Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lakewood, OH
Thinking of moving to Lakewood, OH? This vibrant city of 50,942 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $232,000 and average rents at $1,090. Residents enjoy a reasonable commute time of about 25 minutes, a walkable, urban-suburban vibe, and easy access to Cleveland. Education stands out, with nearly half of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and the city is served by strong public schools. While property crime is a bit above national average, violent crime remains relatively low, and residents benefit from a lively cultural scene and scenic lakefront parks.
Demographics - Lakewood, OH
Demographics - Lakewood, OH
Lakewood, OH is home to about 51,000 residents, with a youthful median age of 36.1 years and a diverse community where over 7% speak a language other than English. The city is predominantly White, but also includes Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, contributing to its vibrant cultural mix. Its high population density and balanced gender ratio create an energetic, urban atmosphere that's welcoming to newcomers.
Population:
50,942
Density:
9,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.1
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
86.1%
Black:
5.7%
Asian:
2.4%
Others:
5.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lakewood, OH?
Lakewood offers a cost of living below the national average, with a median home value of $232,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,090 per month. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and Ohio's state taxes remain moderate, making the city attractive for budget-conscious residents. Overall, Lakewood provides a balance of affordability and quality amenities for those looking to relocate.
Median House Value:
$232,000
Gross Rent:
$1,090
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,040
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,480
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
0.5%
|
High:
3.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
94.6
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
86.3
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
97.0
Health Care:
94.9
Miscellaneous:
96.1
Crime
Is Lakewood, OH a safe place to live?
Lakewood experiences a property crime rate slightly above the national average, with about 2,040 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crime remains relatively low at 225 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 444, offering a generally safe environment, especially when compared to larger urban areas. Residents enjoy peace of mind, but should remain vigilant about property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
225
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,040
Crime Index:
2,265
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 444
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Lakewood, OH year-round?
Lakewood enjoys all four seasons, with warm summers averaging highs in the low 80s and cold winters with lows in the 20s. The city receives about 38.5 inches of annual rainfall and sees sunshine nearly half the year, offering a pleasant mix of weather for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents can expect a variety of seasonal activities and changing scenery throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Lakewood's neighborhoods are diverse and well-educated, with a median household income of $62,400 and nearly half of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The community is active, with most residents enjoying short commutes of around 25 minutes and a modest unemployment rate of 4.7%. While the poverty rate is slightly above national averages, the city’s strong educational attainment and accessible public transportation add to its appeal.
Median Income:
$38,700
Household Income:
$62,400
Family Income:
$85,800
Per Capita Income:
$36,100
Income Male:
$45,300
Income Female:
$38,800
Poverty Rate:
13.2%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,090
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
5.0%
Commute Time:
24.9 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
95.3%
Bachelors or More:
48.0%
Education
How are the schools in Lakewood, OH?
Lakewood boasts a strong educational system, with public schools like Lakewood High and Garfield Middle offering favorable student-to-teacher ratios and a range of academic opportunities. The community is also served by private institutions such as Lakewood Catholic Academy, and is located just minutes from higher education options like Cleveland State University and Cuyahoga Community College. Nearly half of adults in Lakewood hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, fostering a well-educated environment.

Public Schools
Name:
Lakewood High School
Street:
14100 Franklin Blvd
Phone:
216-529-4020
Students:
1,450
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.0
Name:
Garfield Middle School
Street:
13114 Detroit Ave
Phone:
216-529-4257
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3

Private Schools
Name:
Lakewood Catholic Academy
Street:
14808 Lake Ave
Phone:
216-521-0559
Students:
600

Colleges
Name:
Cleveland State University
City:
Cleveland
State:
OH
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
16,000
Name:
Cuyahoga Community College
City:
Cleveland
State:
OH
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
20,000
Healthcare
Residents benefit from convenient access to major healthcare providers like Cleveland Clinic Lakewood Family Health Center and nearby Fairview Hospital, which offers emergency services. With 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 94% health insurance coverage, Lakewood offers strong healthcare resources for families and individuals. The city’s healthcare index reflects good access and quality of care for its population.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Cleveland Clinic Lakewood Family Health Center
Address:
14601 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
Phone:
(216) 237-5500
Type:
General & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Fairview Hospital
Address:
18101 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111
Phone:
(216) 476-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lakewood, OH?
Lakewood's housing market features a median home price of $232,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,090, making it affordable for both buyers and renters. Over half of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates remain low, reflecting steady demand and a healthy local market. Home values have seen moderate annual appreciation, providing stability for future homeowners.
Median Home Price:
$232,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,090
Owner Occupied Rate:
55.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Lakewood residents are served by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Cleveland. The BMV offers essential services such as licensing, registration, and title transfers both in-person and online. For more information or to access services, residents can visit the official Ohio BMV website or call the main office.
State:
Ohio
Department:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2079 East 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44115
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.