Vandalia 69 Good
Vandalia Livability #482 ranked city in Ohio#8,257 ranked city in the USARanks better than 71% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Vandalia

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Schools Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

  • Commute Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Subpar air quality and the limited availability of certain health-related facilities such as hospitals, police stations, doctors and pharmacies may have contributed to the low score in this category.

What's it like Living in Vandalia?

Vandalia, Ohio is a medium-sized city with a population of 15,393 people. At 86%, the majority of the Vandalia population is White; this is followed by 5% Black and 2% Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Vandalia will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 19 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Vandalia is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in Ohio, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Vandalia and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Ohio and national averages.

Using data and statistics Vandalia has received a livability score of 69/100. This score is ranked in the 72nd percentile when compared to all other cities. For each of the livability categories, we know that Vandalia ranks very well for cost of living (A+), education (B+), employment (B) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Vandalia. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (F).

Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 168 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Vandalia boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Vandalia, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.1% 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.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Vandalia, the average school test scores are an impressive 70%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Vandalia has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Vandalia is real estate affordability. The median home price for Vandalia homes is $258,586, which is 10.1% higher than the Ohio average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Vandalia, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 9.7% lower than the Ohio average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Vandalia

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      Vandalia transportation information

      Statistic Vandalia Ohio National
      Average one way commute19min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work84.0%83.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.7%7.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.6%1.7%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.7%2.3%2.8%
      Working from home3.8%3.7%4.6%
      Source: The Vandalia, OH data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.