Moving to Ohio statistics (2025 data)

How many people move to Ohio?

Approximately 185,341 people moved to Ohio in 2023, while 184,281 moved out. This represents a net migration of 1,060 people. The Buckeye State has been struggling to attract domestic migrants, with only 2.3% coming from domestic sources between 2022 and 2023. Instead, the vast majority of those moving to Ohio are international migrants.

According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Ohio ranked as the 36th most desired state for relocation.

Top 5 cities that people moved to in Ohio

With respectable education, health and safety scores based on data collected from several sources and accounting for weighted factors, Ohio ranks as the 29th best U.S. state to move to in 2024. A low economic score is the primary factor holding the state back, but many are still attracted to the low cost of living in certain portions of the state.

Most people moving to the Buckeye State are relocating to Columbus and its surrounding suburbs. Between 2020 and 2023, Columbus attracted the most new residents, adding 7,236 (0.8% growth).

The suburbs of Columbus received the highest population growth, with Marysville, Delaware and Pickerington all experiencing growth of over 9%. This region is economically prosperous, with Delaware County offering annual per-capita personal incomes nearly double those of other Ohio counties.

The top five locales people moved to in Ohio between 2020 and 2023 were as follows:

Why do people move to Ohio?

While there is an overall lack of positive domestic migration to Ohio, affordable housing and job opportunities are the primary reasons people move to the state. For example, the median home in Ohio is over 40% more affordable than the national median.

In addition to affordable housing, major cities like Columbus and Cleveland offer job opportunities across a wide variety of industries. The largest industries in the state are trade, transportation, and utilities, education and health services, and government. Collectively, these industries employ just under 50% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in the state is construction, growing at a rate of 6.4% between July 2023 and July 2024.

Ohio housing statistics

With a median rent price of roughly $1,444 and a median home sale price of $242,700, Ohio renters and homeowners can expect to pay over 40% less than the national median for housing.

However, Ohio’s property tax rate of 1.59% is the ninth highest in the country. The tax rate here is more than double that of 18 states, including California (0.75%).

In 2021, the average property owner in Franklin County — where Columbus is located — paid $3,708 in annual property taxes. In general, the average property tax paid in Ohio varies greatly by county, with residents in Delaware County paying an average of $6,125 annually in 2021, while those in Adams County paid substantially less with an average of $1,200.

Cost-of-living statistics in Ohio

Ohio’s cost-of-living index is 94, making it the 20th most affordable state in the nation. However, gas prices do not follow this same affordability trend, averaging 9.5% higher ($3.57) than the national average of $3.26. This is the case despite having more oil and gas production than most surrounding states. Luckily, Ohio is becoming a more green place to live, as increased recycling has bumped it up to being the 29th most green state in the country.

Despite a median household income 10.7% lower than the national median, at $67,299, affordable housing availability helps offset potential financial challenges. At 4.4%, the unemployment rate is slightly higher than the national average (4.2%).

While affordable housing is a given in many portions of Ohio, would-be movers should be aware of available job opportunities before making the move. Budgeting beforehand can help ensure that you’re prepared for the state’s cost of living as well.

Who lives in Ohio?

An estimated 11,785,935 people live in Ohio as of 2023, making it the seventh largest state in terms of population. This represents a net increase of 26,238 people compared to 2022.

Ohio’s population is skewed female, with women accounting for 50.7% of the population and men accounting for 49.3%. In 2023, around 5.97 million Ohio residents were female, and 5.81 million were male.

On average, Ohio’s population is also older (39.8 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. Those between 25 and 44 years old are the largest age demographic, accounting for 25.8% of the population, or 3.04 million people.

White Americans account for the largest share of Ohio’s residents, approximating 80.6% of the population (9.5 million people). The Buckeye State also has a large Black population, accounting for 13.4% of the population (1.53 million people). This is then followed by Hispanic and Asian residents, who account for 4.8% and 2.8% of the population, respectively.

Tips for moving to Ohio

Not sure how to start your move to Ohio? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Understand the cost of living

While Ohio’s cost-of-living index is below the national average, expenses will vary significantly based on where you relocate. Popular move-in destinations like Delaware County and the state’s major cities have a far higher cost of living than rural regions. However, these areas also generally have stronger economies. You can research housing costs, property taxes and utilities in your chosen area using resources like Ohio.gov.

2. Explore the job market

Despite being a part of the Rust Belt, Ohio has improved access to high-quality job opportunities across industries like manufacturing, health care, technology and education. Columbus and other major cities are now hubs of technology and finance as much as they are manufacturing hubs. Before relocating, we recommend looking into current job openings and employment trends on the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services website.

3. Prepare for seasonal weather

If you’re moving from a warmer state, it’s important to prepare for Ohio’s seasonal weather. Winters can range from mild to severe, with northern areas surrounding Lake Erie experiencing cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. Southern portions of the state will likely be warmer, but you should still expect snow in mountainous regions. Invest in winter essentials like insulated coats, boots and snow removal tools, and keep up to date on the latest weather conditions via the National Weather Service website.

4. Research transportation options

If you’re relocating to a major city like Cleveland, Columbus or Cincinnati, you’ll have access to a robust network of buses and trains. However, rural areas are largely car-dependent, especially in mountainous regions. When driving in Appalachia, specifically, be aware of seasonal road conditions, as flooding, landslides, ice and snow can all be a concern while traveling. Visit the Ohio Department of Transportation website for updates on transit options, road closures and traffic conditions.

5. Be aware of natural hazards

Ohio faces a few different natural hazard risks depending on the region. Eastern and northern portions of the state are more prone to blizzards and flooding, while tornadoes are the largest threat in the West. Peak tornado season is typically between June and July, so we recommend staying informed by signing up for local weather alerts and familiarizing yourself with emergency plans through the Ohio Emergency Management Agency website.

6. Explore Ohio’s hidden gems

Far from its unfortunate Rust Belt reputation, Ohio’s scenic and cultural beauty can be found around every corner. From Hocking Hills State Park to Carillon Historical Park, you can explore countless hidden gems. Check out the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website to discover parks, trails and recreational activities near your new home.

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to Ohio, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.