Is Struthers Safe, Pros and cons of living in Struthers

Struthers, Ohio, offers a blend of small-town charm and community-focused living within the Youngstown-Warren metropolitan area. Nestled along the Mahoning River, this Mahoning County city has evolved from its industrial past into a diversified community with residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. It provides a more affordable alternative to many parts of the nation, making it an attractive option for families and individuals seeking a relaxed lifestyle.

The city is strategically located, with easy access to major interstates and within a reasonable driving distance of Cleveland and Pittsburgh. This accessibility, combined with a growing job market and supportive community resources, positions Struthers as a place with potential for both residents and businesses. The area is noted for its affordability in housing and overall cost of living, presenting a compelling case for those looking to maximize their budget.

Is it Safe to Live in Struthers?

Struthers’s overall crime rate is reported to be lower than the national average, with violent crime rates also falling below the national average. Specifically, Struthers has a violent crime rate of approximately 3.6 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly lower than the national average of 3.7 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Property crime rates are also lower than the national average, with Struthers recording about 21.9 crimes per 1,000 residents, which is 25% above the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The chance of being a victim of a violent crime in Struthers is about 1 in 353, and the chance of being a victim of property crime is about 1 in 94 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

While Struthers is considered safer than 35% of cities in the U.S., it’s important to note that crime rates can vary by neighborhood. Residents generally perceive the northeast part of the city as the safest, with chances of victimization ranging from 1 in 25 in the south to 1 in 44 in the northeast (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The city’s crime rate is higher than 80% of other cities and towns in Ohio (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, when compared to communities of similar population size, Struthers’s combined violent and property crime rate is above average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing and Cost of Living

Struthers presents a highly affordable housing market compared to national figures. The median home value in Struthers is approximately $87,000, significantly lower than the national median of $281,900 (as reported by Realtor.com). The median rent for a house in Struthers is around $900, which is considerably less than the national average rent of $1,469 (as reported by Zumper). This affordability extends to overall living expenses, with Struthers being about 13% less expensive than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).

The homeownership rate in Struthers is notable, with some sources indicating it as high as 88.0% (as reported by Kurby AI), while others state it is 69.3% (as reported by Data USA). Housing costs are a primary driver of the lower cost of living, with monthly housing expenses for a single person estimated at $639 and for a family of four at $1,172 (as reported by Salary.com). These figures underscore Struthers’s appeal for those seeking to reduce their cost of living.

Median Home Prices and Rent

The median home value in Struthers hovers around $87,000 to $100,100, showing an increase over recent years (as reported by Livability.com and Data USA). For renters, the median gross rent is approximately $850 to $888 per month (as reported by Livability.com and Realtor.com). These figures reflect a housing market that is accessible for both buyers and renters when compared to national benchmarks.

Overall Cost of Living

Struthers’s cost of living is substantially lower than the U.S. national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. Housing costs are a significant factor in this affordability, with expenses for rent and homeownership being considerably lower than the national median (as reported by Salary.com). Transportation, food, energy, and healthcare costs also contribute to the lower overall cost of living in Struthers.

Job Market and Economy

The job market in Struthers is diverse, with key employment sectors including retail trade, health care and social assistance, and manufacturing (as reported by Data USA). The city has seen a decline in employment in recent years, with employment decreasing by -5.43% from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA). However, Struthers is strategically positioned between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, offering potential for job growth and commute opportunities within the broader Mahoning Valley region.

Major employers in Struthers include Astro Shapes, an aluminum factory that is one of the city’s largest employers with over 450 jobs (as reported by City of Struthers). Other companies present in the area include retail and service establishments like McDonald’s, Dollar General, CVS Health, and Taco Bell (as reported by Indeed.com). The city is actively working to create more jobs and services, with a focus on industrial growth and attracting new opportunities.

Major Employers

Astro Shapes stands out as a significant employer in Struthers, providing over 450 jobs within its aluminum manufacturing operations (as reported by City of Struthers). While specific data on other major employers is not comprehensively detailed, the presence of retail giants like Dollar General and healthcare providers like CVS Health suggests a varied employment landscape. The city’s economic development efforts aim to attract and retain businesses, fostering job creation across different sectors.

Unemployment and Salary

The unemployment rate in Struthers stands at approximately 4.7%, which is considered typical for the region (as reported by Point2Homes). This rate indicates a relatively stable job market for those actively seeking employment. The average annual household income in Struthers was reported as $66,123 in 2024, with a median income of $53,447 (as reported by Data USA). These figures suggest a local economy where incomes are generally lower than the national average, but this is offset by the lower cost of living.

Climate and Weather

Struthers experiences a four-season climate typical of northeastern Ohio. Summers are warm and humid, with average high temperatures around 79°F and lows around 54°F, though July can see highs reaching up to 83°F (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline and City of Struthers). Winters are cold and snowy, with average temperatures ranging from a low of 19°F to a high of 33°F in January (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Annual precipitation averages around 42 inches, with snowfall contributing significantly during the winter months, averaging about 43 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures, making them pleasant times to visit or enjoy outdoor activities. The humidity level remains comfortable during the summer, contributing to a pleasant environment for residents.

