What to know when moving to Wooster, OH
Wooster at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 31.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 28.2% rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $71,319, making it a financially stable area.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0.1% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $881/month in rent to secure a place here.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Wooster is characterized by a solid educational base, with over 31% of its population holding bachelor's degrees. The median gross rent of $881 indicates a moderately priced housing market, which may appeal to both renters and homeowners alike. The community has a relatively low poverty rate of 8.9% and a diverse mix of amenities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.
Probably not your spot if you rely on public transit, as only 0.1% of residents commute that way.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $881, while the median owner-occupied home value stands at $216,800.
- 31.3% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting the community's educational attainment.
- The poverty rate is 8.9%, indicating a stable economic environment.
- 28.2% of residents are renters, showing a significant portion of the population chooses to rent rather than own.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Ohio, the state annual violent crime rate is 283.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 12.9% lower than the national average. Property crime in the state is at 1461.8 per 100,000 residents, slightly below the national average by 5.5%.
- Violent crime rate: 283.3 per 100k vs. national rate of 325.3 per 100k.
- Property crime rate: 1461.8 per 100k vs. national rate of 1546.9 per 100k.
- Notable trend: The violent crime rate has decreased by 11.2% from 2022 to 2025.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Ohio).
Schools & Higher Ed
Wooster has access to several educational institutions, which can provide opportunities for residents pursuing higher education.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 4
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 4
- Nearby options include: Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, The College of Wooster, University of Akron Wayne College, and Wayne County Schools Career Center.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, Wooster is home to several parks that make it easy to enjoy the outdoors.
- Orr Park - 4.5 stars, 872 reviews
- Freedlander Park - 4.5 stars, 555 reviews
- Wooster Memorial Park - 4.7 stars, 390 reviews
- Schellin Park - 3.8 stars, 384 reviews
- Oak Hill Park - 4.7 stars, 349 reviews
Source: Google Places API.