Is Canton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Canton

Canton, Ohio, situated in Stark County, is a city with a rich industrial past and a developing present. Known as the “Hall of Fame City,” it proudly hosts the Pro Football Hall of Fame, drawing visitors and residents alike to celebrate the sport’s legacy. The city’s location in Northeast Ohio places it within a reasonable distance of larger metropolitan areas like Cleveland and Akron, offering a balance of small-city charm and access to urban amenities.

The population of Canton was approximately 70,872 at the 2020 census, with an estimated population of 69,211 in 2024 (according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates). This makes it the eighth-most populous city in Ohio. The Canton-Massillon metropolitan area, which encompasses Stark County and Carroll County, had an estimated 400,551 residents in 2024 (according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates). The city’s demographics show a diverse population, with White residents comprising approximately 59.0% to 62.5% and Black or African American residents around 23.4% to 24.6% in recent estimates (according to Census Dots and City Statistics). Hispanic or Latino residents make up about 6.7% of the population, with smaller percentages identifying as Asian, Native American, or multiracial (according to Census Dots and City Statistics). The median age in Canton is around 35.2 years (according to Data USA).

Is it Safe to Live in Canton?

Canton’s crime statistics present a complex picture, with overall crime rates significantly higher than national averages. The city has an overall crime rate that is approximately 115.94% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This translates to a higher chance of being a victim of crime compared to many other U.S. cities, with an estimated 1 in 22 chance of being a victim of any crime (according to AreaVibes).

Violent crime rates are particularly concerning, with Canton ranking among the bottom 10% of U.S. cities for violent crime. The violent crime rate is approximately 1122 per 100,000 people, which is considerably higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This means there is roughly a 1 in 90 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Canton (according to AreaVibes). However, it is important to note that crime can vary significantly by neighborhood, and some areas within Canton are considered safer than others (according to AreaVibes).

Despite the concerning overall statistics, there are efforts to address crime in Canton. Recent reports indicate a downward trend in some violent crimes, with an 11% reduction in overall violent crimes in 2022 compared to 2021 (according to Canton Ohio Crime Rate). This decrease was seen in categories such as felonious assaults, domestic violence, and aggravated robbery (according to Canton Ohio Crime Rate). The city has also been part of funding initiatives aimed at reducing violent crime within Ohio (according to Canton Ohio Crime Rate).

Cost of Living and Housing in Canton

The cost of living in Canton is generally considered affordable, especially when compared to the national average. Canton’s cost of living index is reported to be 93.9%, meaning it is 6.1% cheaper than the national average (according to Krupp Moving & Storage). Another report indicates Canton is 20% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Housing costs are a significant factor in this affordability, with housing expenses being approximately 50.7% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes).

In terms of housing prices, the median home price in Canton is notably lower than the national median. Reports suggest the median home price is around $169.9K for listings, with a year-over-year decline of -5.61% (according to Redfin). This makes homeownership more accessible for many residents. The average rent in Canton is also significantly lower than the national average, with a median rent for all bedroom types and property types reported at $975 (according to Zillow). This median rent is approximately 51.25% lower than the national average (according to Zillow).

Specific rental costs vary by property type and size. For instance, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Canton is around $750 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $975 per month (according to Zillow). Houses for rent in Canton typically range from $620 to $3,000, with an average rent of $1,175 for a house (according to Trulia). This affordability extends to utilities and other daily expenses, contributing to Canton’s appeal as a cost-effective place to live.

Job Market and Economy

Canton’s economy is historically rooted in manufacturing, with major companies like TimkenSteel Corporation and the Belden Brick Company playing significant roles. TimkenSteel, a producer of specialty steel and tapered roller bearings, remains a key employer in the region (according to Canton, OH – Wikipedia). Other prominent employers include Cleveland Clinic Mercy, with approximately 2,500 employees, and Aultman Hospital, which is Stark County’s largest hospital and employer (according to Canton/Stark County, Ohio – Jobs Board). Walmart also stands as a significant employer, with an estimated 1,736 employees (according to Canton, OH – Wikipedia).

The unemployment rate in Canton has seen fluctuations. As of recent data, the unemployment rate in Canton, OH is reported at 5.70% (according to YCharts). This figure is lower than the long-term average of 8.05% (according to YCharts). The Canton-Massillon metropolitan area’s unemployment rate was at 5.10% in a recent month, which is also lower than its long-term average (according to YCharts).

The average salary in Canton, Ohio, is approximately $62,191 per year or about $30 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert). However, other sources provide slightly different figures, with one indicating an average annual salary of $45,873 (according to ZipRecruiter). These figures suggest that while the cost of living is low, salaries may also be moderate, requiring careful financial planning for residents. The range of salaries can vary widely depending on the industry and specific job role.

Climate and Environment

Canton experiences a climate with distinct seasons, typical of Northeast Ohio. Summers are generally warm and partly cloudy, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 82°F and lows around 64°F (according to WorldWeatherOnline). The warm season typically runs from late May to mid-September.

Winters in Canton are cold, snowy, and mostly cloudy. The average daily high temperature during the cold season, from December to March, stays below 44°F. January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 22°F and highs of about 35°F (according to WorldWeatherOnline). The temperature typically ranges from 21°F to 83°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 4°F or exceeding 90°F (according to WorldWeatherOnline).

Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with Canton receiving an average annual precipitation of about 1075 mm (42 inches) (according to Weather & Climate). June is typically the wettest month, with approximately 136 mm of precipitation over about 15 rainy days. January tends to be drier, with around 61 mm of snow/rainfall over about 17 days (according to Weather & Climate). The number of wet days varies, with more frequent rain occurring from March through September.

Education in Canton

The Canton City School District serves the educational needs of the city’s students. For the 2026 school year, the district oversees 18 public schools with an enrollment of approximately 7,793 students (according to Public School Review). The district’s average testing ranking is noted as 3 out of 10, placing it in the bottom 50% of public schools in Ohio based on proficiency testing data (according to Public School Review).

Student proficiency scores in the Canton City School District are below the state averages. Math proficiency is around 23% compared to Ohio’s average of 55%, and reading proficiency is about 29% versus the statewide average of 60% (according to Public School Review). The district’s graduation rate is 73%, which has seen a decrease from previous years (according to Public School Review).

The district is recognized for its diversity, ranking among the top 20% of public school districts in Ohio for diversity. Minority enrollment constitutes about 64% of the student body, with a majority being Black students, which is higher than the Ohio public school average (according to Public School Review). While the overall district performance may be a concern, some individual schools within the district or nearby districts may offer different academic experiences.

Demographics and Diversity

Canton’s population is approximately 69,755, showing a slight decrease from the 2020 census figure of 70,872 (according to Census Dots). The city’s racial makeup is diverse, with White residents forming the largest group, estimated at around 59.0% (according to Census Dots). The Black or African American population is substantial, making up about 23.4% of the residents (according to Census Dots).

The Hispanic or Latino population in Canton is around 6.7%, which is comparable to the state average (according to Census Dots). Multiracial residents constitute a notable portion of the population at approximately 9.8% (according to Census Dots). There are also smaller percentages of Asian, Native American, and other racial or ethnic groups represented within the city (according to Census Dots).

Canton is noted as being more racially diverse than Ohio overall. The diversity index for Canton is higher than the state average, indicating a greater probability that two randomly selected individuals will belong to different racial or ethnic groups (according to Census Dots). This diversity is a key characteristic of the city’s evolving social fabric.