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #229 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Dayton Police Department. Property crime runs 4,027 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Dayton?
The median household in Dayton earns $45,247, 46% below the US figure of $83,163 and 37% below Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 6.1% (US 4.3%). 26.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Dayton?
Median rent in Dayton is $918/mo (Census), #113 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,251/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Dayton?
The typical home value in Dayton is $140,625, up 1.1% in a year, against $248,803 for Ohio and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $100,600.
How are the public schools in Dayton?
Dayton's 48 public schools graduate 64.6% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 15.9 students per teacher and $18,236 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Dayton?
The average commute is 20.3 minutes, #369 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.8 minutes across Ohio. 4.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Dayton?
Dayton averages 53.9°F over the year, 74.4°F in summer and 32.2°F in winter, with 41.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Dayton walkable?
Dayton scores 12.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #355 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 Dayton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Montgomery County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 90% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Dayton?
Montgomery County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 60% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Dayton?
Dayton has 136,579 residents. The median resident of Dayton is 34.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 21.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1119 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Dayton compare with the rest of Ohio?
Dayton ranks #18 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 38.5 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 37% below the Ohio median. Violent crime is 4.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 43% below the typical Ohio home.
What cities are similar in size to Dayton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Dayton's population of 136,579 are Hampton, VA (#694 overall), Elizabeth, NJ (#858 overall), Cedar Rapids, IA (#383 overall), Stamford, CT (#117 overall), and Pasadena, CA (#783 overall). Dayton is #1289.