County Crime & Safety

Cuyahoga County, OH, which includes Cleveland, has a higher crime rate than the national average. In 2022, the violent crime rate was 549 incidents per 100,000 residents, compared to the U.S. average of 380. Property crimes also remain elevated, with 2,842 cases per 100,000 people. Despite efforts to improve safety, the county reported over 19,000 total criminal incidents in 2022. Residents are encouraged to report crimes to local police, and recent initiatives focus on community policing and neighborhood watch programs to help lower these rates and improve overall public safety.

Elections

Cuyahoga County, OH, with over 860,000 registered voters as of 2024, conducts primaries, general, and special elections. In the 2020 presidential election, turnout was approximately 67%. The county has more than 330 polling locations. Voters decide on issues like school levies and charter amendments, with major parties being Democratic and Republican (over 60% registered Democrats). The Board of Elections, a bipartisan body, administers elections and voter registration. In the 2023 general election, Issue 1 (abortion rights) passed with 62% county approval. Early voting and absentee ballots are widely used.

Education, Employment and Housing

Cuyahoga County, OH, is home to approximately 450 public schools and over 40 private schools, serving around 160,000 students. About 31% of adults hold at least a bachelor’s degree. The high school graduation rate averages near 86%. School safety varies, with most districts implementing resource officers and safety protocols. Niche scores rate several schools above B+. The county offers robust adult education and vocational programs through institutions like Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State University, supporting lifelong learning and workforce development.

Cuyahoga County, OH, has an employment rate of approximately 59% (2022). Key industries include healthcare and social assistance (18%), educational services (12%), and retail trade (10%). The leading occupation types are office and administrative support (13%) and management/business/finance (12%). About 77.3% of workers commute alone by car, with an average travel time of 24.2 minutes. While most residents work within the county, many commute to Cleveland and neighboring suburbs for employment.

Cuyahoga County, OH, has a homeownership rate of about 58%, with median home values near $165,000 and typical monthly rents around $1,200. The market has seen steady 5-7% annual value increases since 2020. Housing types range from historic single-family homes to modern downtown apartments, with popular neighborhoods including Cleveland Heights, Lakewood, and Tremont. Property taxes average 2.5%, among Ohio’s highest, meaning a $165,000 home pays roughly $4,125 yearly. Rental vacancy rates hover near 6%, while housing demand remains strong across all areas.

Demographics

As of 2023, Cuyahoga County, OH has a population of approximately 1.23 million. The median age is around 41 years, with 51.8% female and 48.2% male residents. Racially, about 61% are White, 29% Black or African American, 6% Hispanic or Latino, 3% Asian, and 1% other or mixed races, reflecting diverse ethnic backgrounds within the county.