Cincinnati
RANK #380 / 996 NAT · #36 / 49 OH · POP 827,671
1YR FORECAST: +0.8%
5YR OUTLOOK: +26%
Hamilton County, Ohio, is often recognized for Cincinnati, its most populous city and county seat, which anchors the larger metropolitan area. The county is situated in southwestern Ohio, bordered by the Ohio River, and features a landscape shaped by the valleys of the Ohio, Little Miami, and Great Miami rivers, offering scenic vistas and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Commute times average around 22.8 minutes, with most residents driving alone to work, though public bus service is available throughout the county and connects to surrounding areas. The community offers a blend of urban and suburban living, with diverse neighborhoods and a variety of parks, including the extensive Great Parks of Hamilton County system.
Life in Hamilton County offers a range of experiences, from the urban core of Cincinnati to family-oriented suburbs like Wyoming and Mariemont, which are known for their public schools. The county's economy is influenced by major corporations and a focus on business growth and expansion, with ongoing efforts in downtown revitalization attracting new residents, particularly young professionals. While the area has seen recent population growth, particularly in its urban centers, housing availability remains a factor, with local initiatives addressing affordable housing.
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 2.0x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Hamilton Innovation Center (Hyperscale Data Center)
Logistix Property Group
|
$1,000M | Proposed |
|
Ohio State Capital Budget Allocations for Hamilton County
State of Ohio
|
$100M | Planned |
|
CyrusOne Hamilton Data Center (CIN4)
CyrusOne
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Cincinnati Municipal Solar Array (100 MW)
City of Cincinnati
|
$40M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 62/100, Hamilton County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. and median household income stands at $68,249 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in OH.
Housing in Hamilton County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $205,000 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.33, with rents averaging $961/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Hamilton County are both close to flat — population +0.1% YoY and jobs -0.1%. Home values shifted +2.0% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.42% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Hamilton County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.