RentData

Average Rent in Erie County, OH↑ Rents rising 10.4% YoY🔺 6th priciest in OH

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 74,938

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Erie County, OH has rental prices ranging from $927/month to $1,702/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $977/month — 30% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $68,431/year, spending $977/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Erie County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,221/month, Erie County ranks #6 most expensive of the 72 cities tracked in Ohio — pricier than 76% of all US cities in our data.

The Erie County Rental Market

The Erie County, OH area has a population of about 74,938 and 29% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Erie County, OH have risen by $115/month (10.4%) over the past year, from $1,106 to $1,221. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Erie County, OH without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $39,080. The local median household income of $68,431 exceeds that threshold by $29,351, making Erie County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Erie County, OH has an unemployment rate of 3.4%, 0.5 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$927
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$977
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,221
↑10.4% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,531
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,702
Affordable
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Is Erie County, OH Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$48,840/year
Local median income: $68,431
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,221/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in OHlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Brown County$844$849$1,030$1,425—
Columbus$1,258$1,346$1,602$1,909—
Dayton$909$1,008$1,248$1,623—
Akron$886$952$1,231$1,474—
Ottawa County$677$753$988$1,190—
Toledo$822$875$1,145$1,461—

Rent or Buy in Erie County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Erie County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,221/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,221/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Erie County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Erie County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Erie County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in OH

See how Erie County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Erie County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋OH Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections