Is Pickerington Safe, Pros and cons of living in Pickerington

Pickerington, Ohio, a vibrant suburb of Columbus, offers a compelling blend of suburban tranquility and accessible urban amenities. This city, nestled in Fairfield and Franklin counties, has experienced significant growth, attracting residents with its family-friendly atmosphere, reputable school system, and local businesses. Pickerington successfully balances its historical roots with modern development, providing a dynamic environment for those seeking a well-rounded place to call home.

The city’s appeal is further enhanced by its diverse shopping and dining options, community involvement, and a strong sense of local pride. Residents can explore historical landmarks, enjoy recreational parks, and savor the offerings of local eateries. Pickerington’s strategic location provides the convenience of big-city access while maintaining the comfort of small-town living, making it a desirable destination for a variety of lifestyles.

Is it Safe to Live in Pickerington?

Pickerington is generally considered a safe place to live, with a crime safety grade of A+ (as of May 2026) (DoorProfit). The overall crime rate is estimated to be 53% below the national average, and the city has lower crime rates than 99% of major U.S. cities (DoorProfit). Residents face an approximate 1 in 742 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 49 chance for property crime (DoorProfit).

While Pickerington is a safe community, crime rates can vary by neighborhood. Some areas experience more crime than the city average, and residents are advised to exercise caution in these neighborhoods (DoorProfit). The estimated violent crime rate is 134.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 65% lower than the national average (DoorProfit). The property crime rate is 2,058.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 12% higher than the national average (DoorProfit).

Violent Crime in Pickerington

The violent crime rate in Pickerington is about 1 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is considered average for communities across America (NeighborhoodScout). This rate includes crimes such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, and murder (NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Pickerington is approximately 1 in 738 (NeighborhoodScout).

Compared to the state of Ohio, Pickerington’s violent crime rate is lower than the state average of 1 in 341 (NeighborhoodScout). Specific violent crime rates include murder at 3.3 per 100K (35% below average) and aggravated assault at 50.1 per 100K (81% below average) (DoorProfit).

Property Crime in Pickerington

The property crime rate in Pickerington is 11 per 1,000 population, indicating an above-average chance of becoming a victim of property crime when compared to all other communities in America (NeighborhoodScout). Property crimes encompass motor vehicle theft, arson, larceny, and burglary.

Your chance of becoming a victim of any of these property crimes in Pickerington is one in 91 (NeighborhoodScout). The estimated property crime rate is 2,058.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 12% higher than the national average (DoorProfit). Key property crime rates include burglary at 180.4 per 100K (33% below average) and larceny/theft at 1,526.3 per 100K (9% above average) (DoorPrint).

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in Pickerington, Ohio, is generally considered to be slightly higher than the national average. One source indicates it is 1% higher than the national average (Livingcost.org), while another suggests it is 6% less expensive than the national average (ERI Economic Research Institute). Housing expenses are noted to be 20% higher than the national average (Payscale).

The median home value in Pickerington is approximately $309,787 (Livability.com), with Zillow reporting a median home value of $419,073 as of March 2026 (Zillow). The median listing price is around $454.6K (realtor.com). For those looking to rent, the median monthly rent is approximately $936 (Livability.com), though other sources indicate higher figures, with Zumper reporting a median rent of $2,557 as of April 2026 (Zumper), and Trulia listing an average house rent of $2,650 (Trulia).

Housing Market Trends

Pickerington’s housing market shows signs of appreciation, with the median sale price rising by 4.99% year-over-year (realtor.com). The month-over-month price change for sale prices is 2.27%, indicating ongoing price movement and competition (realtor.com). The median sale price was $371,333 as of February 2026 (Zillow).

The inventory of homes for sale is moderate, with approximately 251 homes available (realtor.com). The median days on market has seen a slight increase year-over-year, suggesting a slightly longer time to sell compared to the previous year (realtor.com). For renters, the year-over-year rent price change is 2.11%, indicating steady rent appreciation (realtor.com).

Median Home Prices and Rent

The median home price in Pickerington is around $309,787 (Livability.com). However, Zillow reports a more recent median home value of $419,073 as of March 2026 (Zillow). Housing expenses in Pickerington are noted to be 20% higher than the national average (Payscale).

Regarding rent, the median monthly rent is approximately $936 (Livability.com). More recent data from Zumper indicates a median rent of $2,557 as of April 2026 (Zumper). Houses for rent in Pickerington average around $2,600 per month (Zumper), with Trulia noting an average house rent of $2,650 (Trulia).

