Is Barberton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Barberton
Barberton, Ohio, nestled southwest of Akron, presents a unique blend of historical charm and suburban practicality. Known as “The Magic City” for its rapid growth, Barberton offers residents access to green spaces, cultural attractions, and a community-focused atmosphere. This guide delves into the key aspects of life in Barberton, providing insights for those considering a move to this Summit County community.
The city’s identity is deeply rooted in its industrial past, with O.C. Barber founding the town in 1891 with a vision for progress. Today, Barberton maintains a connection to its heritage while evolving to meet the needs of its nearly 25,000 residents. Its location provides a convenient commute to Akron and the wider metropolitan area, balancing the tranquility of suburban living with access to urban amenities.
Is it Safe to Live in Barberton?
Barberton’s overall crime rate is a complex picture, with some metrics indicating higher-than-average rates compared to national and state figures. The city experiences a higher incidence of property crimes than the national average (according to FBI crime data). However, violent crime rates in Barberton are lower than the national average (according to FBI crime data).
When considering personal safety, the chance of being a victim of a violent crime in Barberton is approximately 1 in 330, while the risk of being a victim of property crime is about 1 in 49 (according to AreaVibes). NeighborhoodScout reports that Barberton’s crime rate is higher than 92% of Ohio’s cities and towns. Residents often consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest area (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Market and Costs
Home Values and Ownership
The housing market in Barberton is characterized by home values that are significantly lower than the national average. The median home value in Barberton was approximately $152,665 as of March 2026, showing a slight increase of 2.6% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). This median value is considerably lower than the national median of $332,700 (as reported by Niche).
The homeownership rate in Barberton stands at 62.3%, which is slightly below the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA). The median property value in Barberton was $135,200 in 2024, representing a 12.6% increase from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). Approximately 41% of residents find housing in Barberton to be affordable (as per Niche).
Rental Market Insights
For those considering renting, Barberton offers a range of options with average rents below the national average. The average rent for all property types in Barberton was around $1,100 as of April 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This figure is considerably lower than the national average rent of $1,910 (as reported by Zillow).
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Barberton is approximately $939, while a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,309 (as reported by Rentometer). For houses, the average rent for a two-bedroom can be near $1,700, with larger homes falling between $1,200 and $1,400 (as reported by Rentometer). The median rent in Barberton was $960 as of April 2026, which is 51% lower than the national median (as reported by Zumper).
Cost of Living
Overall Affordability
Barberton is recognized for its affordability, with a cost of living that is below both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living in Barberton is 14% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing expenses are a significant contributor to this affordability, being 42.3% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
More specifically, Barberton’s cost of living is 6% lower than the U.S. national average, though it is 26% higher than Ohio’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). This suggests that while Barberton is affordable compared to many other U.S. cities, it is on the higher end for Ohio cities. Housing costs are particularly low, with expenses being 21.5% lower than the national average at approximately $942 per month for a single person (as reported by Salary.com).
Expense Breakdown
When examining specific expenses, Barberton’s cost of living index is 86, with the national average being 100 (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing costs are substantially lower, at 58 compared to the national average of 100 (as reported by AreaVibes). Utilities are also more affordable, at 19% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale).
However, some costs are slightly higher than the national average. Grocery prices in Barberton are 5% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Transportation expenses, including bus fares and gas prices, are 2% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Healthcare costs are 14% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale).
Job Market and Economy
Employment Landscape
Barberton’s economy is supported by a workforce of over 11,000 residents, with an employment rate of 95.8% (as reported by Point2Homes). The majority of the workforce, 71.9%, is employed in white-collar positions, while 28.1% are in blue-collar roles (as reported by Point2Homes). A significant portion of residents, 74.3%, work for private companies, with others employed by non-profit organizations or self-employed.
The largest industries in Barberton are Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). Higher-paying industries include Utilities, Public Administration, and Finance & Insurance (as reported by Data USA). The average annual salary in Barberton is approximately $43,654, which equates to about $20.99 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Major Employers and Industries
Key sectors contributing to Barberton’s employment include manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Companies like ARDL Labs, AW Metals, and HEXPOL Barberton are present in the manufacturing sector (as reported by the City of Barberton). In the healthcare field, Summa Health is a significant employer (as reported by the City of Barberton).
