Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Crime
This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Schools
A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.
Commute
Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.
Kettering, Ohio is a moderately-sized city with a population of 57,103 inhabitants. In Kettering, there are 3,053 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (89% White). Given that fact, Kettering could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Kettering will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Kettering could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Ohio if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. To help you find the best places to live in and around Kettering, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, health & safety, education and more.
With a livability score of 82/100, Kettering is ranked #939 in the United States and #61 in Ohio. Compared to the national average, Kettering ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Another exciting tidbit, is that Kettering ranks better than 90% of all US cities! Based on the scores for each individual category, Kettering has received high marks for crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A+), employment (B) and housing (A+).
Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 42 crimes per 100,000 residents, Kettering has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Kettering, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.6% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Kettering, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 80%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Kettering apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Kettering real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Kettering. The median home price for Kettering homes is $254,684, which is 8.5% higher than the Ohio average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Kettering, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 9.7% lower than the Ohio 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 | Kettering | Ohio | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 84.6% | 83.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.2% | 7.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.4% | 1.7% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.7% | 2.3% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.2% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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