Metro areas in Ohio: income, rent and home values
Ohio has 15 metropolitan areas with annual Census data, led by Cincinnati, OH with 2.3 million residents. Household incomes are highest in Cincinnati, OH ($85,866). Renters spend the smallest share of income in Weirton, WV (25.7%) and the largest in Wheeling, WV (35.5%). The fastest-growing metro since 2021 is Sandusky, OH (+50.7%).
| Metro area | Population | Median income | Median rent | Home value | Rent / income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH | 2,313,506 | $85,866 | $1,279 | $312,400 | 29.6% |
| Columbus, OH | 2,242,028 | $84,015 | $1,468 | $347,600 | 30.6% |
| Cleveland, OH | 2,165,775 | $74,393 | $1,157 | $250,500 | 30.2% |
| Dayton, OH | 826,554 | $76,029 | $1,149 | $235,800 | 26.3% |
| Akron, OH | 701,780 | $77,114 | $1,108 | $244,800 | 29.8% |
| Toledo, OH | 599,376 | $68,473 | $1,040 | $208,500 | 29.8% |
| Youngstown, OH | 423,678 | $62,937 | $885 | $176,600 | 28.4% |
| Canton, OH | 400,246 | $72,560 | $938 | $229,100 | 27.9% |
| Huntington, WV | 363,645 | $57,395 | $944 | $167,000 | 28.5% |
| Springfield, OH | 135,340 | $64,512 | $1,076 | $194,800 | 27.9% |
| Wheeling, WV | 134,089 | $56,441 | $799 | $161,200 | 35.5% |
| Mansfield, OH | 124,893 | $61,144 | $923 | $207,400 | 27.5% |
| Sandusky, OH | 112,777 | $71,922 | $1,000 | $238,100 | 30.3% |
| Weirton, WV | 112,039 | $60,916 | $856 | $162,900 | 25.7% |
| Lima, OH | 100,881 | $68,092 | $1,090 | $196,800 | 26.1% |
Includes 4 metro areas that cross into neighboring states.
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Ohio at a glance
What is the most affordable metro area in Ohio for renters?+
Weirton, WV, where renters spend a median 25.7% of household income on rent (2025 Census data).
Which metro area in Ohio has the highest income?+
Cincinnati, OH, with a median household income of $85,866 in 2025.
How many metro areas are in Ohio?+
15 metropolitan statistical areas in Ohio have annual Census estimates (population 65,000+).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 1-year estimates (released September 2026), with 2024 and 2021 for trends. Figures are survey estimates with margins of error; small differences between metros may not be meaningful. Metro areas use the official Metropolitan Statistical Area boundaries. Compiled and analyzed by Metro Research. Methodology.