Is Medina Safe, Pros and cons of living in Medina
Medina, Ohio, offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities, making it an appealing place for many to consider a move. Situated conveniently between Cleveland and Akron, the city provides a suburban feel with access to urban conveniences. Its well-preserved historical character, evident in its town square, is complemented by a commitment to community events and family-friendly activities throughout the year.
The city has a population of approximately 26,000 residents, with a median age around 40.7 years. Medina is characterized by a predominantly White population, with smaller percentages of Black or African American, Hispanic, and other racial groups. The median household income is reported to be around $77,385, with a poverty rate of approximately 8.32%.
Is it Safe to Live in Medina?
Medina is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below the national average. The city’s overall crime rate is approximately 59% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crime rates are particularly low, standing at about 72% below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Specifically, Medina records a violent crime rate of about 1 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is considered average for communities across America. Property crime rates are also lower than the national average, with the rate being 56.2% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). The city is noted for having a low violent crime rate, with reports of zero homicides in the latest reported crime year (as reported by AreaVibes).
Cost of Living in Medina
The cost of living in Medina, Ohio, is generally considered to be slightly above the national average. Housing expenses are notably higher, by about 68% compared to the national average (as reported by Payscale). However, utility prices are lower, by about 10% than the national average, and transportation costs are also slightly lower (as reported by Payscale).
When considering housing, the median home value in Medina was approximately $243,600 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). For renters, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,033 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). This suggests that while homeownership might be more expensive, renting can be relatively more affordable compared to national averages.
Housing Costs
The median home value in Medina has seen an increase, reaching approximately $243,600 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This reflects a growing real estate market, with a 5.14% increase in median property value between 2023 and 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Medina is around 67.3%, which is slightly higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).
Rental prices also show some variation, with different sources providing slightly different figures. For example, the average rent for an apartment in Medina was reported as $1,452 in April 2026 (as reported by RentCafe), while another source indicates an average rent of $1,033 per month for a one-bedroom apartment (as reported by Apartments.com). It is important to research current listings for the most up-to-date rental costs.
Everyday Expenses
Grocery prices in Medina are reported to be about 11% higher than the national average (as reported by Livability.com). Healthcare costs are slightly lower than the national average, by about 1% (as reported by Livability.com). Transportation expenses, such as gas prices and bus fares, are also lower than the national average by approximately 6% (as reported by Payscale).
Utilities in Medina are about 10% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Overall, while some daily expenses like groceries can be higher, savings in other areas like utilities and transportation can help balance the cost of living.
The Job Market in Medina
Medina offers a diverse job market with a variety of employment opportunities. The county has a labor force of nearly 97,700 individuals, with an unemployment rate of approximately 2.8% (as reported by ZoomProspector). This indicates a stable employment landscape within the region.
Key industries in Medina County include manufacturing, insurance, and outdoor power equipment. Major employers in the broader region include RPM International, MTD Products, and Westfield Insurance, with other significant companies like Owens Corning and Parker Hannifin also having operations there (as reported by Team NEO). These established companies provide a strong base for employment and economic activity.
Major Employers
Several prominent companies have a significant presence in Medina County, contributing to its diverse employment base. Industry leaders such as RPM International, MTD Products, and Westfield Insurance have their global headquarters in the county (as reported by Team NEO). Additionally, large corporations like Owens Corning and Parker Hannifin have established division operations within the area (as reported by Team NEO).
The presence of both large corporations and smaller, locally-owned businesses creates a well-rounded job market. International companies, including Swiss and Japanese manufacturers serving the automotive industry, have also chosen Medina County for their operations, further diversifying the economic landscape (as reported by Team NEO).
Salaries and Wages
The average annual salary in Medina is approximately $46,557 (as reported by ReadySetHire). This figure can vary significantly based on the industry, specific role, and level of experience. For instance, while around 33% of jobs pay approximately $25,000 annually, top earners with specialized skills or in high-demand roles can earn as much as $119,901 per year (as reported by ReadySetHire).
Some of the highest-paying positions include Director of Nursing, with an average salary near $94,000, and CDL Driver, with earnings over $79,000 (as reported by ReadySetHire). Other well-compensated roles include Registered Nurse, averaging around $77,000 annually (as reported by ReadySetHire). These figures suggest a range of earning potential for residents.