The city’s Business Jobs Gateway lists various opportunities across manufacturing, health and wellness, and hospitality. While specific large employers are not exhaustively detailed in all sources, the presence of national retailers like Dollar General and CVS Health, along with food service establishments, indicates a diverse employment base (as reported by Indeed.com).
Climate and Weather
Seasonal Temperature Variations
Barberton experiences distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 20°F to 82°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 4°F or exceeding 90°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The warm season lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures climbing above 73°F.
July is the hottest month, with average highs around 82°F and lows of 64°F. Conversely, the cold season spans from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 43°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 22°F and highs of 34°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
Precipitation and Wind
Barberton receives a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year. Average monthly rainfall ranges from about 1.56 inches in February to 3.95 inches in June (as reported by Time and Date). The city experiences significant seasonal variation in wind speed, with the windier period occurring from late October to early May.
January typically sees the highest average wind speeds, reaching up to 10.5 miles per hour. The calmer season lasts from early May to late October, with August being the calmest month, averaging around 6.2 miles per hour (as reported by Weather Spark). The area’s climate is influenced by its location in Ohio, experiencing typical Midwestern weather patterns.
Education and Schools
School District Performance
Barberton City School District serves the educational needs of the community, with an overall Niche grade of B- (as reported by Niche). The district serves approximately 3,634 students in grades PK-12, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 46% of students are proficient in math and 53% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche).
Barberton High School also receives a grade of B- (as reported by Niche). The school offers Advanced Placement (AP) and College Credit Plus (CCP) classes, providing opportunities for higher-level learning. Niche rankings place the Barberton City School District among the top for diversity and athletic programs within Ohio.
School Environment and Rankings
The Barberton City School District is described as community-oriented, with an emphasis on education and a strong, encouraging community feel (as reported by Niche reviews). Students and alumni highlight the supportive environment for academics, athletics, and arts programs. Many reviews mention strong relationships with teachers and a sense of belonging within the district.
Within Summit County, the Barberton City School District ranks highly for diversity and athletic programs (as reported by Niche). Barberton High School is also noted for its teachers and athletic programs within the Cleveland Area and Summit County rankings (as reported by Niche).
Demographics
Population and Diversity
Barberton has a population of approximately 24,844 residents as of the most recent Census data (as reported by Point2Homes). The population has seen a slight decrease from previous years. The gender distribution is nearly even, with 48.3% males and 51.7% females (as reported by Point2Homes).
The racial makeup of Barberton is predominantly White, accounting for 84.6% of the population, followed by Black at 9.4%, and Multiracial at 4.3% (as reported by Census Dots). Hispanic residents make up 1.5% of the population (as reported by Census Dots). The city’s population is aging, with a median age of 39.5 years (as reported by Census Dots).
Household and Income Data
Barberton consists of 10,974 households, with an average of two members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income in Barberton was $52,267 in 2024, reflecting a growth of 6.8% over the previous year (as reported by Point2Homes). The poverty rate in Barberton is 15.6%, which is higher than the national average of 12.5% (as reported by Data USA).
For renters, the median household income was $31,286 in 2022, with a rent-to-income ratio of 32.5% (as reported by Point2Homes). The median individual income in Barberton was $32,482 between 2020 and 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts).
Pros and Cons of Living in Barberton
Advantages of Barberton
Barberton offers a notably low cost of living, significantly below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. Housing costs, in particular, are substantially lower than the national average, contributing to overall affordability (as reported by AreaVibes and Salary.com).
The city provides a suburban lifestyle with access to parks and recreational areas, fostering a sense of community. Its proximity to Akron also offers convenient access to employment, entertainment, and services. The presence of a public school district with a B- rating provides educational options for families (as reported by Niche).
Challenges and Considerations
While affordable, Barberton faces challenges related to crime rates, which are higher than both state and national averages in some categories, particularly property crime (as reported by AreaVibes and NeighborhoodScout). The median household income is also lower than the national average, and the poverty rate is above the national average (as reported by Data USA and U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts).
The job market, while present, may not offer the same high-paying opportunities as larger metropolitan areas. Additionally, while the climate is temperate, it experiences cold winters with significant snowfall. The school district, while community-focused, has a B- rating, which may be a consideration for families prioritizing top-tier education.