Youngstown
RANK #20 / 996 NAT · #2 / 49 OH · POP 227,979
1YR FORECAST: +6.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +43%
Mahoning County, Ohio, is often recognized for Mill Creek MetroParks, one of the largest metropolitan parks in the United States, offering over 4,500 acres of diverse landscapes, including waterfalls, gardens, and 45 miles of trails for hiking and biking. Located in Northeast Ohio, Mahoning County sits roughly midway between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, with both major cities accessible within an hour's drive. This proximity influences commute patterns, with many residents traveling to nearby urban centers. The community maintains a blend of urban and suburban characteristics, with towns like Canfield and Poland offering highly-rated public schools.
Life in Mahoning County balances historical roots with forward-looking development. The area, once a steel industry hub, has seen a shift towards diversification. While many residents own their homes, the county attracts a mix of young professionals and retirees. Recent economic activity includes investments in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors, with projects focused on aerospace and defense innovation. Efforts are also underway to develop workforce housing and improve infrastructure, aiming to support a growing workforce and enhance the overall quality of life.
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 3.1x — 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Lordstown Data Center Campus (Stargate Project)
Bristolville 25 Developer LLC (in collaboration with OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank Group Corp.)
|
$3,600M | Proposed |
|
Former US Steel McDonald Work Site Data Center
Allied Partners Inc.
|
$500M | Proposed |
|
Western Reserve Road Widening Project
Mahoning County
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Bridge Rehabilitation/Painting Project (Multiple Bridges)
Mahoning County
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Mahoning County Land Bank New Home Construction Portfolio
Mahoning County Land Bank and YNDC
|
$50M | Completed/Under Construction |
|
Amazon Distribution Center (Bazetta Township)
Amazon
|
$30M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Mahoning County ranks #20 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 98/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $54,279 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
By national standards, Mahoning County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $132,000, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.41 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $753/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Population and employment in Mahoning County are both close to flat — population -0.5% YoY and jobs +0.2%. Home values shifted +6.7% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.51% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Mahoning County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +6.7% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Mahoning County is now valued at $132,000. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.