Is Canal Fulton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Canal Fulton
Canal Fulton, Ohio, offers a blend of small-town charm and community-focused living, situated along the historic Ohio & Erie Canal. This community provides a welcoming atmosphere for families, retirees, and professionals alike, seeking a quieter pace of life without sacrificing access to modern conveniences. Its location provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and a connection to local history.
The town’s appeal lies in its close-knit environment and the accessibility of its cost of living, making it an attractive option for those looking to establish roots. Canal Fulton is part of the Canton-Massillon metropolitan area, offering residents the benefits of a smaller community while being within reach of larger city amenities and employment centers.
Is it Safe to Live in Canal Fulton?
Canal Fulton demonstrates a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are significantly lower than national averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 59% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). This includes a notable reduction in violent crimes, which are 63.5% lower than the national average (AreaVibes).
Property crime rates also contribute to the town’s safety, with Canal Fulton experiencing 58.5% fewer property crimes than the national average (AreaVibes). These statistics suggest that residents can feel secure in their daily lives, with a low overall chance of becoming a victim of crime. The town is considered safer than 65% of other cities in the United States (AreaVibes).
Housing and Cost of Living
The cost of living in Canal Fulton is a significant draw for many, generally falling below the national average. Overall living expenses are about 10% lower than the U.S. national average (Salary.com). This affordability extends to housing, which is a primary factor in the town’s appeal.
The median home value in Canal Fulton is approximately $170,600 (Kurby AI), making homeownership more accessible compared to many other areas. The median rent for all property types is around $995 per month (Zillow). These figures reflect a market that is more budget-friendly than the national median, allowing residents to allocate their income more flexibly.
Housing Costs
Housing costs in Canal Fulton are notably lower than the national average. The median home value is around $170,600 (Kurby AI), and the median listing price is $352.5K (Canal Fulton Housing Market). This provides a stable entry point for potential homeowners.
Rental prices also reflect this affordability, with the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types being $900 as of May 2026 (Zumper). Houses for rent average around $1,325 per month (Zumper), offering a range of options for renters.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Canal Fulton is generally considered affordable, with various components contributing to its lower-than-average status. Housing costs are a major factor, being 35.5% lower than the national average (Salary.com). Food expenses are also below average, running 23.9% less than the national figures (Salary.com).
Transportation, energy, and healthcare costs are also more affordable, collectively being 17.5% lower than the national average (Salary.com). These combined savings contribute to a monthly expense of approximately $1800 for a single person and $3998 for a family of four, making Canal Fulton an economically attractive place to live (Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
Canal Fulton’s economy is supported by a workforce of approximately 2,455 residents (Point2Homes). The job market offers a variety of opportunities, with certain sectors and roles providing competitive salaries. The average annual salary in Canal Fulton is around $39,533 (ZipRecruiter).
While the average salary is lower than some national figures, the cost of living in Canal Fulton helps to balance this out, making it a viable option for many. The town’s employment landscape includes a mix of local businesses and proximity to larger employment hubs in the surrounding metropolitan area.
Major Employers
While specific major employers within Canal Fulton are not extensively detailed in the provided data, the surrounding Stark County and the broader Northwest Ohio region host significant industries. These include healthcare, advanced manufacturing, automotive, and education sectors (Regional Growth Partnership). ProMedica Health Systems and Mercy Health are notable healthcare employers in the wider Northwest Ohio region (Regional Growth Partnership).
The presence of these larger industries in the region suggests that residents of Canal Fulton may find employment opportunities in these sectors, even if the primary employers are located outside the immediate town limits. Companies like Walmart, Amazon, and FedEx are also significant employers in the broader Ohio region (Ohio Labor Market Information).
Average Salary and Income
The median household income in Canal Fulton was $62,044 as of 2024 (Data USA). This figure reflects a slight growth from the previous year. The average annual household income was reported as $78,104, though this can fluctuate based on various factors and data sources (Point2Homes).
For individuals, the median salary is approximately $39,533 per year, which equates to about $19.01 per hour (ZipRecruiter). Salaries for truck drivers, a notable occupation, average around $1307 per week (Indeed).
