Living in Dayton, OH
Dayton is the 214th-largest city in the US, home to about 137,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (92.7 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 136,688-0.7% since 2020
- Median home value
- $100,6002.2 years of median income
- Median rent
- $918/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $45,247median, per year
- Price level
- 92.7US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 37° / 86°lows 22° / 66°
- Average commute
- 20 min10% work from home
- State income tax
- 2.75%top rate, flat
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County: Montgomery County, Greene County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 738 ft
Metro area: Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH
Cost of living in Dayton
The median home in Dayton is worth $100,600 and the median household earns $45,247 a year, so a typical home costs about 2.2 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $918 a month, about 24% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH metro area at 92.7, with housing at 72.7 and goods at 93.6 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $69,500 here. Ohio taxes wages at a top rate of 2.75% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in Ohio is 7.29%.
What would my salary be worth in Dayton?
Dayton weather
Average highs run from 37°F in January to 86°F in July, and January nights average 22°F. It gets 41 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 25 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 110 times a year. The most comfortable months are April and June to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Dayton
People and work
The median resident is 34.1 years old, and 22% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 48% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 20 minutes; 10% of workers work from home and 3% take public transit.
- Median age
- 34.1135th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 22%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 48%of households
- People per sq mile
- 2,44955.8 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 3%4% walk, 0.2% bike
- Unemployment
- 9%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 26.9%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1951median year
Who moves to Dayton, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Phoenix (Maricopa County), Cleveland (Cuyahoga County) and San Antonio (Bexar County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Cleveland (Cuyahoga County), Chicago (Cook County) and San Antonio (Bexar County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Montgomery County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: ice storm, tornado, inland flooding, winter weather.
Home prices
+5.3% in a year
Up 50% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH area, 2026 Q2.
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Dayton
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Miami University-Oxford 33 miles
- University of Dayton in Dayton
- Cedarville University 20 miles
- Central State University 17 miles
- Wittenberg University 24 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Dayton
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Dayton International Airport DAY | 11 mi | 624,995 |
| Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport CVG | 55 mi | 4,500,414 |
| Rickenbacker International Airport LCK | 67 mi | 143,035 |
| John Glenn Columbus International Airport CMH | 71 mi | 4,387,395 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Dayton
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Dayton | in town | 7,682 | $30,366 | 80% |
| Wright State University-Main Campus | 7 mi | 6,762 | $13,715 | 42% |
| Cedarville University | 20 mi | 4,024 | $23,335 | 74% |
| Central State University | 17 mi | 2,620 | $13,307 | 21% |
| Wittenberg University | 24 mi | 1,215 | $23,310 | 61% |
| Wilberforce University | 17 mi | 822 | $16,221 | 7% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Dayton
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 16, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 18 and the first frost comes around October 28.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Dayton Intl. Airport, OH, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Dayton.
Wildfire smoke in Dayton
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Dayton on about 129 days a year, including about 28 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Dayton
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 58,477 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Dayton
Downtown Dayton is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dayton City School District | Pre-K to 12 | 12,785 | 28 | 17.1 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Centerville City School District (8,264 students), Beavercreek City School District (8,099 students), Kettering City School District (7,635 students), Huber Heights City School District (5,815 students), Miamisburg City School District (4,865 students), Northmont City School District (4,676 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Dayton's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Dayton's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Springfield, IL80% matchCompare
- Reading, PA79% matchCompare
- Peoria, IL76% matchCompare
- Topeka, KS69% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Dayton
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Dayton
- Mad River Mountain 48 miles
- Perfect North Slopes 55 miles
- Paoli Peaks 149 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Dayton
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Homes are affordable for locals: the median home costs 2.2 years of median household income, lower than in three quarters of the cities we cover.
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 7% below the US average (BEA).
- Data Commutes are short: 20 minutes each way on average.
Cons
- Data Poverty is high: 26.9% of residents live below the poverty line.
Dayton report card from locals
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Dayton through locals' eyes
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Cities near Dayton
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH | 44 mi | 314,367 | $230,900 | 95.4 | Compare |
| Columbus, OH | 65 mi | 938,396 | $252,900 | 95.5 | Compare |
| Fishers, IN | 97 mi | 104,812 | $391,000 | 95.7 | Compare |
| Noblesville, IN | 100 mi | 76,111 | $349,700 | 95.7 | Compare |
| Carmel, IN | 101 mi | 105,634 | $486,800 | 95.7 | Compare |
| Indianapolis, IN | 103 mi | 901,116 | $224,800 | 95.7 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Dayton with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Dayton a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, homes that cost under four years of median income, 6 comfortable months a year, short commutes. Compare Dayton side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Dayton?
The Census Bureau estimates Dayton had 136,688 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 137,604 in April 2020 (-0.7%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Dayton?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $69,500 in the Dayton area. The median household here earns $45,247.
When is the best time to visit Dayton?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April and June to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 86°F and January 37°F for daytime highs.
What county is Dayton in?
Most of Dayton (98% of its land) is in Montgomery County. Smaller parts lie in Greene County. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Dayton in?
Dayton is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Dayton?
About 738 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Ohio have a state income tax?
Yes. Ohio has a flat income tax with a top rate of 2.75% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Dayton. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Dayton Intl. Airport, OH station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.