Median Income
$74,417
1% lower than US avg
Home Value
$169,500
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
496/100K
31% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.4%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$956
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.7%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.4%
40% lower than US avg
How Dayton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,049
Median Age33.9 yrs
Density912/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$74,417
Per Capita$35,059
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty7.4%
County GDP$13,689M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$169,500
Rent$956
Ownership78.3%
Zillow$223,170
Housing Units541
Rent Burden28.0%
Crime
F
Violent496/100K
Property4,842/100K
Health
Obesity32.7%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking18.0%
Depression26.5%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain39.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation672 ft (205 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.4%
High School+94.4%
Graduate+8.5%
School Score6.29
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 49%
Commute18 min
Broadband96.5%
EV Stations29
Libraries5
Is Dayton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dayton receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Dayton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dayton is $74,417, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. Only 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dayton is $169,500, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $956 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 496 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,842 per 100,000, 147% above the national average.
Education
23.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Dayton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.8 inches, including 20.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Dayton has a population of 1,049 with a density of 912 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 33.9 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.5% female and 47.5% male. The city is predominantly White (92.2%), with 1.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.9yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
The median household income in Dayton is $74,417, which is 1% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,059. The average weekly wage is $1,176, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,253 business establishments, including 478 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $74,417 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,059 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,176 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,665 |
| Gini Index | 0.478 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.4% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,253 |
| County GDP | $13,689M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 478 |
| Healthcare | 475 |
| Retail | 519 |
| Manufacturing | 128 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,805 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.1% |
The median home value in Dayton is $169,500, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $223,170, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $956 (18% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 541 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $3,805. 28.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $169,500 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $223,170 |
| Median List Price | $205,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $205,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $187 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $956 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.7% |
| Housing Units | 541 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,805 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.24% |
In Dayton, 32.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 34.3% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.8% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 26.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,428. The dentist ratio is 1:1,868. 80.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dayton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.7% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.3% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 26.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,428 |
| Dentists | 1:1,868 |
| Mental Health | 1:526 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.2% |
| Dental Visits | 61.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,581/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 475 |
Dayton has a violent crime rate of 496 per 100,000 residents, 31% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,842 per 100,000, 147% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 15 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dayton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dayton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 496.1/100K |
| 31% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,842.5/100K |
| 147% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Traffic Accidents | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dayton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.8 inches. The area receives 20.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 672 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.6°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 672 ft (205 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 912/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3752°N, 86.7740°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Tippecanoe County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vermilion Regional (DNV)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.8"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 81.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 29.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.8 on Jun 17, 2021.
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
75 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
128 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
88 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
68 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
41 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
599 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 82 fatalities, 1,717 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
19 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
33 km |
18 |
| May 14, 1972 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
40 km |
28 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
34 km |
25 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
7 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
148 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,602 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Dayton has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 25°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Dayton. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Dayton
What is the population of Dayton?
Dayton has a population of 1,049 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 912 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
Is Dayton expensive to live in?
Dayton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $74,417, 1% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $169,500 (40% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $956 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dayton safe?
The violent crime rate in Dayton is 496 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,842 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dayton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dayton?
Dayton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.8 inches, with 20.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Dayton?
The job market in Dayton is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,176. There are 4,253 business establishments in the area, including 478 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 8.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dayton?
The median home value in Dayton is $169,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $223,170. For renters, the median monthly rent is $956. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,805.
How are the schools in Dayton?
Schools in Dayton score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.4% of adults in Dayton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. 8.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dayton?
The obesity rate in Dayton is 32.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 26.5% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 80.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,428.
What is transportation like in Dayton?
The average commute in Dayton is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dayton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dayton is 92.2% White, 1.5% Black or African American. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
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