OhioPop. 59,331Smaller cities
Is Youngstown a Good Place to Live? Youngstown, Ohio: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Youngstown ranks #1277 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #512 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($728/mo, #1 of 524) and affordable homes ($63,300, #2 of 524), and trails on low household income ($34,408, #524 of 524) and high poverty (37.3%, #524 of 524).
Youngstown by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Youngstown'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 Youngstown?
Youngstown's cost of living index is 87.4, 13% below the US level of 100 and #125 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $728/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $73,589, 70% below the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
| Measure | Youngstown | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 87.4#125 of 1,308 | 92.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $73,589#4 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 | $1,059/mo#40 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $63,300#2 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $728/mo#5 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 1.8x#4 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 25.4%#1041 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.
Youngstown 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. Youngstown is in the Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA metro.
Ohio housing market →Is Youngstown safe?
Youngstown recorded 690 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 2.5 times Ohio's 276. That ranks #962 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #415 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Youngstown Police Department. Property crime runs 2,787 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Youngstown | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 690#962 of 1,085 | 276 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,787#911 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 Youngstown?
The median household in Youngstown earns $34,408, 59% below the US figure of $83,163 and 52% below Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 6.7% (US 4.3%). 37.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Youngstown | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $34,408#1310 of 1,312 | $72,212 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 6.7%#1016 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 37.3%#1310 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| 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 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 Youngstown?
The median resident of Youngstown is 37.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 15.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1257 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Youngstown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 15.5%#1257 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 56.2% | 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 Youngstown's schools and health?
Youngstown's 22 public schools graduate 76.4% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 14 students per teacher and $21,939 spent per pupil. 47.2% of adults are obese and 20.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Youngstown | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 76.4%#966 of 1,063 | 86.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14#282 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $21,939#122 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 47.2%#1304 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 20.5%#1309 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 21.6%#1278 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 15.1%#1085 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. 6,447 students are enrolled in Youngstown's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Youngstown?
The average commute in Youngstown is 20.3 minutes (Ohio 23.8); 3.9% of workers take transit and 7.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Youngstown scores 7.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1228 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.6°F and winters 29.3°F, with 41.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Youngstown | 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% | 5.5%#652 of 1,312 | 5.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 73.7% | 75.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.9% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 3.3% | 2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7.2% | 11.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.1#1228 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 | 34.3 | 19.3 | 3 |
| Feb | 37.3 | 20.7 | 2.5 |
| Mar | 46.6 | 27.8 | 3.2 |
| Apr | 60.3 | 37.9 | 3.8 |
| May | 70.9 | 47.6 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 78.8 | 56.2 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 82.7 | 60.3 | 4.3 |
| Aug | 81.1 | 58.8 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 74.3 | 52.1 | 3.8 |
| Oct | 62.1 | 42.2 | 3.3 |
| Nov | 49.6 | 33.4 | 3 |
| Dec | 38.7 | 25.5 | 3.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Youngstown-Warren Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Youngstown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 49.9°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 69.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 29.3°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 41.2 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 Youngstown-Warren Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Youngstown?
Mahoning County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 63% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Mahoning County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 98% of US counties.
| Measure | Youngstown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.07%#37 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 Mahoning County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Mahoning County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.0041% | 66% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0058% | 40% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0014% | 39% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0011% | 31% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.05% | 11% 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 Youngstown compare with similar-size cities?
Youngstown is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #512 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 59,331.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youngstown, OHPop. 59,331 | #1277 | 39.7 | $34,408 | $728/mo | 690 | 20.3 min |
| Medford, MAPop. 59,354 | #32 | 71.9 | $129,540 | $2,509/mo | 181 | 30.2 min |
| Herriman, UTPop. 59,346 | #164 | 65.6 | $122,650 | $2,019/mo | 64 | 27.1 min |
| Santee, CAPop. 59,332 | #1054 | 48.8 | $113,394 | $2,250/mo | part year | 26.7 min |
| Margate, FLPop. 59,198 | #1036 | 49.3 | $62,450 | $1,750/mo | part year | 30.7 min |
| Dubuque, IAPop. 59,174 | #470 | 58.6 | $65,845 | $948/mo | 405 | 14.6 min |
| Des Plaines, ILPop. 59,156 | #69 | 69.4 | $97,875 | $1,606/mo | 108 | 28.2 min |
| Kokomo, INPop. 59,122 | #1055 | 48.8 | $55,360 | $939/mo | 477 | 19.1 min |
| St. Peters, MOPop. 59,092 | #221 | 63.9 | $91,637 | $1,321/mo | 172 | 22.7 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 Youngstown compare with the rest of Ohio?
Youngstown ranks #17 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 39.7 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 52% below the Ohio median. Violent crime is 2.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 70% 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 Youngstown's score calculated?
Youngstown scores 39.7 out of 100, #1277 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 Youngstown. Similar-size median 55.5.
19.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Youngstown's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
43.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Youngstown. Similar-size median 58.9.
10.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Youngstown's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
63.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Youngstown's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
92.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Youngstown. Similar-size median 56.1.
0.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Youngstown. Similar-size median 42.4.
32.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Youngstown. Similar-size median 50.0.
50.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Youngstown's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
32.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
75.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Youngstown'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 Youngstown 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 Youngstown
Is Youngstown, OH a good place to live?
Youngstown ranks #1277 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #512 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($728/mo, #1 of 524) and affordable homes ($63,300, #2 of 524), and trails on low household income ($34,408, #524 of 524) and high poverty (37.3%, #524 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Youngstown?
Youngstown's cost of living index is 87.4, 13% below the US level of 100 and #125 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $728/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $73,589, 70% below the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
What is the crime rate in Youngstown?
Youngstown recorded 690 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 2.5 times Ohio's 276. That ranks #962 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #415 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Youngstown Police Department. Property crime runs 2,787 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Youngstown?
The median household in Youngstown earns $34,408, 59% below the US figure of $83,163 and 52% below Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 6.7% (US 4.3%). 37.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Youngstown?
Median rent in Youngstown is $728/mo (Census), #5 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,059/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Youngstown?
The typical home value in Youngstown is $73,589, up 7.4% in a year, against $248,803 for Ohio and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $63,300.
How are the public schools in Youngstown?
Youngstown's 22 public schools graduate 76.4% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 14 students per teacher and $21,939 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Youngstown?
The average commute is 20.3 minutes, #369 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.8 minutes across Ohio. 5.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Youngstown?
Youngstown averages 49.9°F over the year, 69.6°F in summer and 29.3°F in winter, with 41.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Youngstown walkable?
Youngstown scores 7.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1228 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 Youngstown at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Mahoning County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 98% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Youngstown?
Mahoning County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 63% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Youngstown?
Youngstown has 59,331 residents. The median resident of Youngstown is 37.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 15.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1257 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Youngstown compare with the rest of Ohio?
Youngstown ranks #17 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 39.7 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 52% below the Ohio median. Violent crime is 2.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 70% below the typical Ohio home.
What cities are similar in size to Youngstown?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Youngstown's population of 59,331 are Medford, MA (#32 overall), Herriman, UT (#164 overall), Santee, CA (#1054 overall), Margate, FL (#1036 overall), and Dubuque, IA (#470 overall). Youngstown is #1277.