City Report · OH

East Cleveland

Pop. 13,534·126th most expensive in Ohio·East Cleveland rents have dropped 12.4%, currently a renter's market
Median rent (all units)
$771/mo
Year-over-Year
-12.4%
Month-over-Month
-0.9%
vs US Median
-$1,194
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
East Cleveland · $771
More affordable than 100% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Affordability
42% of income
STRETCHED
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $771/mo, rent takes about 42% of the local median household income, well above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$31,000/yr
Local median income
$22,116/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using East Cleveland's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$740
1 BR
$830
2 BR
$1,010
3 BR
$1,300
4 BR+
$1,390
Research median
$1,010/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$9,252/yr
At $771/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 12.4% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-12.4% YoY, -0.9% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

East Cleveland, OH is majority renter-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income below the national average, 17.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
13,534
Median income
$22,116
Median age
44.3
Renters
62.9%
Age distribution
22.8%
19.4%
19.4%
13.5%
24.9%
Under 1822.8%
18–3419.4%
35–5419.4%
55–6413.5%
65+24.9%
Gender
41.4%
58.6%
Male41.4%
Female58.6%
Race & ethnicity
87.3%
White8.2%
Black87.3%
Hispanic1.2%
Asian1.1%
Other2.2%
Education (25+)
17.3%
29.7%
35.7%
17.3%
No HS diploma17.3%
HS diploma29.7%
Some college35.7%
Bachelor's+17.3%
Housing tenure
37.1%
62.9%
Owner37.1%
Renter62.9%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How East Cleveland, OH has changed in 5 years

Income
$21,699 → $22,116
up 1.9%
Population
14,212 → 13,534
down 4.8%
Renter share
68.1% → 62.9%
-5.2 pts
Bachelor's+
14.3% → 17.3%
+3.0 pts
Median age
40 → 44.3
+4.3 yrs

Census figures show median household income at $22,116 today, compared with $21,699 five years earlier. The population has contracted by 4.8% since 2021, moving from about 14,212 residents to roughly 13,534. Renters now make up 62.9% of households, compared with 68.1% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 17.3% of adults here, versus 14.3% in 2021.

Community

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View East Cleveland rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in East Cleveland on your salary?

At $771/mo, how East Cleveland rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

East Cleveland rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in East Cleveland. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in East Cleveland

About renting in East Cleveland, OH

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in East Cleveland is $771/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $740/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,010/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $830/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,300/mo.

At 42% of local median household income ($22,116/yr), East Cleveland ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 12.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is East Cleveland an affordable city for renters?

East Cleveland is considered stretched for renters. At $771/mo, rent takes approximately 42% of the local median household income ($22,116/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. East Cleveland significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in East Cleveland?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $31,000/year (~$15/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $771/mo in East Cleveland. The local median household income is $22,116/yr, meaning the typical East Cleveland household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in East Cleveland?

Rent in East Cleveland has decreased 12.4% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does East Cleveland rent compare to other cities in Ohio?

East Cleveland is one of the more affordable cities in Ohio for rent, ranking #126 out of 128 tracked cities at $771/mo.

What percentage of East Cleveland residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 62.9% of East Cleveland households are renters, while 37.1% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, East Cleveland has a strong rental market.

How does East Cleveland rent compare to the national average?

East Cleveland's median rent of $771/mo is $1,194 (61%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Ohio, it ranks #126 out of 128 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
42%
STRETCHED

At $771/mo, rent takes ~42% of East Cleveland's median household income ($22,116/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

East Cleveland 42%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2.75–3.5%
Run the East Cleveland affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near East Cleveland, OH

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