Choosing where to live is a major life decision—balancing safety, economy, education, housing, and community. Based on recent rankings (Money Inc., OMD News, WalletHub, PropertyClub), we’ve identified the current top 10 worst places to live in Ohio for 2025. Each struggles with low economic opportunities, high crime rates, underperforming schools, or a declining quality of life.
1. Canton
- Crime & Poverty: FBI data showed 1,398 violent crimes and 5,292 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Poverty runs around 31.5 %.
- Economy: High unemployment (
11 %) with a bleak job outlook. Median home values are low ($71 k), but quality of life is equally depressed.
2. Whitehall
- Family Life Score: WalletHub’s 2024 municipal study ranked Whitehall in the bottom 185–186 out of 186 Ohio cities for families—a serious red flag—even before factoring in economy and safety.
- Crime & Economy: Reflecting its placement among Money Inc.’s top 10 worst (ranked #2), Whitehall struggles with crimes, low incomes, and limited job prospects.
3. Springfield
- Economic Decline: Once home to 82,000, now down to ~58,600—losing over a quarter of its population. Median income dropped 27 % from 1999 to 2014. In 2021, its major shopping mall shut down.
- Social Unrest: 2023–24 brought bomb threats, anti-immigrant panic, school evacuations, and political tensions—highlighting civic fragility.
4. Cleveland
- Economic Challenges: Milken Institute ranks it 185th out of 200 big U.S. metros—one of the weakest economies nationwide. Poverty, crime, aging infrastructure, and underfunded schools weigh heavily.
- Child Poverty: Cuyahoga County (Cleveland’s metro) sees 26 % child food insecurity—far above state norms.
5. Dayton
- Crime & Economy: WalletHub ranks Dayton 180+ for families. It faces high crime and one of the lowest household incomes (~$29 k), with stressed public schools resulting from low taxes.
6. Trotwood
- Unemployment & Crime: With an 8.4 % jobless rate and crime per capita significantly above average, Trotwood ranks in the lowest US cities for families.
7. Youngstown
- Rust‑Belt Woes: High violent and property crime rates, enduring poverty, unemployment above state average, abandoned infrastructure—all symptoms of steel-industry decline.
8. Warren
- Crime & Overdose Epidemic: Crime 38 % higher than national average; opioid overdose rates among the highest in Ohio (9th highest in state). Poverty near 34 %.
9. Mansfield
- Crime & Cost of Living: Neighborhood Scout labels it unsafe (only safer than 7 % of U.S. neighborhoods). Crime is high while rent and utilities are steep.
10. Toledo
- Violent Crime Levels: In 2016, violent crime was more than triple Ohio’s average (1,192 per 100,000). Population is slowly declining, and job prospects remain slim.
Broader Context & Emerging Trends
Statewide Patterns
Ohio ranked 36th best state in 2024 per U.S. News, with low economy (39), healthcare (35), and infrastructure (30) rankings—key indicators behind these struggling localities.
Job Market Insights
WalletHub’s 2025 analysis placed Cleveland (141), Toledo (152), Akron (155) among the worst U.S. cities for job‑finding. Akron—though not on Money Inc.’s top‑10 worst—suffers from both poor job access and socioeconomic stress.
What They’re Doing (or Could Do)
- Economic Revitalization: Cleveland’s “All‑In Plan,” Bedrock Riverfront and downtown expansion aim to boost jobs and infrastructure.
- Grass‑Roots Support: In Warren and Youngstown, local restoring groups are partnering with the state to attract investment and alleviate drug‑related public health crises.
Conclusion
Ohio’s “worst” places to live in 2025—ranging from Canton to Toledo—face shared struggles: poverty, crime, joblessness, and eroding community structures. These aren’t just statistics; they affect real lives, neighborhoods, and families. But amid fading industry and public safety challenges, there are grassroots and policy‑driven efforts to rebuild economic resilience and safety.
Residents considering relocation, prospective job-seekers, or policy planners should weigh these factors carefully. Hope still exists—anchored in renewal programs, funding shifts, and collective civic action.