Cost of Living in Summit County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Summit County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Summit County ranks #2,936 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 7%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Summit County, Ohio
Summit bears Ohio's highest rent burden
Summit County renters spend 16.9% of household income on housing—the highest ratio among these eight counties and notably above Ohio's 15.6% state average. With a median rent of $998/month on a $71,016 median income, the county's urban-core pricing creates real affordability stress even for above-average earners.
Priciest county among peers
Summit's $998 median rent ranks well above Ohio's $873 state average, and its 16.9% rent-to-income ratio confirms it's among the state's most expensive housing markets. The premium reflects Summit's role as Ohio's second-largest metro area, home to Akron's corporate headquarters and regional job hub.
Summit commands region's highest rents
At $998/month, Summit's median rent far exceeds nearby Stark ($877), Trumbull ($783), and Tuscarawas ($876) counties, with only Union County ($1,188) commanding higher prices. This gap reflects Summit's urban density and concentration of professional jobs, which attract tenants willing to pay premium rates.
Urban costs carve into budgets
Summit renters earn $5,918/month and commit $998 to housing—16.9% of gross income—leaving less cushion for debt, savings, or emergencies than surrounding counties. Homeowners pay $1,099/month on $195,700 median homes, pricing out households earning under $65,000 from ownership without significant down payment assistance.
Summit rewards high earners seeking jobs
If your income exceeds $80,000 or you're relocating for a major corporate job, Summit's urban job market and amenities justify the premium rent. But families earning below $70,000 should explore Stark or Tuscarawas counties just 20–30 miles away for significantly lower housing costs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Summit County
Affordability Verdict
Summit County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $998/month representing approximately 16.9% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Summit County pay $998/month on average, compared to $1,099/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 9%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $47,100/year. With a median household income of $71,016, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Summit County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Summit County sits 6% more expensive than Madison County ($944/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Summit County
Rent Burden
16.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,657
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Summit County
Median home value is $195,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,562 vs. your max of $1,657.
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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