Cost of Living in Wooster, OH

Population 27,012 · Ohio · Data vintage 2023

66
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing costs in Wooster stay well under national norms: a median home value of $198,000 against median household incomes of $65,888 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Ohio.

Wooster is about 30 miles southwest of Akron, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 78% higher than Akron's $111,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 65
Rent 67

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Wooster

The median home value in Wooster is $198,400 — 35% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $882/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,888/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Ohio's top state income tax rate is 3.8% and the combined sales tax is 7.2%. The climate averages highs of 59.4°F and lows of 41.0°F. Overall, Wooster has a cost of living index of 66 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$198,400
35% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$254,708
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$882/mo
33% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,606/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.7x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$686
1 BR
$748
2 BR
$929
3 BR
$1,199
4 BR
$1,374
Owner-occupied 62.8%
Renter-occupied 37.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$882
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,496/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
18.9 min
30% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
74.5%
Carpooled
9.4%
Walked
7.6%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
7.7%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 3.8%
Total Sales Tax 7.2%
State rate 5.8%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 1.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$65,888
12% below avg
Per Capita Income
$33,270
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
6% below avg
Poverty Rate
10.0%
Labor Force Participation
62.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.4%
Graduate degree 17.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39
Male median age 37.1
Female median age 39.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.4°F
Avg Low
41.0°F
Annual Precip
41.3"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 353747607078818074625039
Low °F 202129385059616053433325
Precip" 2.922.423.103.753.924.724.773.223.343.162.883.11

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

91.3%
4-Year Graduation Rate
16.3:1
Student-teacher ratio
11
Public schools
4,979
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Wooster, OH?

Wooster has a cost index of 66 (100 = national average). It is 34% below the national average.

What is average rent in Wooster, OH?

The median gross rent in Wooster is $882 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Wooster?

The median home value in Wooster is $198,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Wooster?

The median household income in Wooster is $65,888 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Wooster, OH?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Wooster is 7.2%. The Ohio state income tax top rate is 3.8%.

Is Wooster, OH affordable?

Yes, Wooster is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 66 — about 34% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Wooster?

Wooster has average high temperatures of 59.4°F and average lows of 41.0°F. Annual precipitation is 41.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Wooster at a Glance

Population
27,012
Median Income
$65,888
Home Value
$198,400
Median Rent
$882/mo
Unemployment
4.5%
Avg High Temp
59.4°F
Sales Tax
7.2%
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