Is Ohio a Good Place to Live? 🎢 | Living in Ohio Pros & Cons and What to Know

Considering a move to the Buckeye State? Moving to Ohio means access to affordable living, thriving cities, and the state’s natural beauty, from the shores of Lake Erie to the rolling hills of Appalachia. Ohio offers residents a mix of bustling urban areas with great public transportation options and charming small towns steeped in rich history.

In this Ohio relocation guide, we’ll cover the pros and cons of living in Ohio and what you need to know, so you can decide if it’s the right place for you to call home.

Is Ohio a Good Place to Live?

Ohio is a great place to live, offering a low cost of living, diverse job opportunities, and access to both urban and natural attractions. The state has excellent schools and universities, making it ideal for families and students. Ohio also provides easy access to amenities with big city attractions and destinations like Chicago, Nashville, and Pittsburgh, just a road trip away.

Residents enjoy a mix of vibrant city life in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, along with outdoor recreation in parks like Cuyahoga Valley National Park. While winters can be harsh, Ohio’s affordability and quality of life make it a solid choice for many.

What Is Ohio Known for?

Ohio is known for several unique attractions and contributions to American culture. Cleveland is often called the “Rock and Roll Capital” because it’s home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, celebrating music legends. For thrill-seekers, Ohio is also famous as the “Roller Coaster Capital,” thanks to Cedar Point in Sandusky, which boasts some of the best and most extreme roller coasters in the world.

Additionally, Ohio is known for its signature dish, Cincinnati chili, a unique style of chili served over spaghetti and topped with cheese, onions, or beans, creating a regional culinary favorite.

Where Is Ohio?

Ohio is located in the heart of the Midwest, bordered by Lake Erie to the north and the Ohio River to the south. Ohio is bordered by Michigan to the north, Pennsylvania to the east, West Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the south, and Indiana to the west.

Ohio’s central location means it’s within a day’s drive of more than 60% of the population of the United States and Canada. Northern Ohio provides easy access to major cities like Cleveland and Detroit, Michigan, Buffalo, New York, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Southern Ohio is easily within reach of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Louisville, Kentucky.

What Region Is Ohio in?

Ohio is in the Midwest region of the United States. It’s also part of the Great Lakes region due to its northern border with Lake Erie. 32 counties in southeastern Ohio are part of the Appalachian region.

How Many People Live in Ohio?

The Ohio population is 11,799,448, according to the 2020 census population data. It’s the seventh most populous state in the U.S. Close to 3.5% of Americans are Ohioans. People living in Ohio are known as Ohioans or Buckeyes.

The population density is 282 people per square foot. It’s the tenth most densely populated state. The total area of Ohio is 44,826 square miles. It’s the 34th largest state by area.

The population of Ohio is expected to decline by more than 6% over the next 30 years. By 2030, more than 25% of Ohioans will be 60 and older. Most population growth is in the central and southwestern areas, including the Columbus and Cincinnati metro areas.

There are 11 combined statistical areas (CSAs) and 15 metropolitan areas in Ohio, plus 29 micropolitan areas. Notable metro areas include:

• Greater Cleveland – 2.19 million people in six counties. The nearby Akron metro area has 700,000 people. Both are part of the larger Cleveland-Akron-Canton CSA, which has a population of 3.7 million. It’s part of Northeast Ohio, which has 4.5 million residents.
• Greater Columbus – 2.18 million people in ten counties. It’s part of the Columbus-Marion-Zanesville CSA with 2.65 million people. The Columbus metro area constitutes Central Ohio.
• Greater Cincinnati – 2.28 million people (1.73 million in Ohio) in 15 counties: five in Ohio, seven in Kentucky, and three in Indiana. It’s part of the Tri-State Area in the Ohio Valley in Southwest Ohio. The Cincinnati-Wilmington, OH-KY-IN CSA has 2.3 million people.
• Metro Dayton (Miami Valley) – 814,000 people in three counties. It’s halfway between Cincinnati and Columbus. The larger Dayton-Springfield-Kettering CSA has 1.09 million people in seven counties.

