Is Rossford Safe, Pros and cons of living in Rossford

Rossford, Ohio, offers a blend of small-town charm and accessible amenities, making it a noteworthy option for those considering a move to the Buckeye State. Situated in Wood County, this community provides a distinct atmosphere with a focus on local engagement and a generally lower cost of living compared to national averages. Its location near the Maumee River and within the Toledo metropolitan area provides both natural beauty and proximity to larger urban conveniences.

The city presents a unique profile for potential residents, balancing affordability with a desire for community connection. With a population hovering around 6,300, Rossford maintains a close-knit feel while benefiting from the economic and cultural influences of the broader Toledo region. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what living in Rossford entails, covering safety, cost of living, employment, climate, education, and demographics.

Is it Safe to Live in Rossford?

Rossford’s overall crime rate is reported to be 34.08 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). This rate is considered higher than the average for U.S. cities, with Rossford ranking in the 26th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 26% of cities (according to CrimeGrade.org). However, other sources indicate a more favorable picture, with one report stating that Rossford has a crime rate that is 53% below the national average and that violent crimes are 46% lower than the national average (according to DoorProfit). Your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Rossford varies by neighborhood, with the west part of the city generally considered the safest (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Violent crime rates in Rossford are significantly below the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Specifically, the chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime is one in 3,177, with a violent crime rate of 0 per one thousand inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates, including burglary and larceny, are approximately 6 per 1,000 residents, which is considered average for cities across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The cost of crime per resident in Rossford is approximately $434 per year, which is slightly less than the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Costs in Rossford

The housing market in Rossford offers a notable degree of affordability. The median home value in Rossford is approximately $174,900, which is considerably lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA). This median value has seen a slight increase of 0.807% between 2023 and 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Rossford stands at 64.3%, which is slightly below the national average (as reported by Data USA).

Rental costs in Rossford are also generally lower than the national average. The average rent for an apartment in Rossford is around $782 per month, making it about 52% more affordable than the national average rent (as reported by Apartments.com). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is approximately $782 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages around $924 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Rossford was $1,100 as of March 2026, which is 42% lower than the national average (as reported by Zumper).

Home Prices and Market Trends

As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Rossford was $208,000, showing a decrease of 9.07% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is $140, down 19.3% from the prior year (as reported by Redfin). Rossford’s housing market is described as somewhat competitive, with homes typically selling in about 60 days (as reported by Redfin).

Recent sales data from April 2026 indicates a median home price of $265,000, with properties selling on average after 16 days on the market (as reported by Movoto). In April 2026, Rossford experienced a seller’s market, suggesting more buyers than available homes (as reported by Movoto). This trend is further supported by reports that homes can sell for approximately 3% above list price and go pending in around 34 days in competitive segments of the market (as reported by Redfin).

Rental Market Insights

The rental market in Rossford presents a budget-friendly option for residents. The average rent for an apartment in Rossford is $862, reflecting a 5.15% increase from the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). One-bedroom apartments offer an average of 576 square feet for about $799 per month, providing a balance of privacy and affordability (as reported by RentCafe). Two-bedroom units, averaging 837 square feet, are priced around $929 per month, suitable for roommates or small families (as reported by RentCafe).

A significant portion of rentals in Rossford, approximately 86%, fall within a monthly price range that suggests most individuals can find suitable apartments within this budget (as reported by RentCafe). The median rent for all rentals in Rossford, as of March 2026, was $1,100, which is considerably lower than the national average (as reported by Zumper). This affordability extends to the overall cost of living, with household bills in Rossford being 14% lower than the U.S. median (as reported by doxo).

Cost of Living in Rossford

Rossford, Ohio, offers a cost of living that is generally favorable compared to both national and state averages. The overall cost of living in Rossford is 7% lower than the U.S. national average and 32% higher than Ohio’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). This reflects a slight increase from the previous year, driven by housing, transportation, and food costs (as reported by Salary.com).

For singles, the estimated monthly cost of living in Rossford is around $2,312, while for a family of four, it is approximately $5,090 (as reported by Salary.com). Housing costs are particularly attractive, being 43.5% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com). Groceries, energy, transportation, and healthcare expenses also run below average, contributing to the overall affordability of the city (as reported by Salary.com).

Affordability and Daily Expenses

The affordability of Rossford is a significant draw for residents, with housing costs being a major factor. The median home value is around $165,400, which is substantially lower than the national median (as reported by Kurby AI). This makes Rossford an appealing option for first-time homebuyers or those looking to downsize (as reported by Kurby AI).

Daily expenses such as groceries and utilities are also managed effectively within Rossford. Food expenses are approximately 25.9% below the national average (as reported by Salary.com). While specific utility costs can vary, overall energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are about 21.1% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com). These combined factors contribute to a lower overall cost of living, allowing residents’ money to stretch further (as reported by Kurby AI).

