Is Ravenna Safe, Pros and cons of living in Ravenna

Ravenna, Ohio, situated in Portage County, presents a blend of historical charm and suburban practicality. Founded in 1799 and named after its Italian counterpart, the city offers a community atmosphere with convenient access to larger metropolitan areas like Akron and Cleveland. Residents can enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, thanks to the surrounding natural landscapes, including parks and waterways.

The city’s economy is supported by a mix of manufacturing, trade, and service industries, with major employers providing diverse job opportunities. Ravenna’s commitment to community is evident in its local events and its dedication to maintaining safe neighborhoods and well-kept streets, making it an appealing location for families and individuals alike.

Is it Safe to Live in Ravenna?

Ravenna’s overall crime rate is reported to be around 2,478 crimes per 100,000 people, which is slightly higher than the state and national averages. However, the violent crime rate is notably lower than the state and national averages, with only 177 crimes per 100,000 people. Property crime, on the other hand, is higher than the state and national averages. Overall, Ravenna is considered safer than 35% of U.S. cities.

The chance of being a victim of crime in Ravenna varies by neighborhood, with central areas posing a higher risk than southeastern parts of the city. The total projected cost of crime in Ravenna for 2025 is estimated at over $10.8 million, translating to approximately $397 per resident. The Ravenna Police Department, staffed by 27 sworn officers, is committed to ensuring resident safety and fostering community trust.

Housing Costs and Availability

Ravenna’s housing market offers considerable affordability compared to national averages. The median home price in Ravenna is approximately $210,000, making it about 52% less expensive than the U.S. median. Other reports indicate a median home value of $137,631 (as of November 2025), and a median listing home price of $179,900. The average home value in Ravenna was $215,181 as of March 2026, showing a 5.1% increase over the previous year.

Rental options are also available, with the average rent for an apartment in Ravenna being around $819 per month, significantly lower than the national average. More recent data shows the average rent at $1,025 as of May 2026, which is 48.75% lower than the national average. For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is approximately $785, while two-bedroom units average around $934.

The cost of living in Ravenna is generally lower than the national average, with an index of 87, indicating it is about 13% less expensive than the average U.S. city. Housing expenses are particularly notable, being 29% lower than the national average. Utility prices are also lower, by 19% compared to the national average.

Job Market and Major Employers

The job market in Ravenna is diverse, with employment sectors including retail trade, manufacturing, and healthcare and social assistance. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Ravenna grew by 0.982%, with approximately 5.45k employees. The average salary in Ravenna, OH, is around $47,000, with an average hourly pay of $22.00. This is lower than the national average annual wage of $67,777 as of Q2 2022.

Major employers in Ravenna include University Hospitals Portage Medical Center, Parker Hannifin, Rock Ten, Saint Gobain, Paris Industries, Sirna & Sons, and Allen Aircraft Products. The city also benefits from its proximity to educational institutions like Kent State University, which provides a pool of skilled employees for local businesses.

The unemployment rate in the Ravenna Community was 4.5% as of March 2024, which is higher than the national rate of 3.9%. In March 2023, the unemployment rate was 3.9%. For the broader Portage County, the unemployment rate was 4.8% in 2026.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Ravenna experiences a four-season climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. The average annual temperature ranges from a low of 17°F in January to a high of 84°F in July. Summers are warm and partly cloudy, with July being the hottest month, featuring average highs of 81°F and lows of 63°F.

Winters are freezing, snowy, and mostly cloudy, with January seeing average lows of 20°F and highs of 34°F. Annual snowfall averages around 45 inches, with January being the snowiest month. Total annual precipitation is approximately 43 inches, distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, with July and September being the wettest months.

The comfortable weather season in Ravenna typically spans from May to September, with daily high temperatures between 65°F and 86°F. The city receives about 2,269 hours of sunshine annually, with the sunniest periods occurring from June through August.

Education and School Ratings

Ravenna is served by public schools within the Ravenna City and Southeast Local districts. For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving approximately 3,654 students. The Ravenna City School District has an overall Niche grade of C minus, with a rating of 3.2 out of 5 based on 20 reviews.

Ravenna public schools have an average math proficiency score of 47% and a reading proficiency score of 48%, which are below the state averages. The schools in Ravenna have an average ranking of 1 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Ohio public schools. Among the higher-ranked schools are Southeast Intermediate Elementary School and Southeast High School.

However, the Southeast Local School District (Ravenna) holds an overall Niche grade of B minus, with a rating of 4.15 out of 5. This district shows stronger academic performance, with 59% of students proficient in math and 58% in reading, exceeding the Ravenna City School District’s scores.

Demographics and Population Trends

Ravenna has a population of approximately 11,196 as of 2026, and it is the county seat of Portage County. The population has been declining slightly, decreasing by 0.18% annually and by 1.05% since the 2020 census. In 2024, the population was recorded at 11,323.

The racial composition of Ravenna is predominantly White, accounting for about 78.3% of the population, followed by Black or African American at 10.3%, and those of two or more races at 5.5%. The median age in Ravenna is 37.9 years. Approximately 19.1% of the population lives below the poverty line, which is higher than the national average of 12.5%.

The median household income in Ravenna was $59,971 in 2024. This figure is lower than the median household income for Portage County ($37,644 in 2024) and the state of Ohio. About 1.58% of Ravenna residents were born outside the country.