Is Wickliffe Safe, Pros and cons of living in Wickliffe

Wickliffe, Ohio, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the amenities of the greater Cleveland metropolitan area. This Lake County community provides a distinct character shaped by its residents, local businesses, and natural surroundings. It presents a compelling option for those seeking a place to settle down, raise a family, or enjoy a peaceful retirement.

The city is characterized by its residential neighborhoods, local parks, and a community-focused atmosphere. Its location provides a balance between a quieter lifestyle and the vibrancy of a nearby major city, making it an attractive choice for a diverse range of individuals and families. Understanding the various facets of life in Wickliffe is key to determining if it aligns with your personal preferences and needs.

Is it Safe to Live in Wickliffe?

Wickliffe generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with overall crime rates reported as lower than the national average. The city’s crime rate is approximately 33.95 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). Residents often consider the southeast parts of the city to be the safest (according to CrimeGrade.org).

While the overall statistics are favorable, the chance of being a victim of crime can vary by neighborhood. Some areas may see a higher incidence of crime than others, with risks ranging from 1 in 22 in western neighborhoods to 1 in 38 in the southeast (according to CrimeGrade.org). The city has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026, indicating it is safe overall with below-average crime (according to DoorProfit). The violent crime rate is reported to be 2.508 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Demographics and Community

Wickliffe is home to approximately 12,659 residents, with a median age of 42 years (according to Point2Homes). The population is fairly balanced in terms of gender, with 50.2% male and 49.8% female (according to Point2Homes). The city’s racial makeup is predominantly White, accounting for about 81.2% of the population, followed by African American at 9.4%, and smaller percentages of Asian and other racial groups (according to Point2Homes).

The age distribution shows a significant portion of the population in the adult working and older age brackets, with about 23.9% between 25-44 years old and 23.8% between 45-64 years old (according to Point2Homes). A notable 21.1% of residents are 65 or older, indicating a substantial retiree population (according to Point2Homes). The remaining population includes children and younger adults, contributing to a diverse age spectrum within the community.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Wickliffe, Ohio, is generally considered to be around the national average, with some categories being higher and others lower. Overall, Wickliffe’s cost of living is reported as 0% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). However, housing expenses in Wickliffe are noted to be 33% higher than the national average (according to Payscale).

Utility prices are about 10% lower than the national average, and transportation costs, including gas and bus fares, are approximately 6% lower (according to Payscale). Grocery prices are about the same as the national average, while healthcare costs are about 8% higher (according to Payscale). The median home value in Wickliffe is around $166,900 (according to Niche), and the median rent is approximately $1,207 per month (according to Niche).

Housing Market

Wickliffe’s housing market offers a range of options for both buyers and renters. The median home value in Wickliffe is approximately $166,900, which is significantly lower than the national median home value (according to Niche). Most residents in Wickliffe own their homes, with about 78% of residents being homeowners (according to Niche).

For renters, the median rent price in Wickliffe is around $1,207 per month (according to Niche). This is lower than the national average rent of $1,413 (according to Niche). The city features a mix of housing types, contributing to a varied rental market. Homes for sale in Wickliffe have a median listing price of $214,999 (according to Realtor.com®).

Job Market and Economy

Wickliffe’s economy is supported by a workforce of approximately 6,594 residents (according to Point2Homes). The majority of the working population, about 77.2%, is employed in professional or administrative positions, while the remaining 22.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs (according to Point2Homes). The unemployment rate in Wickliffe stands at 3.8%, which is generally considered a healthy rate (according to Point2Homes).

The average annual household income in Wickliffe was reported as $91,119 in 2024 (according to Point2Homes). The median income for a household in Wickliffe is $81,750, showing a slight increase from the previous year (according to Point2Homes). Information on specific major employers is not readily available through the provided search results, but the city is part of the broader Cleveland metropolitan area’s economic landscape.

Climate and Weather

Wickliffe experiences a climate with distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm and humid, with average high temperatures reaching around 83°F in July, while winters are cold, snowy, and windy, with average low temperatures dropping to about 23°F in January (according to myPerfectWeather). The temperature throughout the year generally ranges from 22°F to 83°F and is rarely outside of this range (according to myPerfectWeather).

The area receives an average annual rainfall of about 40 inches (according to Livability.com). The wetter season spans from March to November, with June typically seeing the most wet days (according to myPerfectWeather). Snowfall averages around 59 inches annually (according to Livability.com), contributing to the winter landscape.

Education and Schools

Wickliffe, Ohio, is served by the Wickliffe City School District, which includes two public schools: Wickliffe Lower School and Wickliffe Upper School (according to Public School Review). The district has an average testing ranking of 6 out of 10, placing it in the top 50% of Ohio public schools (according to Public School Review). Public schools in Wickliffe have an average math proficiency score of 53% and a reading proficiency score of 64% (according to Public School Review).

Wickliffe Upper School notably boasts a 4-year graduation rate of 99.1% (according to SchoolDigger.com). While the schools meet state standards in academic achievement, there is room for improvement in areas such as student growth and closing educational gaps (according to Ohio School Report Cards). Minority enrollment in Wickliffe public schools is around 33% of the student body (according to Public School Review).

Pros and Cons of Living in Wickliffe

Wickliffe offers a safe environment with a cost of living that is comparable to the national average, though housing can be more expensive than the national median (according to Payscale). The city provides a suburban feel with convenient access to Cleveland, making it appealing for various lifestyles. Its median home value is also more affordable than many other areas in the United States (according to Niche).

On the other hand, some residents might find the housing costs to be a significant factor, as they are higher than the national average (according to Payscale). While crime rates are generally below the national average, safety can vary by neighborhood (according to CrimeGrade.org). The school district, while having a high graduation rate, has an average testing ranking that indicates room for improvement (according to Public School Review).