Is Steubenville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Steubenville

Steubenville, Ohio, is a city with a rich industrial past, nestled along the Ohio River. It offers a unique blend of small-town charm and the conveniences of a larger metropolitan area, being in close proximity to Pittsburgh. The city presents a distinct living experience for those seeking a community with a strong sense of history and a developing future.

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview for individuals considering a move to Steubenville. We will delve into various aspects of life in the city, from safety and cost of living to employment opportunities and educational facilities. Understanding these key factors will help prospective residents make an informed decision about whether Steubenville is the right place for them.

Is it Safe to Live in Steubenville?

Steubenville’s overall crime rate is reported to be higher than the national average, with a crime rate of 31.59 per 1,000 residents (according to StatisNostics). The city is considered safer than 31% of cities in the United States, earning a D+ grade for safety (as reported by AreaVibes). While the overall crime rate is elevated, violent crimes in Steubenville are significantly lower than the national average, by 66% (as reported by AreaVibes).

Residents generally perceive the northwest part of Steubenville as the safest area, with a lower chance of being a victim of crime. Conversely, the southeast neighborhoods present a higher risk, with a chance of being a victim of crime of 1 in 12, compared to 1 in 40 in the northwest (as reported by StatisNostics). Property crime contributes significantly to the overall crime rate, with a rate of 28.79 per one thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Cost of Living in Steubenville

Steubenville offers a cost of living that is notably lower than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living index in Steubenville is 86, which is 14% less than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing, transportation, and utilities.

Housing expenses are particularly favorable, being 42.5% below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This makes Steubenville an attractive option for those looking to minimize their housing costs. The median home value in Steubenville is approximately $128,222 (as of March 2026) (as reported by Zillow), and the median rental price is around $750 per month (as of March 2026) (as reported by Zillow).

Housing Market Trends

The Steubenville housing market has seen some fluctuations, with home prices experiencing an increase. In March 2026, Steubenville home prices were up 13.4% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price of $148,000 (as reported by Redfin). This indicates a growing market, though homes are taking longer to sell, with an average of 153 days on the market in March 2026, compared to 45 days the previous year (as reported by Redfin).

The rental market also presents affordable options. The average rent for an apartment in Steubenville is approximately $750 per month (as of April 2026) (as reported by Zillow). This median rent is significantly lower than the national average, offering a cost-effective housing solution for renters.

Income and Affordability

The median household income in Steubenville was reported as $48,172 in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). While this is lower than the national average, the significantly lower cost of living, particularly in housing, makes Steubenville a relatively affordable place to live. The median home price of $95,000 (as reported by Realtor.com) is well below the Ohio average of $216,259 (as reported by CommunityScale).

The affordability is further underscored by the fact that the median household income comfortably exceeds what is needed to afford the typical home in Steubenville. This favorable balance between income and housing costs contributes to the overall financial accessibility of the city for its residents.

Job Market and Economy

Steubenville’s economy is supported by a workforce of approximately 7,651 residents, with employment sectors primarily focused on educational services, healthcare and social assistance, and retail trade (as reported by Data USA). The city has experienced a slight decline in employment, with a decrease of -3.86% from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA).

The unemployment rate in Steubenville stands at 5.3% (as reported by Point2Homes). This figure reflects the portion of the workforce actively seeking employment. The job market is characterized by a concentration of roles in administrative support, management, and sales.

Major Employers

Key employers in the Steubenville area contribute significantly to the local economy and job market. While specific company names can fluctuate, the broader sectors that drive employment include education, healthcare, and retail. The presence of these industries provides a diverse range of job opportunities for residents.

Additionally, the proximity to Pittsburgh offers access to a larger employment pool, potentially expanding career options for those willing to commute. The city itself is also home to various local businesses and services that contribute to its economic vitality.

Climate and Weather

Steubenville experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Precipitation is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, with June typically being the wettest month and February being the driest (as reported by Climatech). The average annual temperature hovers around 61°F, with average highs in the low 80s°F during summer and average lows in the low 20s°F during winter (as reported by Livability.com).

