Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dayton, OH
Considering a move to Dayton, OH? With a population of about 137,644, Dayton offers some of the most affordable housing in the region, with median home prices around $80,900 and average rents near $900. Commute times are short, averaging just over 21 minutes, and the city is home to major healthcare centers and higher education institutions like the University of Dayton. While crime rates are above the national average, Dayton features a low cost of living, a lively arts scene, and four distinct seasons—making it an accessible and vibrant community for new residents.
Demographics - Dayton, OH
Demographics - Dayton, OH
Dayton, Ohio, is home to approximately 137,644 residents, offering a moderately dense urban environment with a median age just under 35. The city is diverse, with around 53% White and 38% Black residents, and nearly 8% of the population speaking a language other than English at home. This mix contributes to a vibrant community with a balanced gender ratio and a youthful energy.
Population:
137,644
Density:
2,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.9
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
52.8%
Black:
38.4%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
7.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dayton, OH?
Dayton boasts a notably low cost of living, with a median home value of just $80,900 and average rents around $900. Utilities and everyday expenses are also affordable, supported by a cost of living index of 83.6—well below the national average. State taxes remain moderate, making Dayton an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$80,900
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
0.5%
|
High:
3.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.6
Grocery:
95.0
Housing:
44.6
Utilities:
92.0
Transportation:
93.1
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
96.3
Crime
Is Dayton, OH a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Dayton are higher than the national average, with about 725 violent crimes and 4,060 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. This means residents face a 1 in 138 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 25 chance of property crime. Awareness and community engagement are important for those considering a move here.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
725
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,060
Crime Index:
4,785
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 138
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 25
Weather
What is the weather like in Dayton, OH year-round?
Dayton experiences all four seasons, featuring cold winters with lows around 21°F and warm summers reaching highs near 84°F. The city receives an average of 41.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 52% of the year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities and seasonal events.
Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Dayton’s neighborhoods offer a median household income of about $39,232, with a poverty rate of 27.5%. Local residents enjoy short commutes averaging 21 minutes, although unemployment is slightly higher at 6.9%. Educational attainment is strong, with nearly 84% having at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$20,000
Household Income:
$39,232
Family Income:
$49,818
Per Capita Income:
$22,012
Income Male:
$29,000
Income Female:
$21,500
Poverty Rate:
27.5%
Non English Speakers:
7.6%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
6.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.4%
Commute Time:
21.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
83.8%
Bachelors or More:
18.9%
Education
How are the schools in Dayton, OH?
Dayton is home to a range of educational opportunities, including public schools like Stivers School for the Arts and higher learning institutions such as the University of Dayton and Sinclair Community College. Local schools offer manageable student-to-teacher ratios, and the presence of major colleges within the city ensures a strong educational environment. This makes Dayton suitable for students and families seeking quality academic options.
Public Schools
Name:
Stivers School for the Arts
Street:
1313 E 5th St
Phone:
937-542-7380
Students:
890
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4
Name:
Dayton Early College Academy
Street:
300 College Park
Phone:
937-223-3222
Students:
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.0
Private Schools
Name:
Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School
Street:
505 S Ludlow St
Phone:
937-461-3740
Students:
675
Colleges
Name:
University of Dayton
City:
Dayton
State:
OH
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
11,650
Name:
Sinclair Community College
City:
Dayton
State:
OH
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
17,000
Name:
Wright State University
City:
Fairborn
State:
OH
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
11,000
Healthcare
Dayton provides robust healthcare options, including major hospitals such as Miami Valley Hospital and Dayton Children's Hospital. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% health insurance coverage, access to medical care is comprehensive. The city’s healthcare index reflects reliable and accessible services for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Miami Valley Hospital
Address:
1 Wyoming St, Dayton, OH 45409
Phone:
(937) 208-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Dayton Children's Hospital
Address:
1 Children's Plaza, Dayton, OH 45404
Phone:
(937) 641-3000
Type:
Children's Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.6%
Health Care Index:
70.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dayton, OH?
The Dayton housing market is especially affordable, with median home prices at $80,900 and average two-bedroom rents around $900. Homeownership is split nearly evenly with a 49.4% owner-occupied rate, and the market has seen a healthy home appreciation of 7.2% over the past year. Rental vacancies remain moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$80,900
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
49.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Dayton residents are served by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles located at 451 W. Third St. The local DMV provides essential services for licensing and vehicle registration, and more information is available through the official state website or by phone. Accessibility and centralized services make transportation management straightforward for new arrivals.
State:
Ohio
Department:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
451 W. Third St, Dayton, OH 45422
Phone:
1-844-644-6268
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.