RANK #205 / 996 · POP 539,361 · OH
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.0%
Summit County, Ohio, is often recognized by locals for its extensive park system, including a significant portion of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the U.S.. Located in Northeast Ohio, with Akron as its county seat, Summit County sits approximately 30-40 miles south of Cleveland, offering residents a commute to the larger city while maintaining a distinct community feel. Towns like Hudson provide historic charm, while Cuyahoga Falls offers urban energy with a hometown atmosphere along the Cuyahoga River. The county's natural scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities, such as hiking and biking trails, are a notable draw.
Life in Summit County balances suburban comfort with access to urban amenities. The area attracts families due to its school districts and community-focused living, with public transportation options like METRO RTA connecting various communities. The economy, historically known for its rubber industry, has diversified into advanced materials, biomedical research, and advanced manufacturing. Recent economic developments show investment flowing into technology sectors, including data centers, contributing to job growth and economic opportunity across the county.
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.1x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Viking Data Centers (formerly Goodyear tire factory)
Viking Data Centers
|
$500M | Operating |
|
ark data centers Expansion (Akron and Independence)
ark data centers
|
$136M | Under Construction |
|
Summit County Public Safety Fiber and Communications Network (SCPSCFCN)
Summit County Government
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Akron Amazon Fulfillment Center
Amazon
|
$13M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Summit County has a Boom Town Index score of 80/100, ranking #205 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.3% and a median household income of $68,360, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Summit County is $182,500 with median rent at $956/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3746, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.3%. Home values changed +3.7% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.37% of Summit County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.