Median Income
$52,943
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$81,500
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
192/100K
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.5%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$759
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.6%
10% higher than US avg
How Fostoria Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population12,671
Median Age38.8 yrs
Density1,674/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans10.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$52,943
Per Capita$26,549
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty13.6%
County GDP$2,753M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$81,500
Rent$759
Ownership66.9%
Zillow$132,509
Housing Units5,909
Rent Burden24.8%
Crime
F
Violent192/100K
Property3,547/100K
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured11.0%
Smoking19.3%
Depression26.9%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation775 ft (236 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.5%
High School+91.0%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 31%
Commute22 min
Broadband86.7%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is Fostoria a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fostoria receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Fostoria has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fostoria is $52,943, 30% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. 13.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fostoria is $81,500, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $759 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fostoria is below the national average at 192 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,547 per 100,000, 81% above the national average.
Education
10.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Fostoria experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 26°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 38.7 inches, including 29.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Fostoria has a population of 12,671 with a density of 1,674 people per square mile, spread across 7.8 square miles. The median age is 38.8 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (82%), with 1.4% Hispanic, 4.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.5% of residents, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 10.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.8yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.5%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.5%
44% below US avg
The median household income in Fostoria is $52,943, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,549 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $946, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,256 business establishments, including 111 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,943 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,549 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $946 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,900 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.6% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,256 |
| County GDP | $2,753M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 111 |
| Healthcare | 126 |
| Retail | 147 |
| Manufacturing | 70 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,658 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 2.1% |
The median home value in Fostoria is $81,500, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $132,509, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.6% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $759 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 5,909 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $3,658. 24.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $81,500 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $132,509 |
| Median List Price | $159,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $159,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $125 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.6% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 20 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $759 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.1% |
| Housing Units | 5,909 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,658 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.49% |
In Fostoria, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 34.2% have high blood pressure. 19.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.2% report binge drinking. 32.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.5% experience frequent mental distress. 11.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,745. The dentist ratio is 1:2,483. 75.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fostoria vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.2% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.1% |
| Depression | 26.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.5% |
| Physical Distress | 15.0% |
| Short Sleep | 39.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.0% |
| Uninsured | 11.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,745 |
| Dentists | 1:2,483 |
| Mental Health | 1:562 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Dental Visits | 55.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,987/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 126 |
Fostoria has a violent crime rate of 192 per 100,000 residents, 49% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,547 per 100,000, 81% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fostoria receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fostoria vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 192.3/100K |
| 49% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,547.0/100K |
| 81% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fostoria experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 26°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 38.7 inches. The area receives 29.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 775 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.8°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 775 ft (236 m) |
| Area | 7.8 sq mi (20.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,674/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1602°N, 83.4124°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Seneca County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mansfield Lahm Regional (MFD) 52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.7"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 46.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
19 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
112 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
144 km |
| Jun 5, 2011 |
5 km W of Lodi, Ohio |
M3.0 |
113 km |
| Feb 23, 2011 |
18 km NE of Leamington, Canada |
M3.0 |
138 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
119 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
73 km |
| Apr 12, 2007 |
11 km NW of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.8 |
75 km |
| Nov 25, 1998 |
1 km SSW of New London, Ohio |
M2.7 |
85 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
27 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
115 km |
| May 14, 2017 |
18 km ENE of Leamington, Canada |
M2.6 |
137 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
44 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
115 km |
| Sep 7, 2012 |
17 km ESE of Stony Point, Michigan |
M2.5 |
83 km |
| Feb 7, 2016 |
6 km W of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.5 |
69 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
44 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
20 km |
| Feb 17, 2013 |
31 km E of Leamington, Canada |
M2.5 |
137 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
396 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 102 fatalities, 1,501 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF4 |
45 km |
7 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
77 km |
13 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
59 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
98 km |
18 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
41 km |
17 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
70 km |
4 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
95 km |
3 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
21 km |
1 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
40 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1981 |
EF3 |
85 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1973 |
EF3 |
8 km |
6 |
| Jun 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
26 km |
4 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Fostoria has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 26°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Fostoria. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $751 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $615 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $610 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fostoria
What is the population of Fostoria?
Fostoria has a population of 12,671 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 1,674 people per square mile, spread across 7.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.8 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Fostoria expensive to live in?
Fostoria is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $52,943, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $81,500 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $759 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fostoria safe?
Fostoria is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 192 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,547 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Fostoria receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fostoria?
Fostoria has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 26°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 38.7 inches, with 29.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Fostoria?
Fostoria has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $946. There are 1,256 business establishments in the area, including 111 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 2.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fostoria?
The median home value in Fostoria is $81,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $132,509. For renters, the median monthly rent is $759. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,658.
How are the schools in Fostoria?
Schools in Fostoria score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.5% of adults in Fostoria hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fostoria?
The obesity rate in Fostoria is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.3% of adults are smokers. 32.1% are physically inactive. 26.9% of residents report depression. 11.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 75.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,745.
What is transportation like in Fostoria?
The average commute in Fostoria is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fostoria?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fostoria is 82% White, 4.3% Black or African American, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 92.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 10.1% of the population are military veterans. 18.4% of residents have a disability. 93.0% have health insurance coverage.