Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kelleys Island, OH
Considering a move to Kelleys Island, OH? With a small, close-knit population of just 312 residents, this charming Lake Erie community offers affordable living, a median home price around $330,000, and a remarkably low crime rate. Enjoy short 12-minute commutes, beautiful island weather with 54% sunny days, and small class sizes at the local school. Kelleys Island is ideal for those seeking a peaceful, scenic lifestyle with easy access to regional amenities.
Demographics - Kelleys Island, OH
Demographics - Kelleys Island, OH
Kelleys Island is a small, close-knit community with a population of just 312 residents and a median age of nearly 60, suggesting a mature and tranquil environment. The area is predominantly White, with very few non-English speakers, fostering a familiar Midwestern setting. Its low population density provides a relaxed, spacious atmosphere ideal for those seeking a quiet lifestyle.
Population:
312
Density:
52 per sq mi
Median Age:
59.7
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.8%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
2.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kelleys Island, OH?
The cost of living in Kelleys Island is slightly below the national average, with a cost of living index of 98. A median home value of $330,000 and typical rents around $1,050 make it an affordable option for homebuyers and renters alike. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, supporting a comfortable lifestyle for residents.
Median House Value:
$330,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$920
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
0.5%
|
High:
4.8%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.0
Grocery:
97.0
Housing:
92.0
Utilities:
103.5
Transportation:
95.0
Health Care:
96.0
Miscellaneous:
97.0
Crime
Is Kelleys Island, OH a safe place to live?
Kelleys Island boasts a remarkably low crime rate, with only 78 violent crimes and 420 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents enjoy a safe environment, with the chance of violent crime being just 1 in 1,282. This makes the island a secure choice for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
78
Property Crimes Per 100k:
420
Crime Index:
498
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,282
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 238
Weather
What is the weather like in Kelleys Island, OH year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with pleasant summers reaching highs around 81°F and winters dipping to about 18°F at their coldest. The island receives an average of 32.1 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year. This mild climate supports outdoor activities and scenic lake views year-round.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Neighbors on Kelleys Island typically earn a median household income of $54,200, and the community sees a low unemployment rate of 6.7%. Most residents own their homes, and nearly everyone has a short commute of about 12 minutes, reflecting the island’s relaxed pace. Education levels are solid, with over 91% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$34,400
Household Income:
$54,200
Family Income:
$60,000
Per Capita Income:
$29,200
Income Male:
$34,900
Income Female:
$30,100
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
12.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.6%
Bachelors or More:
24.1%
Education
How are the schools in Kelleys Island, OH?
Education on Kelleys Island is highly personalized, with the local public school serving just 15 students and offering an impressively low 6:1 student-teacher ratio. While private schools are not present on the island, higher education opportunities are accessible at nearby Bowling Green State University – Firelands, located 18 miles away. This setup ensures individualized attention for younger students and convenient college access for older learners.

Public Schools
Name:
Kelleys Island School
Street:
528 Division St
Phone:
419-746-2739
Students:
15
Student Teacher Ratio:
6:1

Colleges
Name:
Bowling Green State University – Firelands
City:
Huron
State:
OH
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
2,100
Healthcare
Kelleys Island residents have convenient access to healthcare, with Firelands Regional Medical Center in nearby Sandusky offering full emergency and surgical services. About 92% of the population has health insurance coverage, and there are 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring a solid standard of care. The healthcare index of 73.0 reflects reliable medical support for the community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Address:
1111 Hayes Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone:
(419) 626-9090
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
73.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kelleys Island, OH?
The housing market is stable, with a median home price of $330,000 and 84% of homes being owner-occupied. Home values have appreciated by 4.2% over the past year, and rental options are available with an average two-bedroom rent of $1,050. Low foreclosure and new construction rates indicate a steady, established real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$330,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
84.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
11.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Local motor vehicle services are provided by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Sandusky. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other DMV services both in person and online. The convenient location and accessible resources simplify vehicle-related tasks for islanders.
State:
Ohio
Department:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
251 W. Lake Street, Sandusky, OH 44870
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.