OhioPop. 63,468Smaller cities
Is Hamilton a Good Place to Live? Hamilton, Ohio: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Hamilton ranks #1098 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #451 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($165,200, #37 of 524) and low rents ($1,007/mo, #45 of 524), and trails on low household income ($55,166, #482 of 524) and high poverty (19.6%, #455 of 524).
Hamilton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Hamilton'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 Hamilton?
Hamilton'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 $1,007/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $307,195, 23% above the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
| Measure | Hamilton | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 95.4#452 of 1,308 | 92.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $307,195#399 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 | $1,512/mo#342 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $165,200#120 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,007/mo#223 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3x#182 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.9%#669 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.
Hamilton 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. Hamilton is in the Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN metro.
Ohio housing market →Is Hamilton safe?
Hamilton recorded 295 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 10% below the US rate of 328 and 7% above Ohio's 276. That ranks #557 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #247 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hamilton Police Department. Property crime runs 2,333 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Hamilton | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 295#557 of 1,085 | 276 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,333#806 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 Hamilton?
The median household in Hamilton earns $55,166, 34% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 19.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Hamilton | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $55,166#1154 of 1,312 | $72,212 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.9%#804 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 19.6%#1098 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 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 Hamilton?
The median resident of Hamilton is 34.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 16.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1236 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Hamilton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 34.8 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 16.5%#1236 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 54.3% | 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 Hamilton's schools and health?
Hamilton's 13 public schools graduate 78% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 17.7 students per teacher and $13,961 spent per pupil. 43.9% of adults are obese and 14.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Hamilton | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 78%#920 of 1,063 | 86.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17.7#809 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $13,961#711 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 43.9%#1265 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14.8%#1152 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.5%#1217 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 12.1%#881 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. 9,165 students are enrolled in Hamilton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Hamilton?
The average commute in Hamilton is 24.5 minutes (Ohio 23.8); 0.6% of workers take transit and 6.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Hamilton scores 10.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #644 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.8°F and winters 33°F, with 41.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Hamilton | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 24.5 min#734 of 1,312 | 23.8 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.7%#800 of 1,312 | 5.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 76.2% | 75.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.6% | 2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 6.5% | 11.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 10.5#644 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 | 39.9 | 21.5 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 43.7 | 23.4 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 53.9 | 31.8 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 66.6 | 41.6 | 4.6 |
| May | 75.4 | 51.8 | 4.6 |
| Jun | 83.2 | 60.5 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 86.8 | 64.3 | 3.7 |
| Aug | 85.9 | 62.4 | 3 |
| Sep | 79.6 | 53.8 | 3 |
| Oct | 67.7 | 41.9 | 3.2 |
| Nov | 54.7 | 31.7 | 3.2 |
| Dec | 43.6 | 25.7 | 3.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Hamilton Butler Co Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Hamilton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 53.8°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 73.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 33°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 41.4 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 Hamilton Butler Co Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Hamilton?
Butler County's air had a median air quality index of 55, and 33% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Butler County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, strong wind, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
| Measure | Hamilton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 55#982 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 5#726 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.11%#327 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 Butler County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Butler County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.02% | 85% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0026% | 59% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0031% | 52% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0012% | 40% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.073% | 39% 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 Hamilton compare with similar-size cities?
Hamilton is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #451 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 63,468.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton, OHPop. 63,468 | #1098 | 47.9 | $55,166 | $1,007/mo | 295 | 24.5 min |
| Sanford, FLPop. 63,730 | #696 | 55.0 | $66,891 | $1,609/mo | 530 | 25 min |
| Millcreek, UTPop. 63,648 | #359 | 60.8 | $98,045 | $1,492/mo | no data | 20.6 min |
| West Hartford, CTPop. 63,620 | #10 | 75.4 | $129,890 | $1,756/mo | 45 | 22.3 min |
| Coon Rapids, MNPop. 63,468 | #420 | 59.7 | $88,251 | $1,494/mo | 146 | 23.2 min |
| Moore, OKPop. 63,420 | #607 | 56.6 | $80,420 | $1,340/mo | 230 | 22.9 min |
| San Clemente, CAPop. 63,273 | #299 | 62.1 | $140,062 | $2,460/mo | 166 | 28.6 min |
| Brookline, MAPop. 63,266 | #2 | 79.5 | $142,101 | $2,835/mo | 124 | 27.1 min |
| Hendersonville, TNPop. 63,091 | #325 | 61.5 | $97,200 | $1,653/mo | 140 | 29.7 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 Hamilton compare with the rest of Ohio?
Hamilton ranks #11 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 47.9 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 24% below the Ohio median. Violent crime is 7% above the statewide rate. Homes are 23% above 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 Hamilton's score calculated?
Hamilton scores 47.9 out of 100, #1098 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 Hamilton. Similar-size median 55.5.
38.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Hamilton's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
71.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Hamilton. Similar-size median 58.9.
27.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Hamilton's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
43.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Hamilton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
81.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Hamilton. Similar-size median 56.1.
28.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Hamilton. Similar-size median 42.4.
46.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Hamilton. Similar-size median 50.0.
41.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Hamilton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
50.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
54.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Hamilton'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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton
Is Hamilton, OH a good place to live?
Hamilton ranks #1098 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #451 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($165,200, #37 of 524) and low rents ($1,007/mo, #45 of 524), and trails on low household income ($55,166, #482 of 524) and high poverty (19.6%, #455 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Hamilton?
Hamilton'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 $1,007/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $307,195, 23% above the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
What is the crime rate in Hamilton?
Hamilton recorded 295 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 10% below the US rate of 328 and 7% above Ohio's 276. That ranks #557 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #247 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hamilton Police Department. Property crime runs 2,333 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Hamilton?
The median household in Hamilton earns $55,166, 34% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 19.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Hamilton?
Median rent in Hamilton is $1,007/mo (Census), #223 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,512/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Hamilton?
The typical home value in Hamilton is $307,195, up 3.6% in a year, against $248,803 for Ohio and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $165,200.
How are the public schools in Hamilton?
Hamilton's 13 public schools graduate 78% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 17.7 students per teacher and $13,961 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Hamilton?
The average commute is 24.5 minutes, #734 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.8 minutes across Ohio. 6.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Hamilton?
Hamilton averages 53.8°F over the year, 73.8°F in summer and 33°F in winter, with 41.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Hamilton walkable?
Hamilton scores 10.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #644 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 Hamilton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Butler County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, strong wind, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Hamilton?
Butler County's air had a median air quality index of 55, and 33% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Hamilton?
Hamilton has 63,468 residents. The median resident of Hamilton is 34.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 16.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1236 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Hamilton compare with the rest of Ohio?
Hamilton ranks #11 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 47.9 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 24% below the Ohio median. Violent crime is 7% above the statewide rate. Homes are 23% above the typical Ohio home.
What cities are similar in size to Hamilton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Hamilton's population of 63,468 are Sanford, FL (#696 overall), Millcreek, UT (#359 overall), West Hartford, CT (#10 overall), Coon Rapids, MN (#420 overall), and Moore, OK (#607 overall). Hamilton is #1098.