Ohio Demographics

• Ethnic and racial demographics: 80.6% White (76.7% non-Hispanic), 4.8% Hispanic, 13.4% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.7% two or more races
• Senior population (65 and over): 18.7%
• Sex ratio: 50.7% female to 49.3% male
• Foreign-born population: 4.9%
• Educational attainment: 91% high school graduate or higher, 30% bachelor’s degree or higher
• Residents with a disability (under 65 years old): 10.1%
• People living in poverty: 13.3%
• Median household income: $66,990
• Per capita income: $37,729

What Famous People Are From Ohio?

Ohio is the birthplace of many famous people across various fields. Famous people from Ohio include:

• LeBron James (Akron) – NBA superstar widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time
• Neil Armstrong (Wapakoneta) – The first person to walk on the moon
• Steven Spielberg (Cincinnati) – Acclaimed film director and producer
• Thomas Edison (Milan) – Inventor of the phonograph and the electric light bulb
• Simone Biles (Columbus) – Olympic gold-medalist gymnast
• Paul Newman (Shaker Heights) – Actor and philanthropist
• Halle Berry (Cleveland) – Academy Award-winning actress
• John Glenn (Cambridge) – Astronaut, U.S. Senator, and the first American to orbit the Earth

What Are the Largest Cities in Ohio?

The three major cities in Ohio are Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. There are 17 big cities with a population of at least 50,000. Here are the 10 largest Ohio cities by population:

1. Columbus (905,748) – Ohio’s capital and largest city, known for its diverse economy and vibrant arts scene.
2. Cleveland (372,624) – Located on the shores of Lake Erie and famous for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
3. Cincinnati (309,317) – A city known for its historic architecture, sports teams, and iconic Cincinnati chili.
4. Toledo (270,871) – Situated in Northern Ohio along Lake Erie, known for its glass industry and auto manufacturing.
5. Akron (190,469) – Famous for its rubber industry history and proximity to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
6. Dayton (137,644) – Known for its aviation history and as the home of the Wright Brothers.
7. Parma (81,146) – A suburb of Cleveland and the largest city in Cuyahoga County outside of Cleveland.
8. Canton (70,872) – Home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and known for its industrial past.
9. Lorain (65,211) – A city along Lake Erie, known for its steel industry and waterfront.
10. Hamilton (63,399) – Located north of Cincinnati, known for its growing arts scene and historic architecture.

Best Places to Live in Ohio

Is moving to Ohio in your future? You’ll find diverse lifestyle options whether you’re looking for big-city living or prefer the tranquility of picturesque rural areas. Living in Ohio provides unique opportunities for families, young adults, professionals, and retirees alike. Here are just some of the best places to live in Ohio to fit your needs.

Best Places to Live in Ohio for Families

Ohio is filled with family-friendly neighborhoods offering top-rated schools, safe streets, and plenty of parks.

• Dublin, near Columbus, is highly sought after for its excellent schools, family-oriented events, and suburban feel.
• Hudson, located between Cleveland and Akron, combines small-town charm with a thriving community and fantastic education.
• Granville offers a quaint village atmosphere and highly rated schools, making it a great choice for families wanting both quality education and a tight-knit community.

Best Places to Live in Ohio for Young Adults

Here are great cities in Ohio where young adults can balance career opportunities with vibrant social scenes.

• Columbus, home to Ohio State University, boasts an energetic atmosphere with diverse entertainment options, trendy neighborhoods like the Short North Arts District, and thriving job markets in tech and healthcare.
• Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood is another hot spot, offering trendy cafes, breweries, and proximity to Lake Erie.
• Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood is perfect for a blend of culture and affordability, with a revitalized downtown teeming with arts, nightlife, and historic charm.

Best Places to Live in Ohio for Young Professionals

For young professionals moving to Ohio, cities like Columbus and Cincinnati lead the way. Columbus is a hub for startups and corporate headquarters, offering abundant job opportunities in finance, healthcare, and education. Neighborhoods like German Village provide a mix of historic beauty and proximity to downtown offices.

In Cincinnati, neighborhoods such as Hyde Park are popular among professionals for their upscale living, walkable streets, and local amenities.

Dayton is also an emerging destination for professionals in aerospace and technology, offering a lower cost of living with career growth potential.