Job Market and Employment in Rossford

Rossford’s job market is characterized by a growing employment sector, with a notable presence in manufacturing and healthcare. Between 2023 and 2024, employment in Rossford grew by 0.716%, increasing the number of employed residents from 3.63k to 3.66k (as reported by Data USA). The primary employment sectors for Rossford residents include Manufacturing, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA).

The average salary in Rossford, as of April 2026, is approximately $43,850 per year, or $21.08 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This figure falls within the typical salary range for many U.S. cities. While specific major employers are not comprehensively listed across all sources, national companies like Walmart, McDonald’s, FedEx, Target, UPS, and Amazon have a presence in or near Rossford (as reported by Indeed.com). A significant development is the upcoming automotive manufacturing facility expected to bring nearly 1,000 jobs to Rossford, manufacturing specialty automotive parts and aiming for full operation by 2027 (as reported by WTOL.com).

Major Employers and Industries

The industrial landscape of Rossford is diverse, with manufacturing forming a cornerstone of its economy. Companies in hydraulics, technology, automotive, retail, and transportation have established a presence in the community (as reported by Welcome to Rossford, OH). The upcoming automotive manufacturing facility is poised to become a major employer, with an anticipated workforce of around 1,000 individuals (as reported by WTOL.com).

Beyond manufacturing, the healthcare and social assistance sector also provides significant employment opportunities for Rossford residents (as reported by Data USA). Retail trade is another key industry, supported by the presence of national retailers (as reported by Indeed.com). The city’s strategic location, nestled between Interstates 75 and U.S. 80/90, enhances its appeal for businesses seeking logistical advantages and access to a broad industrial market (as reported by Welcome to Rossford, OH).

Unemployment and Wages

The unemployment rate in Rossford is reported at 4.8% (as reported by Kurby AI). This figure is close to the national average, suggesting a stable job market. The median household income in Rossford was $71,199 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This median income is higher than the amount in the Toledo, Ohio Metro Area ($65,486) and comparable to the amount in Ohio ($71,389) (as reported by Census Reporter).

While specific average salary data varies slightly by source, ZipRecruiter indicates an average annual salary of $43,850 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Other data suggests a median income of $74,886 (as reported by Kurby AI) and a median household income of $71,199 (as reported by Data USA). The City of Rossford itself employs individuals with an average annual salary of $68,133 as of April 2026, with a typical range of $59,794 to $77,538 (as reported by Lensa).

Climate and Weather in Rossford

Rossford, Ohio, experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The average daily high temperature ranges from approximately 83°F in July to a cold 33°F in January (as reported by Weather Spark). The city sees significant temperature swings throughout the year, with temperatures typically varying between 19°F and 84°F, rarely dropping below 2°F or exceeding 92°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of about 41 inches (as reported by Best Time to Visit). June is typically the wettest month, averaging around 4.8 inches of precipitation, while January is the driest (as reported by Best Time to Visit). Snowfall is common during the winter months, with an average annual snowfall of 25 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Temperature and Seasonal Variations

The warm season in Rossford spans from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures averaging above 74°F (as reported by Weather Spark). July is the warmest month, featuring an average high of 83°F and a low of 65°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Conversely, the cold season lasts from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 43°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

January is the coldest month, with average temperatures ranging from a low of 20°F to a high of 33°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Spring and autumn offer milder transitional weather, with average temperatures in May ranging from highs in the low 70s°F to lows in the 50s°F, and October seeing highs in the 60s°F and lows in the 40s°F (as reported by Country Studies).

Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns

Rossford experiences a notable amount of precipitation throughout the year. The average annual precipitation, including rain and snow, totals around 1034 mm (41 inches) (as reported by Best Time to Visit). The period from late March to late September is generally wetter, with a higher chance of a wet day (as reported by Weather Spark).

June receives the most rainfall, averaging approximately 3.1 inches, and has the highest number of wet days, around 10.4 days (as reported by Weather Spark). The drier season extends from late September to late March, with February having the fewest wet days, averaging about 5.4 days (as reported by Weather Spark). The average annual rainfall is 34 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Education and School Ratings in Rossford

Rossford is served by the Rossford Exempted Village School District, which includes Rossford Elementary School, Rossford Junior High School, and Rossford High School. The district overall receives a B- rating from Niche (as reported by Niche). Rossford Junior High School shows particular strength in academic performance, with students exceeding state and district averages in 8th-grade science and 7th-grade math (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Rossford High School also demonstrates strong points, including a high 4-year graduation rate of 92.6% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). However, the district faces challenges such as high chronic absenteeism rates across all its schools, around 18.3% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). There is also a notable socioeconomic divide, as indicated by the significant difference in free/reduced lunch rates between the elementary/junior high schools and the high school (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

