YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A national apartment search website reports that Youngstown is the ninth most competitive small rental market.
“Youngstown’s rental market is tightening – no new supply, sky-high occupancy, and a tougher competition compared to last year,” according to an article by Rentcafe.com.
The company tracks five factors in the 139 largest U.S. markets to reach the Rental Competitiveness Index score. Those factors include the number of renters who competed for each available apartment, the number of renters who stayed in their apartments and the length of time for an apartment to be rented.
Youngstown’s score is 85.3. The national average is 75.4.
“The lease renewal rate jumped 2.27 points to 76.95% in early 2026, meaning nearly 8 in 10 renters chose to hold onto their apartment rather than move,” according to Rentcafe. “Combined with zero new construction and a 94.8% occupancy, that’s left the available pool of apartments smaller than a year ago.”
It also found that nine rentals are vying for every available unit, increased from eight a year. Apartments are rented within 48 days of becoming available, the company reported.
In the small market category, Wichita, Kan.; Amarillo, Texas; Lafayette, Ind.; Harrisburg, Pa.; Lehigh Valley, Pa.; South Bend, Ind.; Fayetteville, Ark.; El Paso, Texas; and Providence, R.I., round out the top 10.
Dayton, at No. 15, is the only other Ohio market in the top 30.
The top overall most competitive rental market is Miami, according to Rentcafe, followed by Chicago, suburban Chicago, suburban Twin Cities, Minn. and Wisc.; and California’s Silicon Valley.