Hamilton: The Data Profile (2026)

Hamilton, Ohio, represents a distinct value-play market in the post-remote economy. With a population of 63,124, it functions as a mid-sized satellite city within the Cincinnati metropolitan area. The primary economic friction point is the stark disparity between local earning potential and national standards. The median household income sits at $54,293, which is -27.2% lower than the US average of $74,580. This wage suppression is statistically correlated with educational attainment; only 15.7% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, less than half the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic for Hamilton in 2026 is the "Hybrid Commuter." This profile includes professionals earning between $65,000 and $85,000 who work remotely 2–3 days per week and commute to the Greater Cincinnati hub on off-days. The -16.2% discount on housing costs allows these earners to maximize disposable income, effectively subsidizing the lower local wage floor.

Cost of Living Analysis

While incomes are lower, the cost structure is aggressively deflationary relative to the national average. The aggregate Cost of Living Index is 83.8, driven primarily by housing at 83.8 and healthcare at 88.3. Utilities remain neutral, with electricity averaging 15.99 cents/kWh against a US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the local median of $54,293 (approx. $3,528 monthly post-tax) faces a surplus of approximately $1,196 per month. However, a family of four relying on a single median income would operate at a deficit. The economic viability of relocation to Hamilton is strictly dependent on dual-income households or remote workers earning at the 75th percentile of the national wage scale.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the city's primary asset. Buying is significantly more accessible than renting when compared to the national curve. The Median Home Price is $215,000, which is -18.9% lower than the US average. For investors, the Price per SqFt sits at $145, offering a -15.2% discount.

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

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
The "Price-to-Rent Ratio" heavily favors buying. With a median home price of $215,000 and annual rent for a 3BR at $19,056, the ratio is roughly 11.3. In markets where the ratio exceeds 21, renting is preferred; below 15, buying is the mathematically superior financial decision. Hamilton sits firmly in the "Buy" zone, suggesting that monthly mortgage payments will likely be lower than market rent for comparable square footage.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The economic landscape is defined by the 4.5% unemployment rate, which sits 0.5% above the national average. This indicates a slightly softer labor market, likely due to the lower educational attainment ceiling. However, the post-remote shift has insulated Hamilton from traditional manufacturing volatility.

RTO & Commute Impact:
Hamilton is a "bedroom community." The critical metric for 2026 is the commute to major employment hubs.

• To Downtown Cincinnati: 31 miles (approx. 45–60 minutes peak traffic).
• To Dayton: 28 miles (approx. 40–50 minutes).

For a hybrid worker commuting 2 days per week, the annual commute cost (fuel/wear) is estimated at $2,800, which is offset by the $50,000+ housing discount compared to living in the urban core.

Quality of Life Audit

The Quality of Life data presents a complex picture. While the economic metrics are favorable, health risk factors are statistically elevated. The city's Health Score is 73.8/100, rated as "Fair," driven by high prevalence of lifestyle-related conditions.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics (Health, AQI, Unemployment)

Safety Analysis:

• Violent Crime: 264 per 100k residents (National Avg: 227). This is +16.3% higher than the US average.
• Property Crime: 1,890 per 100k residents (National Avg: 1,958). This is -3.5% lower than the US average.
• Insight: Residents face a higher risk of violent incidents but are statistically safer regarding property theft compared to the general population.

Schools & Weather:

• Schools: The graduation rate is 89.2%, below the national average of 91.0%. Test scores track -12% below state averages.
• Weather: The current snapshot (39°F, snow showers) reflects the continental climate. Winters are gray and damp, with average highs in January around 36°F, impacting outdoor activity levels which correlates with the high obesity rate.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: You can acquire 1,850 SqFt for the price of a 1,400 SqFt home nationally.
• Disposable Income: For remote workers, the cost base allows for aggressive savings rates (20%+).
• Location: Proximity to Cincinnati offers access to big-city amenities with small-city housing costs.

Cons:

• Health Profile: The 43.9% obesity rate suggests a challenging environment for maintaining healthy lifestyle habits.
• Wage Ceiling: If remote work ends, local salaries ($54,293) will severely limit financial mobility.
• Safety: Violent crime is statistically higher than the national baseline.

Final Recommendation:
Relocate to Hamilton only if you are a remote worker or a dual-income household with at least one partner earning above the $75,000 national median. The city offers a powerful arbitrage opportunity for capital, but the health and safety data suggests a decline in lifestyle quality for those dependent on the local economy.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Hamilton?
For a single person, a salary of $60,000 is required to cover the $2,332 monthly budget and save 15%. For a family, a household income of $95,000+ is recommended to maintain stability.

2. How does the value compare to Cincinnati proper?
Hamilton offers a -25% discount on rent and a -20% discount on home purchases compared to the Cincinnati average, but requires a 30-45 minute commute.

3. Are the safety statistics accurate?
Yes. The violent crime rate of 264 per 100k is derived from verified 2026 projections. It is elevated, but not critically dangerous; it is comparable to mid-sized cities like Akron or Toledo.

4. Is the housing market expected to rise?
Given the -16.2% cost of living index and stable inventory, appreciation is projected at 3.5% annually—steady, but not speculative. This is a stability market, not a "flipper" market.