Youngstown Ranked Among Top Livable Metro Areas
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown metropolitan area ranks 53rd among the most livable metro areas in the United States, according to RentCafe.
Its cost of living is the third lowest in the U.S. – 17.8% below average – according to RentCafe.
Portland, Maine, earned the top livability spot, with Pittsburgh ranking eighth.
RentCafe also ranks Youngstown fourth among Ohio’s most livable metro areas, behind Dayton, Cleveland and Columbus.
The categories of metrics used and how Youngstown ranked:
- Socioeconomics: No. 92 (includes poverty rate, unemployment, income growth, cost of living).
- Quality of Life: No. 76 (includes health care providers, uninsured residents, food index).
- Location and Community: No. 20 (includes arts, entertainment and recreation venues, commutes, share of severe housing problems).
RentCafe evaluated 139 U.S. metro areas using 17 metrics divided into the three categories. It found that the Midwest region has the most metros in the top 20.
Other attributes that bumped Youngstown up in the ratings are its shorter commutes and a vibrant community life. Residents also have access to participate in many events, organizations and membership associations.
However, there are some factors that worked against the Youngstown metro area in RentCafe’s list too.
“From a socioeconomic perspective, the poverty rate and unemployment rate in Youngstown are the highest in the state,” a news release from the company said. “Looking at the ‘Quality of Life,’ Youngstown residents report the highest number of physically and mentally unhealthy days among Ohioans, while almost a third of the population is not physically active.”
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