Best Places to Retire in Ohio

Ohio offers retirees affordability, accessibility, and a relaxed pace of life. Delaware, just north of Columbus, combines a small-town feel with access to healthcare and senior services. Yellow Springs, known for its artsy vibe and natural beauty, appeals to retirees seeking a creative and active lifestyle.

Avon Lake, near Cleveland, is perfect for those who want lakeside living with a strong sense of community. For those who prefer rural areas, Marietta offers historic charm and scenic views along the Ohio River.

Best Small Towns in Ohio

If you’re searching for the charm of small-town living in Ohio, there are plenty of options. Chagrin Falls, with its historic downtown and beautiful waterfall, is a quintessential small town. Oberlin, home to Oberlin College, offers a unique mix of academic culture and a welcoming small-town atmosphere.

Cambridge, known for its glassblowing heritage and Victorian architecture, is a hidden gem. For a peaceful rural experience, Millersburg, nestled in the heart of Amish Country, provides a slower pace of life with rich cultural experiences.

What Is the Cost of Living in Ohio?

The Ohio cost of living index is 94.9 (C2ER, 2024 3rd quarter). That means it’s 5.1% more affordable than the national average. The low cost of living is one of the many advantages of living in Ohio. The cost of living index is broken down by category.

You’ll pay less than the national average for everything from everyday expenses to housing.

Household bills are a major aspect of the average cost of living in Ohio. According to Doxo, the average Ohio household pays $1,870 in household bills, 12% below the national average of $2,126. Here are the average monthly bills:

• Average monthly mortgage in OH: $1,188 (national: $1,402)
• Average monthly rent: $968 (national: $1,300)
• Average utilities in Ohio: $376 (national: $362)
• Average monthly auto insurance: $191 (national: $209)
• Average monthly cable and internet bill: $124 (national: $122)

The most expensive city in Ohio for bills is Dublin, where the typical household pays $3,116 per month.

What Are the Cheapest Places to Live in Ohio?

Below are the most affordable places to live in Ohio based on home prices and average bills.

Ohio Housing Market

The Ohio real estate market is very strong, with rising home sales and home prices, yet it remains a very affordable housing market. In some areas, the demand for Ohio houses for sale has led to tight supply, but some regions are experiencing population decline, which is leading to lower demand and dropping home prices.

What Is the Average Home Price in Ohio?

The median home price in Ohio is $247,600, up 6.4% year-over-year in 2024. The average house price in Ohio is $258,800 for a single-family home, according to Redfin.

How Much Is Rent in Ohio?

The average rent in Ohio is $1,261, according to Rentcafe. Ohio rent prices are well below the U.S. average of $1,739. The most expensive cities are Macedonia, Boston, Hudson, and Boston Heights, where average rent is $2,000 to $2,400. There are dozens of cities where the average rent is below $1,000.

Is Ohio Dangerous?

Ohio is a safe place to live, with a violent crime rate that ranks 29th in the U.S. The Ohio violent crime rate is well below the national average.

What Is the Crime Rate in Ohio?

Ohio crime rate per 100,000 people in 2022: 2,086 (national average: 2,335)

• Violent crime rate: 293.6 (national average: 380.7)
• Property crime rate: 1,782.7 (national average: 1,954.4)
• Homicide rate: 6.1 (national average: 6.3)

58% of violent crime in Ohio was aggravated assault, followed by robberies (21.5%), rape (18%), and homicide (2%). 72% of property crime was larceny-theft, followed by burglary (14%), motor vehicle theft (13%), and arson (0.5%).

What Are the Safest Cities in Ohio?

The safest city in Ohio is Kirtland, which has a population of 6,801 and just 58 crimes per 100,000 people. Here are other places with the lowest risk of being the victim of crime while living in Ohio.

 

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What Are the Most Dangerous Cities in Ohio?

Cleveland is the most dangerous city in Ohio, with 1,614 violent crimes per 100,000 people. That’s 336% above the national average. Below are other cities in Ohio with the highest violent crime rates.

What Is There to Do in Ohio?

Living in Ohio is a great choice if you love spending time outdoors with stunning natural wonders, world-class outdoor recreation, and beautiful state and national parks. You’ll also find fun Ohio attractions for thrill-seeking and learning. Here are some of the top places to visit in Ohio.

