Is Massillon Safe, Pros and cons of living in Massillon
Massillon, Ohio, offers a blend of small-town charm and accessible amenities, making it an appealing location for those seeking a change of pace. Nestled in Stark County, the city provides a community-focused environment with a growing population and a steady presence in the Canton-Massillon metropolitan area. It presents a unique opportunity for individuals and families looking for a place to settle down.
The city’s appeal lies in its balance of affordability and a comfortable lifestyle. With a median age around 41, Massillon offers a stable community for residents. Its location provides convenient access to larger urban centers while maintaining its own distinct identity. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview for anyone considering a move to Massillon.
Is it Safe to Live in Massillon?
Massillon presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that require careful consideration. The overall crime rate in Massillon is reported to be slightly higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). However, violent crime rates are noted as being lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes, Niche).
Property crime rates in Massillon are higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Your chance of being a victim of any crime in Massillon is approximately 1 in 47 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While some areas are considered safer than others, it’s important to research specific neighborhoods for a clearer understanding of local safety conditions.
Housing Costs and Availability
Massillon’s housing market offers a notable advantage in terms of affordability. The median home price in Massillon was around $171,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). This figure is significantly lower than the national average median home value of $281,900 (as reported by Livability.com).
Rental prices in Massillon are also competitive, with the average rent for an apartment around $812 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by Apartments.com). This is considerably lower than the national average rent (as reported by Apartments.com). The median listing price for homes in Massillon was $260,000 in March 2026 (as reported by realtor.com®), indicating a healthy market with opportunities for both buyers and renters.
Home Prices and Trends
The housing market in Massillon has seen some fluctuations, with home prices down by 4.9% compared to the previous year as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). However, year-over-year home price momentum has shown an increase of 8.38%, suggesting rising values (as reported by realtor.com®). Homes in Massillon typically sell within an average of 43 days on the market (as reported by Redfin).
The median sale price per square foot in Massillon is $129, showing a slight increase from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). These trends suggest a dynamic market where properties are available, and price appreciation is occurring, making it an attractive prospect for real estate investment.
Rental Market Insights
For those considering renting, Massillon provides a range of options with generally affordable rates. The median rent in Massillon was reported as $950 in March 2026 (as reported by realtor.com®). Other sources indicate a slightly different average rent, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $812 per month (as reported by Apartments.com) and studio apartments around $825 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).
Rent prices have seen a slight decrease year-over-year, with a change of -0.52% (as reported by realtor.com®). This stability in rental costs, coupled with a median rent that is significantly lower than the national average, makes Massillon an appealing option for renters (as reported by Apartments.com).
Economic Landscape and Job Market
Massillon’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers and a generally stable job market. The median household income in Massillon was reported as $56,446 in 2024 (as reported by CUBIT). The average annual salary in Massillon was approximately $39,658 as of April 26, 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
The unemployment rate in the Canton-Massillon metropolitan area was 5.10% (as reported by YCharts). While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided search results, the presence of a metropolitan area suggests a variety of employment opportunities across different sectors.
Salaries and Earning Potential
The average salary in Massillon varies depending on the source, with figures ranging from around $39,658 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter) to an average of $44,000 per year or $21.15 per hour as of September 2023 (as reported by Zippia). The median income reported by Livability.com was $56,838, and by CUBIT was $56,446 in 2024.
Most salaries in Massillon range between the 25th percentile of $29,250 and the 75th percentile of $49,122 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). These figures indicate a salary range that is competitive within the region, though potentially lower than national averages for certain professions.
Employment and Unemployment
The unemployment rate for the Canton-Massillon area was reported at 5.10% (as reported by YCharts), which is lower than the long-term average of 6.23% for the region. For Massillon city specifically, the unemployment rate was 4.0% in 2023 (as reported by Ohio Department of Job and Family Services).
This rate is lower than the national average unemployment rate of 3.6% in 2023 (as reported by Ohio Department of Job and Family Services). The employment rate per month is reported at 62, with a labor force count of 182,950 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Massillon experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 19°F to 84°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city receives an average of 40 inches of precipitation annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The warm season extends from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 73°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 82°F. Conversely, the cold season runs from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 44°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 20°F.
Temperature and Precipitation
Average monthly temperatures in Massillon show significant variation between summer and winter. For instance, July sees average highs of approximately 83.3°F and lows of 62.6°F (as reported by Plantmaps). January, on the other hand, has average highs around 34.8°F and lows of 20.0°F (as reported by Plantmaps).
Annual precipitation averages around 40.61 inches, with the wettest month typically being June, receiving about 4.47 inches of rain (as reported by Plantmaps). Snowfall averages around 34 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The drier season spans from late September to mid-March.
Education and School System
Information regarding specific school ratings for Massillon was not directly available in the provided search results. However, general demographic data indicates that Massillon is part of Stark County and the Canton-Massillon metropolitan area, suggesting access to a range of educational institutions within the region.
For detailed information on school district performance, parent reviews, and specific school ratings, it would be advisable to consult resources like Niche.com or the Ohio Department of Education for the most current and comprehensive data.
Demographics and Community Profile
Massillon is home to a diverse population, with the latest U.S. Census data indicating a population of approximately 32,338 residents as of 2024 (as reported by CUBIT). The racial makeup of Massillon is predominantly White, accounting for about 85.6% of the population, followed by Black or African American residents at 6.3% (as reported by CUBIT).
The median age in Massillon is around 41.0 years (as reported by CUBIT), suggesting a community with a significant adult population. The city has a homeownership rate where 65% of households are owner-occupied, while 35% are renter-occupied (as reported by RentCafe).
Population Composition
As of 2024, Massillon’s population is approximately 32,338 (as reported by CUBIT). The city’s racial and ethnic composition is largely White (85.6%), with smaller percentages of Black or African American (6.3%) and Two or More Races (4.6%) residents (as reported by CUBIT). A small percentage, 1.74%, of residents were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA).
The median age for Massillon residents is 41.0 years (as reported by CUBIT). The gender distribution shows 49.2% males and 50.8% females (as reported by World Population Review). This demographic profile suggests a well-established community with a stable population base.
Income and Poverty Levels
The median household income in Massillon was reported as $56,446 in 2024 (as reported by CUBIT). This figure is slightly higher than the median household income reported by Livability.com at $56,838. However, 9.5% of Massillon families live below the poverty line (as reported by CUBIT).
The cost of living in Massillon is noted as being 15% less expensive than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability, combined with the median income, provides a basis for understanding the economic well-being of its residents.