Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.
Health & Safety
A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.
Located in the state of Minnesota, Dayton is a smaller city with a population of 6,423 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (86% White). Given that fact, Dayton could be considered less diverse than other cities. 70% of the people in Dayton (over the age of 15) are married and 42% have kids under the age of eighteen. Knowing that, it’s safe to say that this area could be a great place for other families to lay down roots. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Dayton, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 27 minutes.
Living in Dayton can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of Minnesota, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Dayton and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Minnesota and national averages.
The livability score in Dayton is 71 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 78th percentile of all cities across America. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Dayton ranks well for crime (A+) and education (A-) Regrettably for Dayton, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F).
Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Dayton, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 18 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.
The Dayton unemployment rate of 1.4% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Dayton schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 71%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Dayton an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Dayton excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Dayton. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Dayton are affordable. The median home price for Dayton homes is $640,752, which is 89% higher than the Minnesota average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Dayton, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.8, which is 2.7% higher than the Minnesota average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Dayton | Minnesota | National |
| Average one way commute | 27min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.3% | 78.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.4% | 8.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.7% | 3.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.2% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.4% | 5.3% | 4.6% |
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