Performance
Score Breakdown
Oak Hill
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Oak Hill is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
13% lower compared to Elyria.
| Metric | Oak Hill | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $897 | $917 | -2% |
| Groceries | $350 | $450 | -22% |
| Utilities | $150 | $249 | -40% |
| Transport | $100 | $120 | -17% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $125 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $1,617 | $1,861 | -13% |
| Cost Index | 78 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 63% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Elyria delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Oak Hill is estimated at
$45,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Oak Hill | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $28,806 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 36,931 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $52,466 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Oak Hill | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Oak Hill.
Elyria scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Elyria leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Oak Hill | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 29 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 1.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Oak Hill.
From a growth perspective, Oak Hill is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Elyria has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Oak Hill | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,937 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 41.4 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 8.30% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Oak Hill
Advantages
The violent crime rate in Oak Hill is 44% below the national average, contributing to a sense of safety.
Housing is significantly more affordable than the national average, with a median home value of $118,700 in 2024.
The city offers abundant opportunities for outdoor activities, including white water rafting and hiking, due to its proximity to the New River Gorge.
Oak Hill experienced a positive employment growth rate of 4.63% from 2023 to 2024.
The median rent of $897 in June 2026 is considerably lower than the national average.
Drawbacks
Oak Hill has a high unemployment rate of 8.3% as of March 2026, exceeding the national average.
The city is highly car-dependent, with a Walk Score of 0 and very limited public transit options.
The population is projected to decline by -1.42% annually, indicating a shrinking community.
Some reports suggest overall crime rates are 57% higher than the West Virginia average, despite low violent crime.
The average commute time of 29 minutes is slightly higher than the national average.
Elyria
Advantages
The cost of living in Elyria is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Elyria boasts a high livability score and ample local amenities, including restaurants, grocery stores, and parks.
The city's crime rate is lower than the national average, contributing to a generally safe environment.
Housing in Elyria is notably affordable, with a median property value significantly below the national average.
Elyria offers a strong sense of community and a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Drawbacks
The employment sector in Elyria has received a low grade, indicating challenges in the job market.
Public transportation options are limited, leading to high car dependency for most residents.
Some residents perceive a lack of nightlife and entertainment options for adults, describing the city as 'boring' for that demographic.
The city faces issues with road quality, including bad streets and potholes.
Shopping opportunities have been noted as dissipating from what was once a booming city.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Oak Hill
#117West Virginia, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$897
Avg Salary
$28,806
Cost Index
78
Commute
29 min
Transit Score
1.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
8.30%
Livability
68
Business
55
Elyria
#16Ohio, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$917
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
94
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
13.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
75
Business
50
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