Is Orrville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Orrville
Orrville, Ohio, offers a blend of small-town charm and practical amenities, making it a noteworthy consideration for those seeking a new place to call home. This community, situated in Wayne County, provides a more relaxed pace of life while remaining accessible to larger urban centers. Its historical roots and established businesses contribute to a stable environment for residents and potential newcomers alike.
The town is known for its friendly atmosphere and a strong sense of community, appealing to a diverse range of individuals, from young families to retirees. With a focus on quality of life and affordability, Orrville presents a balanced living experience. This guide delves into the various facets of life in Orrville, covering safety, cost of living, economic opportunities, and more, to provide a comprehensive overview for anyone considering a move to this Ohio locale.
Is it Safe to Live in Orrville?
Orrville is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than both national and state averages. The overall crime index for Orrville is reported as 73, indicating it is safer than 73% of U.S. cities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Violent crime in Orrville is particularly low, with a rate of 1 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is about average for U.S. communities across all population sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, it’s important to note that in Ohio, only about 38% of communities have a lower crime rate than Orrville (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Property crime rates in Orrville are also below the national average, meaning residents are less likely to experience incidents like burglary, larceny, or vehicle theft (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While the chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Orrville is approximately 1 in 248, this is considerably lower than the U.S. average of 1 in 47 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). In terms of specific crime statistics, Orrville had 9 violent crimes reported, equating to 107 per 100,000 individuals, which is lower than the national average by 70.2% (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crimes were reported at 297 per 100,000 residents, falling below the average by 83.1% (as reported by AreaVibes).
Cost of Living in Orrville
The cost of living in Orrville, Ohio, is notably affordable, standing at approximately 81.4 on the cost of living index, which is nearly 20% below the national average (as reported by Living in Orrville OH). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, making it an attractive option for families and young professionals. Housing costs are a significant factor in this lower overall expense, with the median home price in 2025 projected at $232,000, which is slightly below the Ohio state average (as reported by Living in Orrville OH).
For renters, Orrville also presents a budget-friendly environment. The average rent for an apartment in Orrville is around $1,119 per month, a figure substantially lower than the national average by about $600 (as reported by Living in Orrville OH). More recent data indicates the average rent in Orrville is $1,150 as of May 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This includes a range of rental prices, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $750 and two-bedroom apartments averaging $1,150 per month (as reported by Zillow).
Beyond housing, everyday expenses in Orrville remain competitive. Utilities, for instance, average around $200.37 per month (as reported by Living in Orrville OH). When considering the overall financial picture, the median household income in Orrville was $81,149 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes). This income level, combined with the lower cost of living, suggests a favorable financial environment for residents.
Housing Market in Orrville
Orrville’s housing market is characterized by its affordability and competitive nature. The median home value in Orrville was $181,544 (as reported by Livability.com), with a median listing price of $268,450 according to Realtor.com®. Redfin indicates that the median sale price of a home in Orrville was $222,000 in March 2026, showing a 7.1% increase compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). However, other sources suggest a median home value of $235,321 as of March 2026, up 3.1% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Despite these variations, the consensus points to home prices being below the national average.
The market is described as very competitive, with homes often selling relatively quickly. For instance, homes in Orrville typically sell after 30 days on the market, compared to 22 days the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median price per square foot in Orrville was $129 in March 2026, down 15.1% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). For those looking for more budget-friendly options, two-bedroom condos can be found for under $200,000, and three-bedroom houses are available for less than $250,000 (as reported by Living in Orrville OH).
Rental properties in Orrville offer a range of options and prices. The average rent for an apartment is approximately $1,150 per month (as reported by Zillow), with a price range from $750 to $2,449 for all bedroom types and property types (as reported by Zillow). This makes renting a viable and affordable choice for many residents. The rental market shows a warm trend, with demand increasing compared to the national average (as reported by Zillow).
Job Market and Major Employers
Orrville boasts a stable and steady economy, with an unemployment rate of 3% (as reported by Point2Homes), which is below the national average. The city’s economic foundation is built upon several long-standing and well-established companies. Among the most prominent major employers are The J. M. Smucker Company, a company founded in Orrville in 1897 and famous for its fruit spreads and peanut butter (as reported by Living in Orrville OH), and Smith Dairy, a producer of dairy products, beverages, and ice cream (as reported by Living in Orrville OH).
Other significant businesses that contribute to Orrville’s employment landscape include the Schantz Organ Company and The Will-Burt Company, with a history dating back to 1873 and 1918, respectively (as reported by Wayne Economic Development Council). These established industries provide a solid base for employment, with manufacturing and food manufacturing being key sectors (as reported by Wayne Economic Development Council). The average earnings in Orrville are approximately $69,739, with a total of 8,800 jobs in the area (as reported by Wayne Economic Development Council).
Many residents also find employment by commuting to larger nearby cities, with a median commute time of only 20 minutes (as reported by Living in Orrville OH). This proximity to urban centers like Akron and Wooster offers additional employment opportunities without requiring a long daily commute. The workforce distribution shows a significant portion employed in professional or administrative positions (69.2%), with the remainder in hands-on or service-based jobs (30.8%) (as reported by Point2Homes).
Climate in Orrville
Orrville experiences a climate typical of northeastern Ohio, characterized by distinct seasons. The average annual temperature hovers around 50°F, with average high temperatures in the summer reaching the mid-80s Fahrenheit and average low temperatures in the winter dropping into the 20s Fahrenheit (as reported by BestPlaces). The city receives a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of approximately 38 inches (as reported by Livability.com).
Snowfall is also a common feature during the winter months, with an average annual snowfall of about 31 inches (as reported by Livability.com). The climate is generally considered to have four distinct seasons: warm summers, cold winters, and transitional periods in spring and fall. While specific daily weather can vary, the overall climate is conducive to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year, though residents should be prepared for both summer heat and winter cold.
School Ratings and Demographics
Orrville’s public school system is generally well-regarded, with Orrville City School District receiving an overall B grade from Niche (as reported by Niche). The district serves approximately 1,432 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that about 63% of students are proficient in math and 68% in reading (as reported by Niche).
Orrville Elementary School, serving grades K-4, has a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1, with 70% of students proficient in math and 67% in reading (as reported by Niche). Orrville High School, for grades 9-12, has a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1, with 51% of students proficient in math and 67% in reading (as reported by Niche). These educational institutions contribute to Orrville’s appeal for families with school-aged children.
The demographics of Orrville show a population of approximately 8,343 residents, with a median age of 40.2 years (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is predominantly composed of individuals who own their homes, with about 62% of residents being homeowners (as reported by Niche). The town’s population tends to be conservative, and it offers a sparse suburban feel, with many residents appreciating the availability of restaurants and parks (as reported by Niche).