Climate and Weather in Medina
Medina, Ohio, experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold and snowy. The average annual temperature ranges from a low of about 18°F in January to a high of 83°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The city receives a moderate amount of snowfall, with an average of 48 inches annually, and January typically being the snowiest month. Total annual precipitation is around 42 inches, distributed relatively evenly throughout the year. Spring and fall offer milder, more transitional weather conditions.
Temperatures
During the summer, July is the hottest month, with average high temperatures around 83°F and average lows of 62°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Conversely, January is the coldest month, with average high temperatures around 32°F and average lows of 18°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The average annual temperature in Medina is about 59°F for the high and 40°F for the low (as reported by Livability.com). The shoulder seasons of spring and fall provide comfortable weather, with temperatures typically ranging from the 50s to the 70s Fahrenheit.
Rainfall and Snowfall
Medina receives an average of 42 inches of precipitation annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). June is typically the wettest month, with approximately 5 inches of precipitation (as reported by myPerfectWeather). January sees the most snowfall, with around 13.6 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The total annual snowfall averages about 40 inches (as reported by Livability.com). The precipitation is spread throughout the year, meaning residents should be prepared for rain or snow in various seasons.
Education in Medina
Medina County’s public schools are highly regarded, with an average ranking of 10/10, placing them in the top 5% of Ohio public schools (as reported by Public School Review). The Medina City School District, in particular, is recognized for its academic performance.
The district consistently ranks among the top 20% of Ohio school districts, achieving high marks in overall ranking, math proficiency, reading proficiency, and science proficiency (as reported by Public School Review). The graduation rate is also notably high, at 97% (as reported by Public School Review).
School Ratings
The Medina City School District has earned an overall rating of 4.33 out of 5 stars on Niche, based on reviews from parents and students (as reported by Niche). The district is noted for its strong performance in standardized testing, with 74% of students proficient in math and 77% proficient in reading (as reported by Public School Review).
Schools within Medina County, such as Highland Elementary School, Sharon Elementary School, and Granger Elementary School, are among the top-ranked in the state (as reported by Public School Review). The Medina City School District also offers a robust educational environment, with 73% of students scoring proficient in math and 78% in reading according to state test scores (as reported by Public School Review).
Demographics and Student Body
Medina County’s public schools have a minority enrollment of 12% of the student body, which is lower than the Ohio public school average (as reported by Public School Review). The majority of this minority enrollment is Hispanic. In the Medina City School District specifically, minority enrollment is 15% of the student body, also predominantly Hispanic (as reported by Public School Review).
The student-teacher ratio in Medina High School is 17 to 1, with 1,912 students in grades 9-12 (as reported by Niche). The overall student population in Medina County’s public schools is approximately 25,143 across 45 schools (as reported by Public School Review).
Pros and Cons of Living in Medina
Medina offers a high quality of life with its safe environment, strong educational system, and community-focused atmosphere. The city’s historical charm, combined with its convenient location between Cleveland and Akron, makes it an attractive place to live. Residents appreciate the numerous parks and recreational opportunities available within Medina County.
However, the cost of living, particularly housing expenses, can be higher than the national average. While salaries are competitive, they may not always keep pace with the rising cost of housing, which could be a consideration for some. The city’s demographic makeup is also predominantly White, which may be a factor for those seeking greater racial diversity.
Pros
Medina is lauded for its safety, with crime rates significantly below national averages (as reported by AreaVibes). The educational system is a strong point, with Medina City School District receiving high rankings and strong test scores (as reported by Public School Review). The community offers a historical small-town feel with plenty of year-round family entertainment and annual festivals (as reported by Livability.com).
The city’s location between major metropolitan areas provides access to jobs and cultural attractions while maintaining a more relaxed pace of life. Additionally, Medina County boasts numerous parks and trails, offering ample opportunities for outdoor recreation (as reported by Livability.com).
Cons
The cost of living in Medina, especially housing, is higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). While median household incomes are substantial, they may not fully offset the higher housing costs for some individuals or families. The city also has a demographic profile that is less diverse compared to national averages, with a White population comprising over 90% (as reported by Data USA).
Some sources indicate that rental prices can be quite varied, and it’s essential to research current market conditions for accurate affordability assessments. The slightly higher cost of groceries also contributes to the overall cost of living.