Hocking Hills State Park

A stunning park known for its deep gorges, towering cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls, Hocking Hills offers excellent hiking trails, caves, swimming, fishing, and archery. Ash Cave in Hocking Hills is the largest recessed cave in Ohio and is famous for its impressive sandstone formation and seasonal waterfall.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

A serene national park between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley features scenic trails, waterfalls, and historic landmarks along the Cuyahoga River.

Rocky River Reservation

This picturesque park in the Cleveland Metroparks system features rugged cliffs, wooded trails for hiking and mountain biking, and the winding Rocky River.

Ohio Caverns

Known as “America’s most colorful caverns,” these underground caves feature stunning crystal formations and guided tours through narrow passages.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

One of the oldest zoos in the U.S., the Cincinnati Zoo is known for its successful conservation efforts and diverse animal exhibits.

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

This world-renowned zoo is home to a wide variety of animal species and marine life, with a strong focus on conservation and education.

The Wilds

The Wilds is a large, open-range conservation and safari park offering safari tours where you can see endangered species in natural settings, plus ziplining and horseback riding.

African Safari Wildlife Park

This drive-through wildlife park in Port Clinton allows visitors to interact with exotic animals, including giraffes, zebras, capybara, alpacas, and bison.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Franklin Park Conservatory is a beautiful botanical garden in Columbus, offering seasonal displays, a glasshouse, and stunning plant collections.

Cedar Point

The “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” located on Lake Erie, Cedar Point, features some of the world’s tallest and fastest roller coasters.

Kings Island

A popular amusement park in Mason near Cincinnati, known for its thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly rides, and water park.

Jungle Jim’s International Market

A massive and world-famous grocery store in Fairfield and Eastgate in the Cincinnati Area, Jungle Jim’s offers international foods, themed displays, and food events. A visit to the 200,000-square-foot store is one of the best things to do in Ohio for foodies!

National Museum of the US Air Force

Located near Dayton, this is the world’s largest military aviation museum, showcasing historic aircraft and aviation technology.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

A museum in Cleveland dedicated to preserving the history of rock music, featuring iconic memorabilia and exhibits on music legends.

Cleveland Museum of Art

This prestigious museum features an extensive collection of art from around the world and offers free admission to its permanent collection.

Cincinnati Museum Center

Housed in the historic Union Terminal, this museum complex includes a natural history museum, a children’s museum, and Cincinnati history exhibits.

How Many Waterfalls Are in Ohio?

Ohio is home to over 100 waterfalls, spread across its state parks, nature preserves, and urban areas. Some of the most notable waterfalls include Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Cedar Falls and Ash Cave Falls in Hocking Hills State Park, and Hayden Falls near Columbus. These waterfalls range from small, scenic cascades to larger, dramatic drops, making Ohio a great destination for nature lovers and hikers.

How Many National Parks Are in Ohio?

Ohio has one national park: Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Located between Cleveland and Akron, it offers beautiful landscapes, hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic sites along the Cuyahoga River. While it’s Ohio’s only designated national park, the state also features several national historic sites, memorials, and preserves, such as Hopewell Culture National Historical Park and the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park.

What Are Some Fun Facts About Ohio?

Thinking about living in Ohio? Check out these Ohio fun facts!

• Ohio is the only state with a non-rectangular flag.
• The state fruit is the pawpaw, a unique fruit native to Ohio and America’s largest indigenous edible fruit. Pawpaws have a custard-like texture and a flavor that can be described as a combination of pineapple, banana, and mango. If you’re visiting Ohio, visit the annual Ohio Pawpaw Festival!
• The Osage orange, also known as monkey balls or monkey brain fruit, also grows in Ohio. These strange-looking, softball-sized fruits are mostly inedible.
• The Ohio state bird is the cardinal, known for its red plumage and distinctive call.
• Ohio is the “Birthplace of Aviation” as the birthplace of the Wright brothers, pioneers of aviation. North Carolina, meanwhile, is “First in Flight” as the site of the Wright brothers’ first flight.
• Ohio is the birthplace of eight U.S. presidents, more than any other state except Virginia, earning it the nickname “The Mother of Presidents.”
• Cincinnati, Ohio, is the home of the first professional baseball team. The Cincinnati Red Stockings were established in 1869 as the first fully professional baseball team. The modern-day Cincinnati Reds identify with the Red Stockings, and the team was the origin of the Boston Red Sox.
• Akron, Ohio, home to Goodyear Tire, was once known as the “Rubber Capital of the World” due to its dominance in the tire and rubber industry.
• Ohio is the only state with an official state rock song, “Hang on Sloopy,” adopted in 1985.
• The iconic superhero Superman was created by Ohio natives Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in Cleveland in the 1930s.
• Ohio is home to two of the world’s most famous amusement parks, Cedar Point and Kings Island, known for record-breaking roller coasters.
• Ohioans love their Buckeye candies, which are peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate. They resemble the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree, the state tree.

