Median Income
$50,234
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.7%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,073
8% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
13.4%
272% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
55.1%
344% higher than US avg
How South Mount Vernon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population702
Median Age30.1 yrs
Density1,404/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans9.6%
Economy
D
Median Income$50,234
Per Capita$18,574
Unemployment13.4%
Poverty55.1%
County GDP$3,085M
Commute27 min
Housing
A
Rent$1,073
Ownership38.4%
Zillow$239,157
Housing Units417
Rent Burden21.8%
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured13.4%
Smoking17.2%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain44.2 in/yr
Elevation1,018 ft (310 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.7%
High School+99.2%
Graduate+9.0%
School Score6.04
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute27 min
Broadband87.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is South Mount Vernon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Mount Vernon receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. South Mount Vernon has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Mount Vernon is $50,234, 33% below the national average of $75,149. At 13.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 55.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $1,073 per month.
Education
15.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 99.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
South Mount Vernon experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.2 inches, including 41.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
South Mount Vernon has a population of 702 with a density of 1,404 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 30.1 years, 23% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.9% female and 53.1% male. The city is predominantly White (84.9%), with 8% Hispanic, 1.9% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
702
Total Population
2023 Census
30.1yrs
Median Age
23% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Mount Vernon vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South Mount Vernon vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Mount Vernon is $50,234, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,574 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,070, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 13.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 55.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,339 business establishments, including 108 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 4.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Mount Vernon vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,234 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,574 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,070 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,972 |
| Gini Index | 0.410 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 13.4% |
| 272% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 55.1% |
| 344% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,339 |
| County GDP | $3,085M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 108 |
| Healthcare | 144 |
| Retail | 157 |
| Manufacturing | 71 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,813 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.4% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $239,157. Monthly rent averages $1,073 (8% 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. 38.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 417 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1941. The average annual property tax is $4,813 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,073 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 38.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 38.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 61.6% |
| Housing Units | 417 |
| Median Year Built | 1941 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,813 |
| 38% above US avg |
In South Mount Vernon, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 17.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.6% report binge drinking. 28.0% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 13.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,516. The dentist ratio is 1:2,038. 68.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South Mount Vernon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.2% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.0% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.6% |
| Uninsured | 13.4% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,516 |
| Dentists | 1:2,038 |
| Mental Health | 1:452 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 62.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,936/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 144 |
South Mount Vernon experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.2 inches. The area receives 41.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. 85% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,018 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,018 ft (310 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,404/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3824°N, 82.5019°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Knox County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mansfield Lahm Regional (MFD)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.2"
16% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.03"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 84.9% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 61.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 62.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.1 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
22 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Mar 12, 2007 |
Ohio |
M3.7 |
137 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
107 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
115 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
102 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
99 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
134 km |
| Jun 5, 2011 |
5 km W of Lodi, Ohio |
M3.0 |
80 km |
| Mar 30, 2024 |
2 km SSW of Maple Ridge, Ohio |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Aug 7, 2000 |
2 km S of Limaville, Ohio |
M2.9 |
131 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
100 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
99 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
147 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
139 km |
| May 17, 2010 |
2 km S of Boston Heights, Ohio |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Nov 25, 1998 |
1 km SSW of New London, Ohio |
M2.7 |
77 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
131 km |
| Feb 11, 2015 |
8 km SE of Richmond Dale, Ohio |
M2.6 |
139 km |
| Feb 7, 2016 |
6 km W of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.5 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
420 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 34 fatalities, 615 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
18 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Oct 13, 1999 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
30 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1981 |
EF3 |
36 km |
4 |
| Feb 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1970 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
93 km |
4 |
| Jun 5, 2024 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2023 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Nov 5, 2017 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Nov 5, 2017 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 2017 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2011 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.2 in |
|
South Mount Vernon has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 24°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.0") and February the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in South Mount Vernon. 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 | $1,277 |
| Toddler | $1,147 |
| Preschool | $1,005 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $866 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About South Mount Vernon
What is the population of South Mount Vernon?
South Mount Vernon has a population of 702 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 1,404 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.9% female and 53.1% male.
Is South Mount Vernon expensive to live in?
South Mount Vernon 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 $50,234, 33% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $1,073 per month.
What is the weather like in South Mount Vernon?
South Mount Vernon has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 44.2 inches, with 41.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in South Mount Vernon?
The job market in South Mount Vernon faces challenges, with unemployment at 13.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,070. There are 1,339 business establishments in the area, including 108 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 4.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South Mount Vernon?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,073. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 38.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,813.
How are the schools in South Mount Vernon?
Schools in South Mount Vernon score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.7% of adults in South Mount Vernon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 99.2% have completed high school. 9.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Mount Vernon?
The obesity rate in South Mount Vernon is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.2% of adults are smokers. 28.0% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 13.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 68.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,516.
What is transportation like in South Mount Vernon?
The average commute in South Mount Vernon is 27 minutes. 82.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Mount Vernon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Mount Vernon is 84.9% White, 8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Asian. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.6% of the population are military veterans. 18.8% of residents have a disability. 86.6% have health insurance coverage.