Is Kirtland Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kirtland
Kirtland, Ohio, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and community-focused living, making it an appealing prospect for those considering a move. Situated in Lake County, it provides a more rural atmosphere while remaining within reach of Cleveland’s urban amenities. The city is known for its historical significance, notably as an early headquarters for the Latter Day Saint movement and the site of the first Latter Day Saint temple.
This city is characterized by its natural beauty, featuring numerous parks within the Lake Metroparks system and proximity to the Holden Arboretum. Kirtland also boasts a strong sense of community, often described as tight-knit and well-suited for families and retirees seeking a peaceful environment. Its public schools are highly rated, contributing to its desirability for those with children.
Is it Safe to Live in Kirtland?
Kirtland is recognized as a very safe community, with crime rates significantly below both the national and state averages. The overall crime rate in Kirtland is 72% lower than the national average (according to NeighborhoodScout), and violent crimes are 73% lower than the national average. Residents have a low chance of becoming a victim of crime, estimated at 1 in 167 (according to NeighborhoodScout).
The city’s safety is further underscored by its crime grade, which is often rated as A+ or equivalent by various sources (according to DoorProfit and CrimeGrade.org). While Kirtland is generally safe, specific neighborhoods may vary, and it’s always advisable to research individual areas. The south and west parts of the city are generally considered the safest (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living in Kirtland
The cost of living in Kirtland is slightly higher than the national average, with housing costs being a significant factor. The overall cost of living in Kirtland is approximately 10% higher than the national average (according to Livability.com). Housing in Kirtland is about 37% higher than the national average (according to Livability.com).
The median home value in Kirtland is around $420,983 (according to Livability.com), though other sources indicate a median home price of $391,300 (according to Niche) or $404,639 (according to Zillow, as of March 31, 2026). These figures suggest a robust real estate market. For renters, the median monthly rent is approximately $862 (according to Livability.com) or $925 (according to Apartments.com as of May 2026), which is notably lower than the national average rent.
Housing Market Trends
Kirtland’s housing market has seen consistent growth, with median home values increasing over the past year. The median home price has risen by 5.8% over the past year, as of March 31, 2026 (according to Zillow). There are typically a moderate number of homes for sale, indicating a balanced market.
Properties in Kirtland tend to sell relatively quickly, with a decrease in the median days on market year-over-year (according to Kirtland, OH Housing Market: 2026 Home Prices & Trends | Zillow). The rise in sale prices, coupled with a decrease in market time, suggests strong demand from buyers.
Job Market and Employment
The employment landscape in Kirtland shows a diverse range of industries, with professional, scientific, technical services, manufacturing, and healthcare and social assistance being prominent sectors (according to Data USA). The unemployment rate in Kirtland is around 5.2% (according to Point2Homes), which is considered typical for the area. However, other sources indicate a lower unemployment rate of 1.9% for residents aged 16 and older in the labor force (according to Kirtland, Ohio Population History | 1990 – 2022 – Biggest US Cities).
The majority of Kirtland’s workforce, approximately 88.6%, is employed in white-collar positions, with a smaller percentage in blue-collar roles (according to Point2Homes). Major employers in the region contribute to the local economy, though specific company names for Kirtland, OH are not detailed in the provided search results. For Kirtland, NM, major employers include those in education and retail, with companies like Dollar General and Dairy Queen present (according to Companies in Kirtland, NM | Indeed.com).
Average Salary and Income
The median household income in Kirtland is approximately $110,455 (according to Data USA and Kirtland city, Ohio – Census Bureau Profile). The average annual salary in Kirtland is around $49,676 as of May 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter). This figure reflects a wide range of occupations and experience levels within the city.
Salaries can vary significantly depending on the specific role and industry. For instance, teacher salaries at Kirtland Local School District are approximately $39,854 annually, which is below the national average (according to Indeed). For employees at the City of Kirtland Inc., the average annual salary is around $87,158 as of May 2026 (according to Indeed).
Climate and Weather
Kirtland experiences distinct seasonal weather patterns, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The average annual temperature ranges from about 18°F to 82°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The average annual rainfall is around 47 inches, with significant snowfall accumulation of about 86 inches (according to myPerfectWeather).
Summers are generally warm and humid, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 81°F and a low of 63°F (according to myPerfectWeather). Winters are cold, with January seeing average highs of 34°F and lows of 19°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The city experiences roughly 158 days per year with comfortable weather, typically from May to September.
Seasonal Breakdown
During the summer months, from late May to mid-September, daily high temperatures frequently exceed 73°F (according to Wanderlog). July and August are the warmest months, with average highs around 80-82°F and lows in the mid-60s to low 70s. Precipitation in August is light, with a 27% chance of rain on an average day (according to Wanderlog).
The cold season extends from early December to mid-March, with average daily high temperatures below 44°F (according to Wanderlog). January is the coldest month, with average highs around 34-35°F and lows in the upper teens to low 20s. Snowfall is common throughout the winter, contributing to the annual precipitation total.
Education and Schools
Kirtland is served by the Kirtland Local School District, which is highly rated and considered one of the best in the state. The district consistently receives high marks for academics, teacher quality, and athletic programs (according to Niche). Kirtland Elementary School, Kirtland Middle School, and Kirtland High School all perform well academically, with proficiency rates on state tests exceeding Ohio’s averages.
Kirtland High School boasts a high graduation rate of 98.2% (according to SchoolDigger.com) and a student-teacher ratio of 20:1 (according to Niche). The district’s per-student spending is also above the state average, indicating a commitment to providing quality educational resources. Overall, the Kirtland Local School District is rated A- by Niche, reflecting its strong performance across various educational metrics.
School District Performance
The Kirtland Local School District has earned a strong reputation for academic excellence. Kirtland Middle School is ranked among the top 36 middle schools in Ohio, and Kirtland Elementary School is ranked in the top 89 of its state-wide counterparts (according to SchoolDigger.com). Kirtland High School is also highly ranked, placing in the top 84 of Ohio high schools (according to SchoolDigger.com).
Student performance on state tests is notably high, with math proficiency at 82% and reading proficiency at 87% across the district (according to Niche). Kirtland Elementary School, for example, has a 5th-grade science proficiency rate of 84.8%, significantly above the state average of 63.4% (according to SchoolDigger.com).
Demographics and Population
Kirtland has a population of approximately 6,911 residents (according to Data USA and Niche). The demographic makeup is predominantly White, with 93.7% of the population identifying as such, followed by smaller percentages of those identifying as Two or More Races (4.2%) and Hispanic (0.9%) (according to Kirtland Demographics | Current Ohio Census Data). The median age in Kirtland is around 51 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females (according to Kirtland, OH population 2026).
The city has a stable population, with a slight annual decline of -0.07% projected for 2026 (according to Kirtland, OH population 2026). The majority of residents own their homes, with only about 9% renting (according to Niche). Kirtland is home to a mix of age groups, with 20.8% of residents under 18 and 23.1% aged 65 or older (according to Wikipedia).
Key Demographic Features
The population density in Kirtland is moderate, with a total of 6,937 residents recorded in the 2020 census (according to Wikipedia). The median household income is robust, standing at $110,455 (according to Kirtland city, Ohio – Census Bureau Profile). A significant portion of the adult population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, with 47.8% of residents having attained this level of education (according to Kirtland city, Ohio – Census Bureau Profile).
Kirtland is generally considered a conservative community. The city’s historical roots are tied to the Latter Day Saint movement, and while it maintains a connection to this history, its current demographic composition is diverse. The majority of residents are citizens, with a high naturalization rate (according to Data USA).