State of Ohio Jobs & Economy

The Ohio GDP is $822.67 billion in 2022, or 3.2% of the total U.S. GDP. It has the seventh-largest GDP in the country. If it were a country, it would have the 20th largest global economy, ahead of Switzerland and behind Saudi Arabia. The Ohio unemployment rate is 4.5%.

Ohio is considered America’s Industrial Capital: manufacturing is the largest of the 20 main sectors of the Ohio economy. Manufacturing accounted for 15.9% of the state’s output in 2021. Its manufacturing sector is ranked 3rd in the country after California and Texas. Ohio is the largest manufacturer of rubber and plastics in the U.S., has the Midwest’s largest bioscience sector, and is an international Fuel Cell Corridor. Motor vehicle manufacturing, steel production, and research and development account for 14-17% of the raw output of the United States.

It’s also a center of industry and science with strong banking and insurance sectors. Combined, insurance and banking account for 8% of the gross state product. Agriculture is another major industry, employing one out of every seven people living in Ohio.

Major economic hubs in Ohio include:

• Cincinnati – distribution and logistics, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing
• Dayton – aerospace and defense
• Columbus – technological research and development
• Cleveland – regenerative medicine research
• Toledo – national solar center

While living in Ohio, you’ll find a robust job market thanks to strong economic growth in various industries. If you’re ready to explore job opportunities before moving to Ohio, here are some highlighted areas:

• Central Ohio is a top 10 metro for young professionals and one of the top 30 most fun places to live in the U.S. It’s home to Intel’s first new semiconductor manufacturing facility in 40 years.
• Northeast Ohio (Cleveland and Akron area) is ranked #5 in the U.S. for jobs, #3 in the U.S. for cost of living, and one of the top 10 best places for a fresh start.
• Southeastern Region: Home to 3 of the top 10 rural counties for economic development with a low cost of living
• Southwest Region (Cincinnati area): #1 city for new college grads, #4 happiest city to work in, and #2 city for environmentally focused jobs
• Western Region (Dayton area): top 10 STEM community, most affordable city for STEM jobs in the U.S., and #7 for its “STEM environment” with 20% of its workforce in STEM jobs

What Is the Ohio Economy Based on?

The Ohio economy is diverse. Ohio major industries include:

• Manufacturing, particularly in automotive, aerospace, and steel production
• Agriculture, producing soybeans, corn, and dairy products
• Healthcare and biosciences, with major research institutions and hospitals
• Finance and insurance, especially in cities like Columbus and Cleveland
• Logistics and transportation thanks to its central location in the Midwest with access to major markets

Who Are the Biggest Employers in Ohio?

The largest employer in Ohio is the Cleveland Clinic, which has more than 58,000 employees. Of the 15 largest employers in Ohio, seven are in the healthcare sector, four are in retail, and two are in education.

Major employers in Ohio include:

1. Cleveland Clinic
2. Walmart
3. Amazon
4. Kroger
5. Ohio State University
6. OhioHealth
7. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
8. University Hospitals Health System
9. Bon Secours Mercy Health
10. JP Morgan Chase & Co
11. ProMedica Health System
12. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
13. Giant Eagle, Inc.
14. Honda Motor Company
15. University of Cincinnati

How Many Fortune 500 Companies Are Headquartered in Ohio?

There are 27 Fortune 500 companies in Ohio as of 2024. Cardinal Health, based in Dublin, is the largest company in Ohio and #14 in the U.S. Below are the largest companies in Ohio to make the Fortune 500 list.

What Is the Average Salary in Ohio?

