Is Youngstown Safe, Pros and cons of living in Youngstown

Youngstown, Ohio, situated in the Mahoning Valley of Northeast Ohio, is a city with a rich industrial past, often referred to as “Steel Town.” Its history is deeply intertwined with the rise and fall of the American steel industry, which shaped its demographics and economy. Today, the city is navigating a period of transition, seeking to reinvent itself while honoring its heritage.

The city’s landscape features a blend of urban development and natural beauty, with the Mahoning River flowing through it and notable green spaces like Mill Creek Park. This combination of industrial legacy and natural resources offers a unique living experience for its residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Youngstown?

Youngstown’s crime rate is a significant concern for potential residents. The overall crime rate is reported to be 62% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This translates to approximately 5.55 daily occurrences of crime, with a notable portion being property crimes.

Residents generally consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest, offering a chance of being a victim of crime as low as 1 in 40. However, in the central neighborhoods, this risk increases to 1 in 12 (according to Youngstown Crime Rates and Statistics). The estimated violent crime rate is 834.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 119% higher than the national average (according to DoorProfit).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Youngstown presents a more affordable option compared to national averages. The median listing home price was $119,900 (according to Realtor.com®). In March 2026, the median sale price for a home was $90,000, a 3.2% decrease compared to the previous year (according to Redfin).

Rental prices are also considerably lower than the national average. The average rent for an apartment in Youngstown is $706 per month, which is 57% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is $722, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $785 (according to Zumper and Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economic Outlook

Youngstown’s economy has undergone significant shifts from its industrial manufacturing base. The average annual salary in Youngstown is approximately $49,594 (according to ZipRecruiter). However, the median household income was reported at $34,408 (according to Point2Homes).

The unemployment rate for Youngstown was 7.4% in June, a rise from 6.7% in June of the previous year (according to Tribune Chronicle). The Youngstown-Warren-Boardman area’s unemployment rate was 6.70% in the most recent reporting period (according to YCharts).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Youngstown experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 83°F, and lows around 62°F (according to Time and Date). The city typically sees temperatures ranging from 20°F to 83°F throughout the year.

Winters are cold and snowy, with January being the coldest month with an average mean temperature of 26.8°F. The city receives an average of 67.8 inches of snowfall per season (according to Wikipedia). Annual precipitation averages around 41.19 inches, distributed across an average of 168 days per year (according to Wikipedia).

Education and School Systems

The quality of education in Youngstown presents a mixed picture. Some school districts in the wider Youngstown area receive favorable ratings. For instance, Canfield Local School District has a rating of 4.13 out of 5, and Boardman Local School District has a rating of 4.02 out of 5 (according to Niche).

However, the Youngstown City School District itself has a C rating. Within this district, 18% of students are proficient in math and 30% in reading, based on state test scores (according to Niche). There are disparities in performance and spending among the schools in the region.

Demographics and Community

Youngstown’s population was estimated at 59,331 in 2024, a slight decrease from the 60,068 recorded in the 2020 Census (according to Census Dots). The racial composition is diverse, with approximately 40.3% White, 39.3% Black, and 12.3% Hispanic residents (according to Census Dots).

The median age in Youngstown is 38 years (according to Point2Homes). The city has a notable immigrant history, with early settlements drawing Welsh, German, and Irish individuals, followed by a significant influx of Eastern European, Italian, and Greek immigrants in the late 19th century.

Cost of Living

Youngstown offers a cost of living that is significantly lower than the national average. The overall cost of living is 8.8% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com). Housing expenses are particularly affordable, being 16.5% less expensive than the national average (according to Apartments.com).

Groceries are about 2.0% cheaper, utilities are 8.9% less expensive, and transportation costs are only slightly lower (according to Apartments.com). To live comfortably as a single adult without dependents, a salary of around $60,000 before taxes is recommended (according to Apartments.com).

Major Employers and Economic Drivers

While the steel industry’s prominence has waned, Youngstown’s economy is supported by a range of employers. Major sectors include healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Youngstown State University is a significant institution, providing educational opportunities and employment.

Other key employers often include companies within the healthcare field and various manufacturing enterprises that have adapted to the changing economic landscape. The region is actively seeking to attract new industries and foster economic growth.