Is Girard Safe, Pros and cons of living in Girard
Girard, Ohio, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and community-focused living within the Youngstown-Warren metropolitan area. This city provides a distinct atmosphere for those seeking a slower pace of life while remaining connected to the amenities of a larger urban center. Its location along the Mahoning River adds a natural element to the landscape, contributing to its overall appeal.
The community is characterized by its residential neighborhoods, local businesses, and a sense of close-knit community. Girard is a place where residents often find a welcoming environment, fostering a sense of belonging. The city’s infrastructure supports a comfortable lifestyle, with various services and recreational opportunities available to its inhabitants.
Is it Safe to Live in Girard?
Girard presents a varied safety profile, with overall crime rates reported to be lower than the national average. The crime rate in Girard is 23% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). Violent crimes in Girard are 32% lower than the national average, and property crimes are 21.7% lower than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes). Residents have a 1 in 62 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Girard overall (according to AreaVibes).
However, crime can vary by neighborhood, with some areas experiencing lower crime rates than others. While the north part of the city is generally considered the safest, your chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 20 in the southwest neighborhoods to 1 in 52 in the north (according to CrimeGrade.org). The city has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026, with an overall crime rate estimated to be 42% below the national average (according to DoorProfit).
Cost of Living and Housing in Girard
Girard is recognized for its affordability, with a cost of living that is generally lower than both the national and state averages. The cost of living in Girard is 13% lower than the U.S. national average and 158% higher than Ohio’s state average (according to Salary.com). This affordability is significantly driven by housing costs, which are notably lower than many other areas.
The median home value in Girard is approximately $96,200 (according to Kurby AI), though other sources indicate a median home value of $105,736 (according to Livability.com). The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Girard is $1,325 as of April 2026 (according to Zumper), which is 32% lower than the national average. Housing costs in Girard are more affordable than the U.S. average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).
Job Market and Economy
The job market in Girard is influenced by its proximity to larger employment centers, offering diverse work opportunities. Employment in Girard grew at a rate of 4.74% between 2023 and 2024, with the most common employment sectors being Manufacturing, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade (according to Data USA). The most common job groups for residents include Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Management Occupations (according to Data USA).
The average annual household income in Girard was $68,541 in 2024, with a median income of $52,550 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau). The median wage in Girard is $36,000 per year, with wages typically ranging from $28,100 to $47,100 (according to ZipRecruiter). For city employment, Salary.com estimates the average total compensation package to be around $66,243 annually (according to Salary.com).
Climate and Environment
Girard experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 17°F to 83°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The average annual precipitation is around 42 inches, with an average annual snowfall of 46 inches (according to myPerfectWeather).
Summers are warm and can be partly cloudy, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 82°F and a low of 62°F (according to Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Girard Ohio). Winters are freezing, snowy, and mostly cloudy, with January being the coldest month, averaging a low of 21°F and a high of 34°F (according to Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Girard Ohio).
Education and Schools
The public school system in Girard serves a significant portion of the student population, with generally positive reviews for its educational offerings. Girard public schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% and a reading proficiency score of 62% (according to Niche). The district’s average testing ranking is 6/10, placing it in the top 50% of public schools in Ohio (according to Girard City School District). Prospect Elementary School, Girard Junior High School, and Girard Sr High School are among the top-ranked public schools in the area (according to Niche).
Minority enrollment in Girard public schools is 20% of the student body, which is less than the Ohio public school average (according to Niche). The Girard City School District has a graduation rate of 92%, though this has decreased from previous years (according to Girard City School District). Overall, the schools are considered above average by some sources (according to Niche).
Demographics and Community
Girard is home to a population of approximately 9,500 residents, with a median age of around 43.7 years (according to Data USA and World Population Review). The population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American and other racial groups (according to Data USA and World Population Review). The gender distribution is fairly balanced, with slightly more females than males (according to Point2Homes).
A significant portion of the population falls into the adult age brackets, with about 20.2% being 65 or older (according to Point2Homes). The poverty rate in Girard is around 18.1% (according to Kurby AI), which is near the national average. The community is described as having a sparse suburban feel, with most residents owning their homes (according to Niche).
Major Employers and Economic Landscape
Girard’s economy benefits from a mix of local businesses and its proximity to larger employment hubs. Key employment sectors for residents include Manufacturing, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade (according to Data USA). While specific major employers within Girard are not extensively detailed in available data, the broader region supports industries that contribute to the local economy.
Companies like Trinity Industries and Vallourec are noted in the manufacturing sector within Girard (according to Indeed.com). The city’s location within the Youngstown-Warren metropolitan area provides access to a wider range of industries and employment opportunities, supporting the economic landscape for its residents.