The per capita or average income in Ohio is $37,729, and the median individual income is $33,831. Companies hiring in Ohio pay an average annual wage or salary of $59,890, according to the BLS.

The average hourly wage in Ohio is $28.79, with a median hourly wage of $22.45.

• Average teacher salary in Ohio: $66,390
• Average RN salary in Ohio: $78,450 ($37.72 per hour)
• Median income for male workers: $52,230
• Median income for female workers: $42,482
• Median income with a bachelor’s degree or higher: $61,158
• Median income for disabled Ohioans: $36,077
• Median income for veterans: $54,789

The median household income is $66,990, but the average household income in Ohio is $110,726. Almost 26% of households earn more than $100,000, and more than 7% earn over $200,000.

What Is a Livable Wage in Ohio?

According to the MIT Living Wage calculator, the living wage in Ohio is $19.40 for a single person with no children. For a family of four, two adults need to earn $25.16, or one working adult needs to earn $37.38.

Ohio Sports & Professional Sports Teams

Ohio is known for its rich sports history and traditions. It played a major role in the development of the NFL and MLB. There are nine major professional sports teams in Ohio, including two NFL teams, two MLB teams, two MLS teams, and teams in basketball, hockey, and volleyball.

Professional Ohio sports teams include:

• Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
• Cleveland Browns (NFL) – 4 NFL Championships, 4 AAFC Championships
• Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) – 1 NBA Finals
• Cincinnati Reds (MLB) – 5 World Series wins
• Cleveland Guardians (MLB) – 2 World Series wins
• Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
• Columbus Crew (MLS) – 3 MLS Cups
• FC Cincinnati (MLS)
• Columbus Fury (PVF)

There are eight NCAA Division I FBS college football teams in Ohio. The Ohio State Buckeyes football team has won eight national championships. Seven players have won the Heisman Trophy.

 

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How Many NFL Teams Are in Ohio?

There are two Ohio NFL teams: the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns.

What Is the Weather Like in Ohio?

While living in Ohio, you will experience all four seasons with humid summers and temperatures often reaching into the 80s and 90s, making it feel warm and muggy. Cold winters are normal, especially in the northern part of the state, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing and the potential for snowfall. Ohio also sees severe thunderstorms during the spring and summer months, occasionally bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and even tornadoes.

Ohio weather year-round includes 40″ of annual precipitation. The state gets 28″ of annual snowfall on average. If you’re living in the Ohio snowbelt area, you can expect more than 100″ of annual snowfall, while the southern area gets less than 20″ of snow.

What Climate Zone Is Ohio?

The primary Ohio climate is humid continental, characterized by four distinct seasons: hot, humid summers and cold winters. The southern part of the state experiences a more moderate version of this climate, while northern Ohio, especially near Lake Erie, can have harsher winters. Some parts of the southern Ohio region fall into the humid subtropical climate zone, which brings milder winters and slightly warmer temperatures year-round.

How Cold Does It Get in Ohio?

In Ohio, winter temperatures can vary depending on the region. In the northern parts of the state, especially near Lake Erie, temperatures frequently drop below freezing, with average lows in the winter ranging from 20°F to 30°F. It can get even colder during cold spells, with temperatures occasionally plunging into the single digits or even below 0°F. In southern Ohio, winters tend to be milder, with average lows typically between 25°F and 35°F. Snow and icy conditions are common across the state during the colder months.

Does Ohio Get Tornadoes?

Yes, Ohio does get tornadoes. Tornadoes in Ohio are most common during the spring and summer months, particularly from April through July, which is the tornado season in Ohio. However, tornadoes can occur at any time of year. Ohio is part of “Tornado Alley Jr.,” a region in the Midwest that experiences frequent tornado activity due to its flat terrain and weather patterns that create ideal conditions for storms.

While not as tornado-prone as states in the central U.S., Ohio sees an average of 21 tornadoes per year. By June 29, 2024, Ohio set a new record for the most tornadoes in the state in a single year, with 63 tornadoes.

How Is the Education System in Ohio?

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce oversees the state’s public education system, which includes approximately 600 school districts. Ohio school options include:

• Traditional public school district (3,031 schools)
• Charter public school (334 schools)
• Non-public chartered schools (715 schools)
• Private schools not chartered by the state (618 schools)
• STEM public schools (7 schools)
• Joint vocational district (49 schools)

About 80% of Ohio school districts have interdistrict open enrollment.

