Dayton: The Data Profile (2026)

Dayton, Ohio, presents a complex economic proposition for the 2026 relocator. With a population of 135,507, it functions as a smaller metropolitan hub where the median income sits at $45,995. This figure is -38.3% lower than the US national median of $74,580, creating a significant income gap that is partially offset by a Cost of Living Index (COLI) heavily weighted toward affordability.

The local economy is supported by a workforce where only 25.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the US average of 33.1%. This educational attainment gap correlates with the income disparity. The statistical target demographic for Dayton in the post-remote work era is the "geo-arbitrage specialist"—remote workers earning at or above the national median who can leverage Dayton's 72.5 Housing Index to maximize disposable income, rather than local wage earners dependent on the regional market.

Cost of Living Analysis

The primary driver of Dayton's affordability is the housing sector, which sits -27.5% below the national average. While non-housing expenses such as groceries (88.8), transportation (88.5), and healthcare (91.1) are also below average, they do not offer the same drastic savings.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
For a single person earning the US median income ($74,580 / $6,215 monthly gross), living in Dayton results in a monthly disposable income (post-tax and expenses) of approximately $1,800. Conversely, a local earning the Dayton median ($45,995 / $3,833 monthly gross) faces a deficit of roughly -$1,000 per month if attempting to maintain the average single-person budget, highlighting the necessity of remote income for comfortable living.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is Dayton's strongest asset. The Median Home Price is roughly $175,000, significantly undercutting the US average. This creates a low barrier to entry for homeownership. The Price per Square Foot sits at $135, compared to the US average of $245. Renting is also viable, with a 1-Bedroom unit averaging $875 and a 3-Bedroom at $1,273.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
With a price-to-rent ratio of approximately 11.4 (Median Price / Annual Rent), buying is generally favored for long-term stays (5+ years). The -57.3% discount on home prices compared to the national average allows for rapid equity building, assuming standard appreciation rates.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Dayton's economy is anchored by aerospace, defense (Wright-Patterson Air Force Base), and advanced manufacturing. In 2026, the Return-to-Office (RTO) mandate impact is moderate. While local office occupancy has risen to 45%, the prevalence of hybrid roles keeps commute times low. The average one-way commute is 22 minutes, well below the national average of 29 minutes.

However, local industry stability is heavily reliant on federal spending. The unemployment rate stands at 4.5%, slightly higher than the US average of 4.0%. This +0.5% variance suggests a tighter local labor market for non-federal jobs, reinforcing the need for remote employment security.

Quality of Life Audit

While economically attractive, Dayton presents significant health challenges. The city's Health Score of 73.3/100 is rated "Fair," driven by high risk factors. Obesity (42.9%) and Diabetes (17.6%) rates are drastically higher than national averages. Air quality, however, is excellent, with an AQI of 47 and low PM2.5 levels.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Crime:
Safety is a primary concern. Violent Crime is 678 incidents per 100k residents, which is +78% higher than the US average (380). Property Crime is even more prevalent at 3,234 per 100k, compared to the national 2,000.

Schools & Weather:
Public school performance is generally below average, with proficiency rates hovering around 45% in math and reading. Weather is distinct: the current temperature is 37.0°F, with today's high at 50°F and low at 40°F. Winters are gray (currently Cloudy) and cold, averaging 22 inches of snow annually.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Extreme Affordability: A -57.3% discount on home prices allows for wealth generation impossible in major metros.
• Low Commute: Average 22-minute drive times.
• Air Quality: AQI of 47 is a significant health benefit.

Cons:

• High Crime: Violent crime is +78% above the national average.
• Health Risks: Obesity (42.9%) and Diabetes (17.6%) rates are alarmingly high, reflecting a sedentary local culture.
• Income Ceiling: Local median income is -38.3% lower than the US average; career growth requires remote work.

Recommendation:
Dayton is a Buy for the remote worker earning $80,000+ annually who prioritizes financial arbitrage over urban amenities and safety. It is a Pass for families dependent on the local job market or those prioritizing public school quality and low crime rates.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Dayton?
For a single person, a gross income of $60,000 is sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle including a 1-bedroom apartment and savings. For a family of four, $95,000 is recommended to afford a 3-bedroom home and cover healthcare costs, which sit at an index of 91.1.

2. How does the value proposition compare to other Midwest cities?
Dayton offers deeper housing discounts than Columbus or Cincinnati. While Columbus has a higher median income, its housing index is roughly 110, meaning Dayton provides ~35% better value on housing specifically.

3. Are the safety statistics accurate for 2026?
Yes. The data indicates Violent Crime at 678 per 100k. While specific neighborhood dynamics vary, the aggregate data suggests a high-risk environment compared to the national baseline.

4. Is now the right time to buy a home?
With a Median Home Price of $175,000 and interest rates stabilizing around 6.5% in 2026, buying remains favorable. The low price point mitigates the impact of higher rates compared to expensive coastal markets.