Job Market and Economy

Pickerington’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries and major employers. The most common employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Finance & Insurance, and Educational Services (Data USA). Major job groups include Management Occupations, Office & Administrative Support Occupations, and Sales & Related Occupations (Data USA).

Notable employers in Pickerington include the Pickerington Local School District and OhioHealth Corporation (Wikipedia). Other significant employers include Kroger, Kohl’s, and various restaurant chains (Wikipedia). The unemployment rate in Pickerington was 3.6% in 2026 (Data Commons), which is comparable to the state of Ohio’s unemployment rate of 2.8% for Pickerington City in 2023 (Ohio Department of Job and Family Services).

Major Employers

Key employers in Pickerington include the Pickerington Local School District, which employs approximately 1,332 individuals, and OhioHealth Corporation (Pickerington Methodist), with around 1,694 employees (Wikipedia). Other significant employers include Kroger, with 369 employees, and Kohl’s, employing 289 individuals (Wikipedia).

Other notable companies with a presence in Pickerington include Walmart, McDonald’s, Target, UPS, and Starbucks (Indeed.com). TransForce, a staffing firm for the transportation industry, and RG Barry Corporation, involved in footwear and accessories, are also present (Zippia).

Average Salary and Unemployment

The average annual salary in Pickerington is reported differently across various sources. ZipRecruiter indicates an average annual salary of $43,494 as of April 2026 (ZipRecruiter), while another source suggests an average pay for “Income” at $49,470 as of April 2026 (ZipRecruiter). The median household income is approximately $114,924 (Livability.com) or $111,833 (according to 2026 data) (US Census Bureau QuickFacts).

The unemployment rate in Pickerington was 3.6% in 2026 (Data Commons). This figure is slightly higher than the 2.8% unemployment rate for Pickerington City in 2023 (Ohio Department of Job and Family Services). The median individual income in Pickerington was $52,023 in 2024 (Data Commons).

Climate and Weather

Pickerington, Ohio experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 22°F to 84°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 5°F or exceeding 91°F (myPerfectWeather, LocalConditions.com).

The average annual precipitation in Pickerington is around 43 inches, with snowfall averaging 21 inches (Livability.com). The humidity level remains comfortable during the summer months (myPerfectWeather). The warmest month is July, with average high temperatures around 84°F and lows of 65°F, while January is the coldest, with average highs of 37°F and lows of 23°F (myPerfectWeather, LocalConditions.com).

Average Temperatures

Average maximum daytime temperatures in Pickerington range from a comfortable 84°F in August to a chilly 37°F in February (myPerfectWeather, LocalConditions.com). At night, temperatures can range from 64°F in August down to 19°F in February (myPerfectWeather).

The warm season spans from late May to late September, with daily high temperatures often exceeding 75°F (LocalConditions.com). Conversely, the cold season lasts from early December to early March, with daily high temperatures typically below 46°F (LocalConditions.com).

Rainfall and Snowfall

Pickerington receives substantial annual precipitation, totaling approximately 43 to 44 inches per year (Livability.com, myPerfectWeather). The wettest month is typically July, with an average of 5 inches of rain, while February is the driest, receiving around 1.6 inches (LocalConditions.com). The city can also expect about 21 inches of snowfall annually (Livability.com).

A “wet day” is defined as a day with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. The season with a greater than 30% chance of a wet day runs from late March to mid-August (LocalConditions.com). June often experiences the most wet days, with an average of 11.6 days (LocalConditions.com).

Education and Schools

Pickerington Local School District serves the community, encompassing 14 schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools. The district has an overall rating of 3.92 out of 5 stars on Niche, with an overall Niche Grade of A- (Niche). It serves approximately 11,549 students in grades PK-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 21 to 1 (Niche).

According to state test scores, 63% of students are proficient in math and 72% are proficient in reading (Niche). Pickerington’s public schools have an average ranking of 7/10, placing them in the top 50% of Ohio public schools (SchoolDigger.com). The district is ranked 257th out of 828 school districts in Ohio (SchoolDigger.com).

School District Performance

Pickerington Local School District is highly rated, with standout elementary schools like Toll Gate Elementary and Sycamore Creek Elementary consistently ranking among the top in the state (SchoolDigger.com). These schools often receive 4-5 star ratings and demonstrate exceptional proficiency rates, particularly in mathematics (SchoolDigger.com).

