What to know when moving to Westerville, OH
TL;DR: Westerville at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 54.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 40.6% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $90,336, providing a solid financial foundation.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 6.8%, some residents face economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 0.4% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,434/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Westerville is a family-friendly community with a strong educational emphasis, evident from the 54.3% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. The median household income of $90,336 suggests a relatively stable economic environment, though the 40.6% renter population indicates a significant number of households are renting rather than owning. The low public transit usage reflects a car-dependent lifestyle, which is important for newcomers to consider.
Probably not your spot if you are seeking a robust public transportation system, as only 0.4% of residents commute by public transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,434, which can impact your monthly budget significantly.
- The median home value is $297,300, making homeownership a viable option for many.
- Education level is high, with 54.3% of residents holding a bachelor's degree; the poverty rate is 6.8%, reflecting community diversity.
- Only 0.4% of residents use public transportation, indicating a likely need for a personal vehicle.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Ohio, the annual property crime rate is 1,461.8 per 100,000 residents, which is slightly lower than the national rate of 1,546.9. Violent crime stands at 283.3 per 100,000, also below the national average of 325.3.
- Violent crime rate: 283.3 per 100k vs. national 325.3, with a decrease of 11.2% since 2022.
- Property crime rate: 1,461.8 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, down 21.7% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates decreased by 31.8% since 2022, currently at 4.7 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Ohio).
Schools & Higher Ed
Westerville has access to a total of 28 postsecondary institutions across the region, with 26 of those located in Franklin County, which enhances educational opportunities for residents.
- Postsecondary institutions: 28
- Notable nearby institutions include Otterbein University and Fortis College-Columbus.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is not available, Westerville offers several outdoor amenities for residents to enjoy. Nearby options include parks and recreational areas that provide great places for outdoor activities.
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens - 4.8 stars from 11,698 reviews
- Columbus Museum of Art - 4.7 stars from 4,291 reviews
- Hoover Reservoir Park - 4.6 stars from 3,497 reviews
- Blendon Woods Metro Park - 4.7 stars from 3,469 reviews
Source: Google Places API (New).