School District Performance

The Rossford Exempted Village School District is rated 3.71 out of 5 on Niche, based on factors like academics, teachers, and diversity (as reported by Niche). While the district has areas of strength, such as proficiency rates in certain subjects at the junior high and high graduation rates, it also faces challenges. The chronic absenteeism rate of 18.3% is a concern across the district (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Student proficiency in math is reported at 54%, and in reading at 59% (as reported by Niche). Per-student spending varies, with the elementary school at approximately $12,164 and the high school at about $16,074 (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Rossford High School is ranked 528th out of 855 schools in Ohio, while Rossford Junior High School is ranked 491st out of 1,036 (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Educational Opportunities

Rossford Elementary School, serving Pre-K to 5th grade, has a GreatSchools Rating of 4 out of 10 and a Niche grade of B- (as reported by Homes.com). Math proficiency at the elementary level is 55%, and reading proficiency is 65% (as reported by Homes.com). Rossford High School, for grades 9-12, has a Niche rating of 3.53 out of 5 based on 104 reviews (as reported by Niche).

The district’s overall ranking places it better than 55.9% of all U.S. school districts and 49.6% of Ohio school districts (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While specific college readiness data is not broadly available, the high graduation rate at Rossford High School suggests a foundation for post-secondary pursuits (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Demographics and Population of Rossford

Rossford, Ohio, is home to approximately 6,323 residents, with a slight population increase noted since the 2020 Census (as reported by Data USA). The population is predominantly White, making up about 91.1% of residents, followed by Hispanic at 5.4% and Multiracial at 2.8% (as reported by Census Reporter). This demographic makeup is considerably less diverse than Ohio overall (as reported by Census Reporter).

The median age in Rossford is 40.6 years, with a relatively even distribution across age groups, though adults between 25 and 64 form the largest segments of the population (as reported by Data USA). The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with 50.3% male and 49.7% female residents (as reported by Point2Homes).

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The racial composition of Rossford is primarily White, accounting for 91.1% of the population (as reported by Census Reporter). Hispanic residents constitute 5.4% of the population, and those identifying with two or more races make up 2.8% (as reported by Census Reporter). Other racial groups, including Black or African American and Asian populations, are present in smaller percentages (as reported by Census Reporter).

Compared to the state of Ohio, Rossford has a significantly higher share of White residents and a comparable share of Hispanic residents (as reported by Census Reporter). The city has become less racially diverse since the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Reporter).

Age, Gender, and Household Data

The median age in Rossford is 40.6 years (as reported by Data USA). The population distribution shows approximately 15.2% are children under 15, with significant portions in the 15-24 (12.1%), 25-44 (28.5%), and 45-64 (28.4%) age brackets (as reported by Point2Homes). Those aged 65 and older comprise about 15.8% of the population (as reported by Point2Homes).

Rossford has 2,759 households, with an average of 2 members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). Approximately 56.6% of these are families, while 43.4% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes). The gender split is nearly equal, with 50.3% male and 49.7% female residents (as reported by Point2Homes).

Pros and Cons of Living in Rossford

Living in Rossford offers several advantages, including a lower cost of living and a generally safe environment. The median home price is significantly below the national average, making it an attractive option for homebuyers (as reported by Data USA). The city’s crime rates, particularly for violent crimes, are lower than national averages, contributing to a sense of security (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

The job market is robust, with growth in key sectors like manufacturing and healthcare, and the upcoming automotive facility promises further employment opportunities (as reported by Data USA, WTOL.com). Rossford also boasts a favorable climate for outdoor activities during warmer months, with comfortable temperatures and moderate rainfall (as reported by Weather Spark).

Key Advantages

One of the primary benefits of living in Rossford is its affordability, particularly concerning housing. The median home value is substantially lower than the national median, offering excellent value for real estate investment (as reported by Kurby AI). The cost of living, including expenses for housing, groceries, and utilities, is also below the national average (as reported by Salary.com).

The community’s safety profile, with low violent crime rates, is another significant advantage (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Furthermore, Rossford’s strategic location provides convenient access to major transportation routes and the broader economic resources of the Toledo metropolitan area (as reported by Welcome to Rossford, OH). The local school district, while facing some challenges, offers a range of educational opportunities for students (as reported by Niche).

Potential Drawbacks

While Rossford offers many benefits, potential residents should be aware of certain drawbacks. The overall crime rate is reported to be higher than the national average, and some neighborhoods experience more crime than others (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The educational system, though striving for improvement, contends with high chronic absenteeism rates (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

The demographic makeup of Rossford is less diverse compared to the state of Ohio and the nation (as reported by Census Reporter). Additionally, while the cost of living is generally low, it is higher than the Ohio state average (as reported by Salary.com). Some sources indicate that Rossford’s crime rate is higher than that of the average U.S. city (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).