However, academic performance can vary across the district. Pickerington High School Central and Pickerington High School North have been recognized among the nation’s best high schools by U.S. News & World Report (Pickerington Local Schools). Conversely, the district’s virtual high school, Pickerington Academy, faces challenges with lower test scores and a 1-star rating (SchoolDigger.com).

Demographics and Student Body

The Pickerington Local School District has a diverse student body, with approximately 43.4% White, 33.3% African-American, 8.9% Asian, and 6.8% Hispanic students (Wikipedia). Minority enrollment constitutes about 54% of the student body, which is higher than the Ohio public school average (SchoolDigger.com).

Approximately 40.9% of students participate in free or reduced-price lunch programs, and 15.0% are students with disabilities (Wikipedia). The school district maintains an average attendance rate of 93.4% (Wikipedia).

Demographics and Population

Pickerington, Ohio, had a population of 23,094 at the 2020 census and is estimated to have grown to over 27,000 residents by 2026 (Wikipedia, US Census Bureau QuickFacts). The population is currently growing at a rate of 2.43% annually (US Census Bureau QuickFacts). The city’s racial composition includes a significant White population, alongside a substantial Black or African American population, and smaller percentages of Asian, Hispanic, and Multiracial residents (Census Dots, US Census Bureau QuickFacts).

The median age in Pickerington is 36 years, with slightly more females than males (US Census Bureau QuickFacts). The population is generally well-educated, with a high percentage holding bachelor’s degrees or higher (Niche). The poverty rate is relatively low, at 3.61% (US Census Bureau QuickFacts).

Racial and Ethnic Composition

As of recent estimates, Pickerington’s population is approximately 57.6% White, 26.1% Black or African American, 6.8% Asian, and 6.0% Multiracial, with smaller percentages identifying as Hispanic or Native American/Other (Census Dots). This demographic makeup indicates a more racially diverse population compared to Ohio overall (Census Dots).

Compared to the 2020 census, Pickerington has become considerably more racially diverse. The share of White residents has decreased while the Black population has seen an estimated growth of 42.2%, increasing its share of the total population (Census Dots). The Hispanic population constitutes about 3.5% of residents (Census Dots).

Age and Gender Distribution

The median age in Pickerington is 36 years (US Census Bureau QuickFacts). The age distribution shows a significant portion of the population in the 35-44 age bracket, followed by those aged 25-34 (Niche). There is a nearly even split between males and females, with slightly more males reported in recent estimates (US Census Bureau QuickFacts).

For every 100 females, there are approximately 99.7 males in Pickerington (US Census Bureau QuickFacts). This near parity in gender distribution is consistent across different age groups, contributing to a balanced community structure.

Pros and Cons of Living in Pickerington

Pickerington offers numerous advantages for its residents, including a strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a safe environment. The city’s suburban setting provides a peaceful atmosphere, while its proximity to Columbus ensures access to urban conveniences and employment opportunities. Pickerington’s growing economy and diverse population contribute to its appeal as a desirable place to live.

However, potential drawbacks include a cost of living that can be higher than the national average, particularly in housing. While crime rates are generally low, they can vary by neighborhood, and some areas may present more concerns than others. The job market, while diverse, may offer salaries that are moderate compared to national averages.

Advantages of Pickerington

Pickerington boasts highly-rated public schools, with Pickerington Local School District recognized for its quality education (Niche, SchoolDigger.com). The city is also considered very safe, with a low overall crime rate and many neighborhoods earning high safety grades (DoorProfit, Niche).

Residents appreciate the community’s family-friendly environment, abundant green spaces like Sycamore Creek Park, and a variety of local dining and shopping options (Ackermann Group). The blend of historical charm and modern amenities, coupled with a strong sense of civic engagement, further enhances its appeal (Ackermann Group).

Disadvantages of Pickerington

The cost of living in Pickerington can be a consideration, with housing expenses noted as being 20% higher than the national average (Payscale). While overall crime is low, property crime rates are slightly above the national average, and certain neighborhoods may require more caution (NeighborhoodScout, DoorProfit).

The average salary in Pickerington, while decent, may not be as high as in some other metropolitan areas, with figures around $43,000-$49,000 annually reported (ZipRecruiter). This could impact purchasing power, especially given the housing costs.