COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – U.S. News & World Report has named the six best places to live in Ohio in 2024. 

U.S. News & World Report evaluated each city in the study based on “an analysis of public data and user opinions.”  Data sources included U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. News’ internal resources.

The media company ranked Columbus as the best place to live. Although Columbus is well known for its passion for college football, the magazine said the city does not lack entertainment, highlighting the numerous bars, restaurants, shops and art galleries in the Short North.

Columbus was given an overall score of 6.3 out of 10. While Columbus’ average annual salary is slightly below average, the media company states home sale prices, monthly rents and the overall cost of living is lower than other major cities. 

The media company noted some statistics about the city, including a median home price of $226,207, household income of $68,512, and median monthly rent cost of $1,204. The unemployment rate is 5.58% and the median age for residents is 35 years old. 

Ranked as the second-best place to live in Ohio is Toledo, with a score of 6.1. U.S. News & World states a low cost of living and variety of outdoor activities make living in the area desirable.

Toledo has a median home price of $104,937, household income of $52,352, and median rent cost of $901. The unemployment rate is 8.75% and the median age is 38 years old.

Coming in third is Cincinnati, with a score of 6. Residents can enjoy museums, professional sports teams and a wide selection of restaurants, U.S. News & World states. Additionally, everyday expenses, such as groceries and transportation, are lower than the national average.

Cincinnati has a median home price of $225,864, household income of $59,140, and median rent cost of $979. The unemployment rate is 7.23% and the median age is 36 years old.

Ranked as the fourth-best place to live in Ohio is Dayton. With a downtown area “full of unique activities” and “suburbs that provide close-knit communities,” Dayton also landed a score of 6. 

Dayton has a median home price of $96,569, household income of $48,948, and median rent cost of $867. The unemployment rate is 10.43% and the median age is 38 years old. 

In fifth place is Youngstown, with a score of 5.7. U.S. News & World highlights Youngstown’s “friendly” residents, who regularly gather to celebrate their community. Residents can also enjoy shopping at local farms and Amish markets, the media outlet states.

Youngstown has a median home price of $58,738, household income of $36,329, and median rent cost of $741. The unemployment rate is 13.39% and the median age is 40 years old. 

Taking the sixth and final spot is Cleveland, with a score of 5.5. Cleveland has numerous restaurant, bar and nightlife options. Additionally, housing costs in Cleveland are well below the national median sale price. 

Cleveland has a median home price of $119,589, household income of $42,579, and median rent cost of $896. The unemployment rate is 12.47% and the median age is 38 years old.