Discover Dayton: A Great Place to Live, Work, and Explore

Dayton, Ohio is a friendly, affordable city in southwest Ohio known for its rich history, innovation, and strong sense of community. It’s a great place to call home—whether you’re looking to raise a family, start a career, or enjoy a slower pace of life with all the modern conveniences nearby.

Dayton combines small-town charm with big-city benefits. With historic neighborhoods, parks, local shops, and top-rated museums, there’s something for everyone here.

Quick Facts About Dayton

  • Location: Southwest Ohio, in Montgomery County
  • Population: Around 135,000 people
  • Nicknames: “The Birthplace of Aviation,” “Gem City”
  • Nearby Cities: Cincinnati (1 hr), Columbus (1.5 hrs)
  • Top Employers: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Premier Health, University of Dayton

Fun Facts & Trivia 

1. Home of the Wright Brothers
Dayton is where the Wright brothers designed and built the first airplane. Today, you can visit the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the largest military aviation museum in the world—right here in town.

2. A City of Invention
Dayton has more patents per person than most cities in America. Things like the cash register, electric starter, and even the pull-tab soda can were invented here.

3. Birthplace of Funk Music
Some of the biggest funk bands—like Zapp and The Ohio Players—started in Dayton. The city even has a Funk Music Hall of Fame.

4. Protected from Flooding
After a massive flood in 1913, Dayton built a flood control system that still works today—keeping the city safe during heavy rains.

5. Springfield Connection
Just 30 minutes away, Springfield, Ohio, is rumored to have inspired the fictional town in The Simpsons TV show.

Why People Love Living in Dayton, OH

  • Affordable Housing – Lower home prices and rent compared to nearby cities like Cincinnati or Columbus.
  • Job Opportunities – Especially in healthcare, tech, education, and aerospace.
  • Great Schools – Including private and public school options plus nearby universities.
  • Outdoor Activities – Over 300 miles of bike trails, rivers, parks, and nature preserves.
  • Community Events – Local festivals, farmer’s markets, music shows, and more all year round.

 

Overview for Dayton, OH

136,741 people live in Dayton, where the median age is 34.2 and the average individual income is $26,381. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

136,741

Total Population

34.2 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$26,381

Average individual Income

Property Listings

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Around Dayton, OH

There's plenty to do around Dayton, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

37
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
62
Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Joui Wine, Gunash’s Mediterranean Cusine, and Smith Memorial Gardens.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 1.46 miles 10 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 1.55 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 4.05 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 3.97 miles 11 reviews 4.9/5 stars
Nightlife 1.51 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Beauty 4.73 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Dayton, OH

Dayton has 57,953 households, with an average household size of 2.14. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Dayton do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 136,741 people call Dayton home. The population density is 2,450.29 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

136,741

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

34.2

Median Age

49.49 / 50.51%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
57,953

Total Households

2.14

Average Household Size

$26,381

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Dayton, OH

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Dayton. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
Dayton

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