Berea, OH
Population 18,330 · Ohio
About Berea, OH
Berea is a mid-sized city located in Ohio with a population of 18,330 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,896 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Berea features a median home value of $187,600, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Berea in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $981, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,345 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (5,115 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (1,880 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Berea shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Berea have an average one-way commute time of 23.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
37.6% of Berea residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.5% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Berea, OH
Compared to national averages, Berea has a median household income of $71,896 (4% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $187,600, which is 23% below the national median. Monthly rent at $981 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within Ohio, Berea's income is 0% above the state average of $71,814, and home values are 8% above the state median of $174,449.
Why Live in Berea, OH?
Berea offers affordable housing with a median home value of $187,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $981/month, and a well-educated community where 37.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,896) that falls below the national average. However, Berea’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Berea has a population of 18,330 with a median age of 35.5 years. Compare Berea with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Ohio.
Similar Cities Near Berea
Cities in Ohio with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brook Park | 18,359 | $67,178 | $158,300 | Compare |
| Niles | 18,301 | $49,987 | $108,400 | Compare |
| Tallmadge | 18,394 | $91,273 | $226,400 | Compare |
| Steubenville | 18,144 | $47,057 | $128,000 | Compare |
| Pataskala | 18,049 | $90,513 | $277,600 | Compare |
| Ashtabula | 17,919 | $43,782 | $99,200 | Compare |
| Portsmouth | 17,919 | $35,319 | $95,000 | Compare |
| White Oak | 18,845 | $71,789 | $190,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Ohio
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Berea With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Berea
What is the population of Berea, OH?
The population of Berea, OH is 18,330 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Ohio.
What is the median household income in Berea?
The median household income in Berea, OH is $71,896 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Berea?
The median home value in Berea, OH is $187,600, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Berea?
The median monthly rent in Berea, OH is $981, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Berea?
The unemployment rate in Berea, OH is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Berea, OH a good place to live?
Berea offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 18,330 and a median age of 35.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Berea, OH?
37.6% of residents in Berea aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Berea?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Berea, OH: median home value is $187,600 (23% below national), median rent is $981/month, and median household income is $71,896. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Berea?
The poverty rate in Berea, OH is 9.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Berea, OH?
Berea's population is 1.5% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 8.5% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.