Average Temperatures and Rainfall

Throughout the year, temperatures in Struthers typically range from 19°F to 83°F, with rare extremes outside of this range (as reported by City of Struthers). The average annual rainfall is approximately 42 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). June is typically the wettest month, with an average of 11.4 days experiencing precipitation (as reported by City of Struthers).

Seasonal Conditions

Struthers experiences distinct seasonal changes. Summers are characterized by warm, humid conditions with partly cloudy skies, while winters are cold, snowy, and mostly cloudy (as reported by City of Struthers). Spring brings a gradual warming trend and increased rainfall, while autumn offers cooler temperatures and clear skies, creating a picturesque setting.

Education and Schools

The Struthers City School District serves the educational needs of the community, with schools generally receiving mixed reviews. Struthers High School, for instance, is ranked in the bottom 50% of Ohio public schools for overall test scores, with proficiency rates in math and reading below the state averages (as reported by National Center for Education Statistics and OH Dept. of Education). However, it boasts a high 4-year graduation rate of 95.9% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Struthers Middle School has shown strong performance in specific subjects like Algebra I, exceeding state averages, and also has good science proficiency rates (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Struthers Elementary School, however, has struggled with proficiency rates below state averages in both math and English language arts (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Despite these mixed academic results, the district serves a large student population, with a significant percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a diverse socioeconomic background within the student body.

School District Performance

The Struthers City School District is rated a ‘B’ overall by Niche, indicating a generally positive but not outstanding performance (as reported by Niche). While individual schools show varying levels of academic achievement, the district is noted for its diversity and for being a good place to teach within the Youngstown Area (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio at Struthers High School is 13:1, which is lower than the state average (as reported by National Center for Education Statistics and OH Dept. of Education).

Student Demographics and Achievement

The student population in Struthers schools reflects the city’s demographics, with a minority enrollment of around 29-31% across the schools (as reported by Struthers Elementary School and Struthers High School). A substantial portion of students, ranging from 73.16% to 78.37%, are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, highlighting the socioeconomic diversity within the district (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). While academic proficiency scores vary, the high graduation rate at the high school is a notable achievement.

Demographics

Struthers has a population of approximately 9,923 residents, with a median age of 40.6 years (as reported by Data USA). The racial makeup is predominantly White, accounting for about 82.9% of the population, with smaller percentages of Black or African American, and individuals identifying with two or more races (as reported by Point2Homes and Data USA). Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute about 9.31% of the population (as reported by Data USA).

The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with 49.5% males and 50.5% females (as reported by Point2Homes). The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a very high naturalization rate (as reported by Data USA). The population has seen a slight decrease in recent years, with a -1.74% decline since the 2020 census (as reported by Data USA).

Population and Age Distribution

With a population hovering around 9,900 individuals, Struthers is a mid-sized city. The median age is 40.6 years, indicating a population with a significant number of adults in their prime working years and a substantial older demographic (as reported by Data USA). Approximately 17.6% of the population are children under 15, and about 20.1% are 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes).

Racial and Ethnic Makeup

The demographic profile of Struthers is largely Caucasian, making up over 80% of the population (as reported by Point2Homes and Data USA). Other significant racial groups include African Americans and individuals of two or more races. The Hispanic or Latino population represents a smaller but present segment of the community (as reported by Data USA).

Pros and Cons of Living in Struthers

Struthers offers several advantages, primarily its affordability in housing and overall cost of living, which are significantly below the national average (as reported by Livability.com and ERI Economic Research Institute). The city provides a community-focused atmosphere and a slower pace of life, appealing to those who prefer a close-knit environment. Its strategic location also offers convenient access to larger metropolitan areas for employment and amenities.

However, Struthers faces challenges, including a relatively higher crime rate compared to some other Ohio cities and the national average, although it is lower than the national average for violent crimes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and CrimeGrade.org). The job market has seen recent declines in employment, and while average incomes are lower than the national median, the cost of living is also lower, which can balance out earning potential. Educational outcomes at some of the local schools are mixed, with some performing below state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Pros

The most significant pro of living in Struthers is its exceptional affordability. Housing costs, whether renting or buying, are substantially lower than the national median, making homeownership more attainable (as reported by Realtor.com and Livability.com). The overall cost of living is also reduced, allowing residents to stretch their budgets further.

Another pro is the community-oriented atmosphere and the slower pace of life, which can be very appealing for families and individuals seeking a less hectic lifestyle. The city’s location also provides a good balance, offering the benefits of a small town while remaining accessible to the larger economic and cultural hubs of Youngstown, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh.

Cons

One of the primary cons is the crime rate, which, while lower than the national average for violent crimes, is still higher than many comparable communities in Ohio (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This can be a significant concern for potential residents evaluating safety. Additionally, the local job market has experienced a recent decline in employment, which might present challenges for job seekers (as reported by Data USA).

Mixed academic performance in some of the local schools is another con to consider, particularly for families prioritizing highly-rated educational institutions. While Struthers High School has a strong graduation rate, proficiency scores in core subjects at various levels fall below state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).