Climate and Weather
Canal Fulton experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The average high temperature in July, the warmest month, reaches around 82.2°F (4). January is the coldest month, with average lows around 18.9°F (-7.3°C) (4).
The town receives a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year. Total annual precipitation averages about 40.09 inches (Plantmaps). The wettest month is typically June, while February and September are the driest (4).
Temperature and Seasons
Summers in Canal Fulton are warm and pleasant, with temperatures generally comfortable. The warm season lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 73°F (6). July is consistently the hottest month, with highs averaging 82°F and lows around 64°F (6).
Winters are cold and bring snowfall. The cold season extends from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 44°F (6). January is the coldest month, with average temperatures ranging from a low of 19°F to a high of 35°F (8).
Precipitation and Snowfall
Canal Fulton receives an average of 40.09 inches of precipitation annually (Plantmaps). The distribution of rain varies throughout the year, with June being the wettest month and February and September being the driest (4). Snowfall is common during the winter months.
The town experiences an average of 37.2 days of snowfall per year, accumulating up to 4.8 inches (4). January and February typically see the most snowfall, with an average of 1.26 inches each (4). The snowy season generally runs from November through March.
Education and Schools
Canal Fulton is served by the Northwest Local School District, which is recognized for its strong academic performance. The district includes elementary, middle, and high schools, all of which consistently achieve high ratings and outperform state averages in key subjects (Niche). The district has earned an overall “A minus” grade from Niche (Niche).
Students in Canal Fulton benefit from a dedicated educational system that emphasizes proficiency in both math and reading. The schools in the district generally have strong test scores and a favorable student-teacher ratio, contributing to a positive learning environment for its young residents.
School Ratings and Performance
Public schools in Canal Fulton, part of the Northwest Local School District, are highly rated. They demonstrate above-average math and reading proficiency scores compared to the rest of Ohio (Niche). W. S. Stinson Elementary School, Northwest Middle School, and Northwest High School are among the top-ranked institutions within the district (Niche).
Northwest Middle School, for instance, is ranked highly among Ohio middle schools, earning a five-star rating from SchoolDigger (SchoolDigger.com). Northwest High School also performs well, with a strong graduation rate and test scores that exceed state and district averages (SchoolDigger.com).
Student Demographics
The student body in Canal Fulton’s public schools reflects a diverse population, although minority enrollment is lower than the state average. Minority enrollment is approximately 7% of the student body, which is less than the Ohio public school average of 34% (Niche). The majority of students in Canal Fulton attend public schools, with 92% of K-12 students educated in the public system (Niche).
The racial composition of the student body includes a majority of White students, with smaller percentages of Hispanic and Black students. This demographic makeup is a key aspect of the educational environment within the community.
Demographics
Canal Fulton has a population of approximately 5,337 residents (Data USA). The town is characterized by a predominantly White population, with smaller percentages of other racial and ethnic groups. The median age in Canal Fulton is around 39.8 years (Data USA).
The community has a diverse age distribution, with a notable portion of residents being either under 18 or 65 and older, indicating a mix of families and retirees. The gender distribution shows a slightly higher number of females than males.
Population and Age
As of 2024, Canal Fulton’s population is estimated at 5,337 people (Data USA). The median age of residents is 39.8 years, with males averaging 37.9 years and females averaging 42.6 years (Data USA). This age distribution suggests a community with a balanced mix of working-age adults and older residents.
The population has seen a slight increase since the 2020 census, indicating modest growth. The gender ratio shows approximately 81.1 males for every 100 females (Data USA).
Race and Ethnicity
The racial makeup of Canal Fulton is predominantly White, constituting about 90.9% of the population (Canal Fulton Demographics). Other racial groups include those identifying as Two or More Races (3.9%), Asian (3.1%), and Hispanic (1.6%) (Canal Fulton Demographics).
While the White population remains the majority, there has been a noted increase in the Asian population since the 2020 Census. Canal Fulton is considered less diverse than Ohio as a whole, with a higher percentage of White residents compared to the state average (Canal Fulton Demographics).