Approximately 80% of students attend traditional public schools, while over 110,000 students are enrolled in public charter schools, 170,000 attend non-public charters, and 47,000 receive homeschooling. More than 80,000 students living in Ohio receive state-funded scholarships or “vouchers” to attend private schools.

Ohio School Report Cards are used in Ohio school rankings by district and school.

Overall, the Ohio education ranking is #27 when K-12 and higher education are considered. Ohio’s pre-K to 12 public school education system is ranked #13. The state’s higher education system is ranked #39 despite several public and private universities like Case Western Reserve University, one of the nation’s top private research universities.

Where Does Ohio Rank in Education?

Ohio ranks #27 overall in the U.S. for education. Ahead of living in Ohio, explore the Ohio education ranking in greater detail.

• Overall Ohio education ranking: 27th by U.S. News & World Report, 18th by Scholaroo
• Pre-K to 12 education: 13th by U.S. News based on preschool enrollment, standardized test scores, high school graduation rate, and college readiness
• Higher education: 39th by U.S. News based on share of residents with a college degree, college graduation rates, cost of in-state tuition, and student loan debt
• Public school quality: 12th by Scholaroo
• Student success: 39th by Scholaroo
• Student safety: 2nd by Scholaroo

What Is the Best School District in Ohio?

Solon City School District in Solon, Ohio, consistently ranks as one of the best school districts in Ohio and the country. It has been ranked #1 in Cleveland Magazine’s annual Ranking the Suburbs issue for 15 years and in 2024 received a 5-star rating for the 9th year in a row. It had the highest performance index score (111.1) on Ohio state report cards.

Other top performers on the Ohio school district rankings include:

• Ottawa Hills Local School District near Toledo
• Chagrin Falls Schools
• Rocky River City School District
• Versailles Exempted Village School District

What Are the Best High Schools in Ohio?

Some of the best schools in Ohio include:

• Walnut Hills High School (Cincinnati) – Consistently ranks among the top 100 schools in the country
• Ottawa Hills High School (Toledo) – Recognized for high graduation rates, excellent standardized test scores, and strong extracurricular programs
• Solon High School (Solon) – Frequently ranked among the top for academic achievement and student success, with 409 students and recent grads awarded AP Scholar Awards in 2024
• Bexley High School (Columbus) – AP participation rate of 88%
• Dublin Jerome High School (Dublin) – Highly rated for academic performance and college preparation programs.

What Are the 14 State Universities in Ohio?

Ohio is home to 14 public state universities. Here are the 14 state universities in Ohio:

• The Ohio State University (Columbus)
• University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati)
• Kent State University (Kent)
• Ohio University (Athens)
• Bowling Green State University (Bowling Green)
• Miami University (Oxford)
• Cleveland State University (Cleveland)
• University of Akron (Akron)
• Wright State University (Dayton)
• Youngstown State University (Youngstown)
• Central State University (Wilberforce)
• Shawnee State University (Portsmouth)
• University of Toledo (Toledo)
• Northeast Ohio Medical University (Rootstown)

Pros and Cons of Living in Ohio

Benefits of Living in Ohio:

1. Affordable cost of living in Ohio, with rent and home prices well below the U.S. average
2. Diverse economy with good job opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, education, and technology
3. Central location with easy access to major cities like Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C.
4. Great entertainment and cultural attractions, including several professional sports teams
5. Good education options with strong public and private schools, as well as renowned universities

Cons of Moving to Ohio:

1. Chilly to harsh winters, especially in the northern part of the state
2. Tornado risk, especially in the western and southwestern parts of the state
3. Economic disparities – While there are thriving economic hubs, some rural and urban areas face economic challenges, including lower job growth and higher poverty rates
4. Mixed public school performance – While some districts excel, there are notable disparities in education quality, particularly between suburban and urban school districts

Is Living in Ohio Right for You?

Are you ready to call Ohio home? At Bell Moving & Storage, we’re ready to make moving to Ohio a positive and stress-free experience. Call our Ohio moving company today at (513) 942-7500 (Cincinnati area) or (614) 503-0035 (Columbus area) to get started with a free quote.