Cost of Living in Mahoning County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Mahoning County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Mahoning County ranks #2,650 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 16%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Mahoning County, Ohio
Mahoning County's housing crunch is real
Mahoning County renters spend 16.7% of their income on housing, exceeding the national 15% affordability threshold and earning $19,179 less than the U.S. median. This creates significant housing pressure on local families despite cheaper rents.
Below-average affordability in Ohio
Mahoning County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Ohio's 15.6% state average, placing it among the state's less affordable counties. At $775 monthly rent, Mahoning undercuts the state average by $98, but wages here lag farther behind.
Cheaper than most, but incomes lag
Mahoning County's $775 rent is among the lowest in the region, but residents earn just $55,576 annually—well below neighbors like Madison County ($83,229). This income disadvantage undermines what otherwise looks like a bargain rent price.
Tight budgets for Mahoning households
The median Mahoning household earning $55,576 annually pays $775 in rent or $804 in mortgage costs monthly. Renters allocate 16.7% of income to housing while homeowners spend 17.3%, both above the recommended 15% threshold.
Mahoning offers low rents but verify job prospects
Mahoning County's bargain rents attract relocators, but the lower wage base means your earning potential matters more here than in wealthier counties. Research employment opportunities carefully before moving—housing is cheap partly because wages are tight.
Cost of Living Advisory: Mahoning County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Mahoning County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $775/month in gross rent, with 29.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Mahoning County pay $775/month on average, compared to $804/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 4%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,457/year. With a median household income of $55,576, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Mahoning County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Defiance County where rent averages $826/month, Mahoning County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Mahoning County
Rent Burden
16.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,297
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Mahoning County
Median home value is $141,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,126 vs. your max of $1,297.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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