Is Moraine Safe, Pros and cons of living in Moraine

Moraine, Ohio, a suburb of Dayton, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. Its location along the Great Miami River provides a scenic backdrop, while its proximity to Dayton makes it an attractive option for commuters and those seeking a smaller-town feel with city access. The community is known for its affordability and a pace of life that emphasizes neighborly connections.

This guide delves into the various facets of living in Moraine, covering safety, the cost of living, housing, employment, climate, education, and demographics. Understanding these elements is crucial for anyone considering a move to this Ohio city.

Is it Safe to Live in Moraine?

Crime Rates

Moraine’s crime rates are a significant consideration for potential residents. The city experiences a higher overall crime rate compared to national averages, with property crime being a particular concern (as reported by AreaVibes). Your chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Moraine is approximately 1 in 15 (as reported by AreaVibes). Within Ohio, Moraine has a higher crime rate than over 100% of other communities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Specifically, violent crime rates in Moraine are higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). However, some data indicates that the violent crime rate per 1,000 residents is below the national average (as reported by Kurby AI). Property crime rates are substantially higher than the national average, with a notable increase in motor vehicle theft (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Residents generally consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest, with a significantly lower chance of being a victim of crime in that area compared to others (as reported by Crime Explorer).

Housing and Cost of Living

Housing Costs

Moraine presents a more affordable housing market compared to many areas across the United States. The median home value in Moraine is around $127,100 (as reported by Kurby AI), which is considerably lower than the national average of $350,000 (as reported by Kurby AI). More recent data indicates the average home value is approximately $160,288 (as reported by Zillow), with a median listing price of $199,000 (as reported by realtor.com®). The homeownership rate in Moraine is around 55.4% (as reported by Data USA).

Rental prices in Moraine are also notably lower than the national average. The average rent for an apartment in Moraine is about $810 per month, which is 51% lower than the national average rent of $1,642 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). However, other sources suggest a median rent of $1,358 per month (as reported by RentCafe). This fluctuation in rental data highlights the importance of checking current listings for the most up-to-date figures.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Moraine is generally considered affordable, though specific categories show variations. Moraine’s housing expenses are slightly higher than the national average, while utility prices are also a bit higher (as reported by Payscale). Transportation costs, including bus fares and gas prices, are comparable to the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Groceries in Moraine are priced at or near the national average (as reported by Payscale). Healthcare costs in Moraine tend to be higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). The cost of living index for Moraine ranks it among more expensive cities nationally, but it remains more affordable than many other U.S. locales when considering its overall affordability index (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute, Kurby AI).

Economy and Employment

Average Salary and Unemployment

The median household income in Moraine is approximately $48,788 (as reported by Data USA). However, other sources place the median income at around $40,793 (as reported by Kurby AI) or $44,456 (as reported by Livability.com). The average salary for city workers is around $34,044 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Exact unemployment figures for Moraine are not readily available, but its location within the Dayton metropolitan area suggests access to broader economic opportunities (as reported by Kurby AI).

The average per capita income in Moraine is reported as $42,682 (as reported by Data USA). The poverty rate in Moraine stands at 22.84% (as reported by Data USA), with a significant portion of families living below the poverty line (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).

Major Employers

Moraine is home to a variety of businesses, including major retail and service providers. Prominent employers in the area include Walmart, McDonald’s, UPS, Dollar General, Kroger, and CVS Health (as reported by Indeed.com). Other significant companies operating in or near Moraine include General Motors, Fuyao Glass America, and Kettering Health Network (as reported by Lensa, Zippia).

The city’s economic development focuses on targeted industries such as renewable energy, aerospace, health services, advanced materials, logistics, and business services (as reported by The City of Moraine). The Dayton region, in general, benefits from its strategic location at the crossroads of I-70 and I-75, facilitating distribution and providing access to a large population base.

Climate and Environment

Temperatures and Rainfall

Moraine experiences distinct seasons, with long, warm, and humid summers, and very cold, snowy, and windy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 23°F to 85°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 5°F or exceeding 92°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The warmest month is July, with average highs around 84°F and lows of 67°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Winters are cold, with January being the coldest month, featuring average lows around 24°F and highs of 37°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The annual precipitation in Moraine averages about 42 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather), with the wettest month being May, receiving around 3.8 inches of rain (as reported by Weather Spark). February typically sees the least amount of rain, with an average of 1.7 inches (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education

School Ratings

Moraine’s public schools are generally highly rated, contributing to its appeal for families. The Dayton Regional STEM School receives high marks, as do Indian Riffle Elementary School and Prass Elementary School (as reported by Niche). Other well-regarded schools serving the Moraine area include Oakview Elementary School and Southdale Elementary School (as reported by Niche).

The city falls within various school districts, including the West Carrollton City School District and the Kettering City School District, both of which receive solid overall ratings (as reported by Niche, Movoto). These districts provide a range of educational options, from elementary to high school levels, with a focus on academic achievement and student development.

Demographics

Population and Diversity

Moraine has a population of approximately 6,536 residents as of the most recent U.S. Census data (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). The city is experiencing modest growth, with projections indicating a continued increase in population (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). The population is diverse, with White residents forming the largest racial group, followed by Black or African American and Hispanic populations (as reported by Data USA, US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).

The median age in Moraine is around 33.6 years (as reported by Data USA), with a relatively balanced gender distribution. The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, and a small percentage are foreign-born (as reported by Data USA). The community is characterized by a mix of households, with a significant portion comprising families and a notable number of individuals living alone.