City Report · OH

University Heights

Pop. 13,394·26th most expensive in Ohio·University Heights rents are up 12.5% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,812/mo
Year-over-Year
+12.5%
Month-over-Month
-0.4%
vs US Median
-$153
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
University Heights · $1,812
More affordable than 53% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Affordability
22% of income
VERY AFFORDABLE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $1,812/mo, rent takes about 22% of the local median household income, comfortably within the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$72,000/yr
Local median income
$96,971/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using University Heights's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,000
1 BR
$1,130
2 BR
$1,370
3 BR
$1,760
4 BR+
$1,890
Research median
$1,370/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
$21,744/yr
At $1,812/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 12.5% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+12.5% YoY, -0.4% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

University Heights, OH is majority owner-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income above the national average, 67.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
13,394
Median income
$96,971
Median age
30.5
Renters
32.3%
Age distribution
24.5%
32.9%
21.9%
13%
Under 1824.5%
18–3432.9%
35–5421.9%
55–647.7%
65+13%
Gender
49%
51%
Male49%
Female51%
Race & ethnicity
70.3%
20.6%
White70.3%
Black20.6%
Hispanic2.6%
Asian1.9%
Other4.6%
Education (25+)
21.7%
67.5%
No HS diploma3%
HS diploma7.8%
Some college21.7%
Bachelor's+67.5%
Housing tenure
67.7%
32.3%
Owner67.7%
Renter32.3%

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

2021 vs 2026

How University Heights, OH has changed in 5 years

Income
$81,481 → $96,971
up 19.0%
Population
13,950 → 13,394
down 4.0%
Renter share
35.9% → 32.3%
-3.6 pts
Bachelor's+
62.2% → 67.5%
+5.3 pts

Census figures show median household income at $96,971 today, compared with $81,481 five years earlier. The population has contracted by 4.0% since 2021, moving from about 13,950 residents to roughly 13,394. Renters now make up 32.3% of households, compared with 35.9% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 67.5% of adults here, versus 62.2% in 2021.

Community

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View University Heights rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in University Heights on your salary?

At $1,812/mo, how University Heights rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

University Heights rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in University Heights. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in University Heights

About renting in University Heights, OH

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in University Heights is $1,812/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,000/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,370/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,130/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,760/mo.

At 22% of local median household income ($96,971/yr), University Heights ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 12.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is University Heights an affordable city for renters?

University Heights is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,812/mo, rent takes approximately 22% of the local median household income ($96,971/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. University Heights falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in University Heights?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $72,000/year (~$35/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,812/mo in University Heights. The local median household income is $96,971/yr, meaning the typical University Heights household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in University Heights?

Rent in University Heights has increased 12.5% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does University Heights rent compare to other cities in Ohio?

University Heights is one of the pricier cities in Ohio for rent, ranking #26 out of 128 tracked cities at $1,812/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than University Heights?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than University Heights ($1,812/mo): East Cleveland ($771/mo), Cleveland Heights ($1,490/mo), South Euclid ($1,694/mo).

What percentage of University Heights residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 32.3% of University Heights households are renters, while 67.7% are owner-occupied. University Heights leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does University Heights rent compare to the national average?

University Heights's median rent of $1,812/mo is $153 (8%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Ohio, it ranks #26 out of 128 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
22%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,812/mo, rent takes ~22% of University Heights's median household income ($96,971/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

University Heights 22%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2.75–3.5%
Run the University Heights affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near University Heights, OH

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