Fostoria, OH
Population 12,671 · Ohio
About Fostoria, OH
Fostoria is a mid-sized city located in Ohio with a population of 12,671 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,943 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fostoria features a median home value of $81,500, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fostoria one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $759, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,838 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (3,432 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (1,697 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fostoria shows an unemployment rate of 6.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fostoria have an average one-way commute time of 22.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.5% of Fostoria residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 10.7% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 3.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fostoria, OH
Compared to national averages, Fostoria has a median household income of $52,943 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $81,500, which is 67% below the national median. Monthly rent at $759 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Ohio, Fostoria's income is 26% below the state average of $71,814, and home values are 53% below the state median of $174,449.
Why Live in Fostoria, OH?
Fostoria offers affordable housing with a median home value of $81,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $759/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,943) that falls below the national average. However, Fostoria’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fostoria has a population of 12,671 with a median age of 38.8 years. Compare Fostoria with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Ohio.
Similar Cities Near Fostoria
Cities in Ohio with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wickliffe | 12,639 | $79,052 | $158,400 | Compare |
| Wilmington | 12,637 | $52,661 | $162,700 | Compare |
| Greenville | 12,748 | $46,664 | $147,200 | Compare |
| Amherst | 12,796 | $93,043 | $222,700 | Compare |
| Amelia | 12,482 | $69,864 | $217,500 | Compare |
| Bedford | 12,960 | $56,563 | $124,900 | Compare |
| Conneaut | 12,378 | $50,585 | $126,700 | Compare |
| West Carrollton | 13,008 | $57,758 | $137,700 | 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 Fostoria With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fostoria
What is the population of Fostoria, OH?
The population of Fostoria, OH is 12,671 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 Fostoria?
The median household income in Fostoria, OH is $52,943 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fostoria?
The median home value in Fostoria, OH is $81,500, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fostoria?
The median monthly rent in Fostoria, OH is $759, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fostoria?
The unemployment rate in Fostoria, OH is 6.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fostoria, OH a good place to live?
Fostoria offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,671 and a median age of 38.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fostoria, OH?
10.5% of residents in Fostoria aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Fostoria?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fostoria, OH: median home value is $81,500 (67% below national), median rent is $759/month, and median household income is $52,943. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fostoria?
The poverty rate in Fostoria, OH is 19.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Fostoria, OH?
Fostoria's population is 10.7% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 4.1% two or more races. 3.6% of residents are foreign-born.