OhioPop. 57,206Smaller cities
Is Kettering a Good Place to Live? Kettering, Ohio: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Kettering ranks #314 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #151 of 524 smaller cities and #3 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (86 per 100,000, #40 of 444) and low rents ($1,051/mo, #64 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Kettering by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Kettering'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 Kettering?
Kettering'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 $1,051/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $247,139, 1% below the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
| Measure | Kettering | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 92.7#361 of 1,308 | 92.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $247,139#237 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 | $1,383/mo#240 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $208,500#253 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,051/mo#266 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.8x#109 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 16.9%#144 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.
Kettering 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. Kettering is in the Dayton-Kettering, OH metro.
Ohio housing market →Is Kettering safe?
Kettering recorded 86 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 74% below the US rate of 328 and 69% below Ohio's 276. That ranks #99 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #40 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kettering Police Department. Property crime runs 1,378 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Kettering | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 86#99 of 1,085 | 276 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,378#404 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 Kettering?
The median household in Kettering earns $74,681, 10% below the US figure of $83,163 and 3% above Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Kettering | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $74,681#714 of 1,312 | $72,212 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 8.3%#352 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 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 Kettering?
The median resident of Kettering is 38.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 41.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #424 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Kettering | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 41.7%#424 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 64.9% | 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 Kettering's schools and health?
Kettering's 12 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 17.5 students per teacher and $15,349 spent per pupil. 33.5% of adults are obese and 12% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Kettering | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 86.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17.5#791 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,349#542 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 33.5%#655 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12%#794 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.8%#585 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 6.5%#197 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. 8,429 students are enrolled in Kettering's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Kettering?
The average commute in Kettering is 20.3 minutes (Ohio 23.8); 0.9% of workers take transit and 12.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Kettering scores 12.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #453 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.9°F and winters 33.2°F, with 41 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Kettering | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 20.3 min#369 of 1,312 | 23.8 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.3%#446 of 1,312 | 5.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 76.3% | 75.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.9% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.2% | 2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 12.6% | 11.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.2#453 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 | 39.1 | 22 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 43 | 24.6 | 2.3 |
| Mar | 52.6 | 32.7 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 65.2 | 42.6 | 4.4 |
| May | 74.8 | 53.1 | 4.2 |
| Jun | 82.8 | 61.6 | 4.9 |
| Jul | 85.9 | 65 | 3.6 |
| Aug | 85.1 | 63.3 | 2.8 |
| Sep | 78.8 | 56.1 | 3 |
| Oct | 66.8 | 44.8 | 3 |
| Nov | 53.8 | 34.8 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 42.9 | 27.3 | 3.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Dayton Wright Brothers Airport.
| Measure | Kettering | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 54.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 73.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 33.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 41 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 Dayton Wright Brothers Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Kettering?
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 | Kettering | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 46#700 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.09%#170 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 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 Kettering compare with similar-size cities?
Kettering is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #151 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 57,206.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kettering, OHPop. 57,206 | #314 | 61.8 | $74,681 | $1,051/mo | 86 | 20.3 min |
| Decatur, ALPop. 57,361 | #865 | 52.2 | $61,563 | $896/mo | 634 | 21.1 min |
| Bradenton, FLPop. 57,014 | #921 | 51.4 | $60,822 | $1,618/mo | 400 | 25.2 min |
| Marana, AZPop. 56,938 | #157 | 65.9 | $112,606 | $1,818/mo | 61 | 27.7 min |
| Bartlett, TNPop. 56,876 | #445 | 59.1 | $102,070 | $1,638/mo | 262 | 24.4 min |
| Oak Lawn, ILPop. 56,861 | #319 | 61.7 | $83,911 | $1,335/mo | 73 | 30.8 min |
| Albany, ORPop. 56,839 | #866 | 52.2 | $78,114 | $1,372/mo | 164 | 21 min |
| Kyle, TXPop. 56,823 | #367 | 60.7 | $90,323 | $1,752/mo | 135 | 36.4 min |
| Tonawanda Town, NYPop. 56,806 | #169 | 65.4 | $77,679 | $1,102/mo | 140 | 21.3 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 Kettering compare with the rest of Ohio?
Kettering ranks #3 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 61.8 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 3% above the Ohio median. Violent crime is 69% below the statewide rate. Homes are 1% 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 Kettering's score calculated?
Kettering scores 61.8 out of 100, #314 of 1,312 (grade B+, 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 Kettering. Similar-size median 55.5.
50.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Kettering's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
91.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Kettering. Similar-size median 58.9.
54.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Kettering's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
58.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Kettering's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
80.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Kettering. Similar-size median 56.1.
57.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Kettering. Similar-size median 42.4.
42.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Kettering. Similar-size median 50.0.
50.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Kettering's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
58.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
68.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Kettering'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 Kettering 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 Kettering
Is Kettering, OH a good place to live?
Kettering ranks #314 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #151 of 524 smaller cities and #3 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (86 per 100,000, #40 of 444) and low rents ($1,051/mo, #64 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Kettering?
Kettering'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 $1,051/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $247,139, 1% below the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
What is the crime rate in Kettering?
Kettering recorded 86 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 74% below the US rate of 328 and 69% below Ohio's 276. That ranks #99 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #40 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kettering Police Department. Property crime runs 1,378 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Kettering?
The median household in Kettering earns $74,681, 10% below the US figure of $83,163 and 3% above Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Kettering?
Median rent in Kettering is $1,051/mo (Census), #266 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,383/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Kettering?
The typical home value in Kettering is $247,139, up 2.5% in a year, against $248,803 for Ohio and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $208,500.
How are the public schools in Kettering?
Kettering's 12 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 17.5 students per teacher and $15,349 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Kettering?
The average commute is 20.3 minutes, #369 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.8 minutes across Ohio. 4.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Kettering?
Kettering averages 54.1°F over the year, 73.9°F in summer and 33.2°F in winter, with 41 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Kettering walkable?
Kettering scores 12.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #453 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 Kettering 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 Kettering?
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 Kettering?
Kettering has 57,206 residents. The median resident of Kettering is 38.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 41.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #424 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Kettering compare with the rest of Ohio?
Kettering ranks #3 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 61.8 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 3% above the Ohio median. Violent crime is 69% below the statewide rate. Homes are 1% below the typical Ohio home.
What cities are similar in size to Kettering?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Kettering's population of 57,206 are Decatur, AL (#865 overall), Bradenton, FL (#921 overall), Marana, AZ (#157 overall), Bartlett, TN (#445 overall), and Oak Lawn, IL (#319 overall). Kettering is #314.