What Is the Median Income in Ohio?

Median income serves as a reliable measure to gauge the financial well-being of residents. For individuals and families considering relocation or evaluating the cost of living, understanding typical income levels in Ohio provides a foundational understanding. This helps in making informed financial decisions and comprehending economic conditions impacting households.

Understanding Median Income

Median income represents the exact midpoint of an income distribution, where half of all households earn more and the other half earn less. This measure differs from the mean, or average, income, which is calculated by summing all incomes and dividing by the number of households. While the mean can be influenced disproportionately by a few very high earners, the median offers a more accurate reflection of a typical household’s income.

Median income is less sensitive to outliers, such as individuals with exceptionally high or low incomes. For instance, a small number of extremely wealthy households could significantly inflate an average income figure. By focusing on the middle point, median income helps to ensure the reported figure genuinely represents the financial reality for the majority of the population.

Current Median Income Figures for Ohio

Ohio’s median household income was approximately $67,769 in 2023. Other reports, also based on 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) estimates, cite a median household income of $69,680 for Ohio. These figures represent the total money received by all household members aged 15 and older, including wages, pensions, investments, and public assistance. For comparison, the median household income for the United States was around $78,538 in 2023, placing Ohio’s median household income below the national average.

The median family income in Ohio was reported at approximately $90,288 in 2023. Family income refers to the income of households where members are related by blood, marriage, or adoption. In contrast, the per capita income for Ohio was around $39,455 in 2024. Per capita income is calculated by dividing the total aggregate income of an area by its total population, including non-earners like children. This figure tends to be lower than household or family income statistics because it accounts for every person.

Variations in Ohio’s Median Income

A single statewide median income figure can obscure substantial differences within Ohio. Geographic location plays a significant role in income disparities across the state. Urban areas and major metropolitan centers often exhibit higher median incomes compared to rural regions or smaller towns. For example, specific zip codes in affluent areas can show median household incomes significantly exceeding the state average.

Household composition also contributes to variations in median income. Single-person households typically have a lower median income than multi-earner families. Median income also tends to fluctuate with the age of the householder; for instance, incomes generally increase during mid-career years and then often decrease for those aged 65 and over. These differences highlight that individual experiences can vary considerably based on location and household structure.

How Income Data is Collected

The primary source for median income data in the United States, including for states like Ohio, is the U.S. Census Bureau. Specifically, the American Community Survey (ACS) collects and disseminates this information annually. The ACS is an ongoing survey that gathers detailed social, economic, housing, and demographic characteristics from a sample of households across the nation.

Data collection for the ACS occurs throughout the year, utilizing various methods such as internet responses and questionnaires. The survey is based on a randomly selected sample of addresses each year, ensuring it is representative of the U.S. population. This continuous data collection allows for annual updates and provides timely insights into income trends, which are important for planning and resource allocation at local and state levels.