The city experiences distinct seasons, offering a varied climate throughout the year. Summers are warm and partly cloudy, while winters are cold and mostly cloudy (as reported by Weather Spark). The average annual rainfall is approximately 41 inches, with an average annual snowfall of about 27 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Seasonal Temperatures and Precipitation

During the warm season, which spans from late May to mid-September, daily high temperatures typically exceed 74°F (as reported by Weather Spark). July is the hottest month, with average highs around 82°F and lows around 65°F. The cold season, from early December to early March, brings average daily high temperatures below 46°F.

January is the coldest month, with average lows around 23°F and highs around 37°F. Rainfall is fairly consistent, with June seeing about 3.4 inches of rain and February receiving around 1.5 inches (as reported by Weather Spark). This consistent precipitation contributes to the region’s overall climate and environment.

Education in Steubenville

Steubenville is served by the Steubenville City School District, which encompasses several public schools. The district is recognized for its strong academic performance, with many of its schools receiving high ratings. Wells Academy and McKinley STEM Academy are among the top-performing elementary schools in the state (as reported by SchoolDigger).

The district boasts a high proficiency rate in math and reading, with 93% of students proficient in math and 86% in reading (as reported by Niche). Steubenville High School also demonstrates strong academic outcomes, with a 98.9% four-year graduation rate (as reported by SchoolDigger).

School District Performance

The Steubenville City School District is highly regarded, consistently ranking among the better districts in Ohio. It has been recognized for having excellent teachers and overall strong academic achievement (as reported by Niche). The district’s commitment to education is evident in its per-student spending and low rates of chronic absenteeism.

Individual schools within the district have also earned accolades. Wells Academy, for instance, has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School, highlighting its consistent dedication to educational excellence. This focus on quality education makes Steubenville an appealing location for families prioritizing academic opportunities for their children.

Demographics of Steubenville

Steubenville is home to a population of approximately 18,124 residents, with a slight decrease of less than 1% from the 2020 Census (as reported by Data USA). The city’s population is predominantly White, making up about 73.8% of the residents, followed by Black residents at 13.5% (as reported by Census Dots). The city has become slightly more racially diverse since the 2020 Census and is more diverse than Ohio overall (as reported by Census Dots).

The median age in Steubenville is around 35 years old, with a balanced distribution across different age groups. The population includes a significant portion of individuals aged 25 to 44, as well as those in the 45 to 64 bracket (as reported by Point2Homes). This demographic composition suggests a community with a mix of working-age adults and a notable presence of older residents.

Population and Diversity

Steubenville’s population has remained relatively stable, with a minimal change reported from the 2020 Census. The racial makeup of the city is primarily White, with a notable Black population and smaller percentages of multiracial, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American residents (as reported by Census Dots). This diversity is slightly higher than the state of Ohio as a whole (as reported by Census Dots).

The percentage of citizens in Steubenville is high, at 99%, which is above the national average (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a stable and established community. The city’s demographic profile offers a glimpse into the social fabric and cultural landscape of the area.

Pros and Cons of Living in Steubenville

Steubenville offers several advantages, including a significantly lower cost of living compared to national and state averages, particularly in housing (as reported by AreaVibes). The city also boasts a highly-rated public school system, providing quality education for its younger residents (as reported by Niche). Its proximity to Pittsburgh offers access to more extensive amenities and employment opportunities.

However, Steubenville does face challenges. The crime rate is higher than the national average, which is a significant consideration for potential residents (as reported by AreaVibes). The job market has seen a slight decline, and the median income is lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA and AreaVibes).

Key Considerations for Potential Residents

For those considering a move to Steubenville, it is important to weigh the affordability and educational strengths against the crime rates and economic factors. The city’s climate, with warm summers and cold winters, is typical of the region and should be factored into lifestyle considerations.

Understanding the local job market and major employers is crucial for career-minded individuals. The demographics suggest a community with a mix of age groups and a stable, largely citizen population. Overall, Steubenville presents a unique living environment with distinct benefits and drawbacks that warrant careful evaluation.