Columbus and Akron are two cities in Ohio that offer different flavors of life. While Columbus, the state's capital, presents a bustling city lifestyle with diverse economy and culture, Akron offers a smaller city charm with its robust industries and vibrant arts scene. Both cities offer a range of amenities that would be appealing to both residents and visitors, from cost of living to sports teams. Here, we compare the two cities across various parameters such as crime and safety, cost of living, education, the economy, infrastructure, and more.
Distance between
Columbus, OH and
Akron, OH : 107.7 miles
Columbus's population is larger by 379%. Its population has grown by 195,058 people (27.4%) since 2000. The population of Akron has decreased by 27,727 people (12.8%) during that time.
Both Columbus and Akron have crime rates higher than the national average, with Columbus being slightly safer than Akron. However, both cities are investing in security measures to increase public safety. In particular, Columbus has initiated a number of community policing efforts to reduce crime. In Akron, the city has taken initiatives to reduce gang activity and violent crimes.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,506 registered sex offenders living in Columbus and 907 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Columbus is 573 to 1; the ratio in Akron is 218 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Columbus than in Akron.
Cost of Living
Generally, the cost of living in Akron is lower than in Columbus, including housing, utilities, groceries, and healthcare. This makes Akron an attractive choice for those looking to stretch their dollar. However, Columbus offers more job opportunities which may offset the higher cost of living.
Income Tax
The city income tax rate in Akron is slightly higher than in Columbus. Residents in Akron pay a 2.5% city income tax, while those in Columbus pay 2.5%.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Columbus tend to be higher than those in Akron due to the higher property values.
Sales Tax
Both cities have the same state sales tax rate of 5.75%, but Columbus has a city sales tax rate of 2.5% compared to Akron's 2.25%.
Income
Type
Columbus
Akron
Estimated median household income
$58,202
$41,628
Estimated per capita income
$32,392
$25,307
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
95.7
If you make $50,000 in Akron, you will have to make $50,209 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Columbus is characterized by flat terrain with rivers running through it, while Akron is on the Western Allegheny Plateau, offering more varied terrain and more outdoor recreation opportunities.
Both Columbus and Akron have excellent education systems. Columbus is home to Ohio State University, one of the largest universities in the U.S., while Akron houses the prestigious University of Akron, known particularly for its programs in polymer science and engineering.
Columbus has a robust economy with large sectors in higher education, government, insurance, banking, fashion, defense, aviation, and technology. On the other hand, Akron has a strong economy based on manufacturing, education, healthcare, and biotechnology.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in Columbus include the state government and Ohio State University. In Akron, the major employers are Summa Health System, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, and Akron General Medical Center.
There were 913 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (246 more than in 2011) compared to 33 building permits issued in Akron in 2012.
In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Akron (Summit County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Columbus
Akron
Columbus
Akron
Columbus
Akron
2020
64.7%
53.9%
33.4%
44.4%
1.9%
1.7%
2016
59.8%
51.7%
33.9%
43.2%
6.2%
5.1%
2012
60.8%
57.3%
37.9%
41.6%
1.3%
1.1%
2008
59.8%
57.9%
39.0%
40.8%
1.2%
1.3%
2004
54.5%
56.9%
45.2%
43.1%
0.3%
0.0%
2000
48.9%
53.4%
47.9%
43.1%
3.2%
3.5%
1996
48.1%
52.1%
44.5%
34.2%
7.3%
13.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Columbus
Akron
Columbus
Akron
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.2%
21.6%
5.6%
6.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.6%
0.9%
3.7%
2.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
0.3%
6.8%
3.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.3%
0.3%
1.9%
0.4%
VINEYARD USA
1.3%
0.0%
1.2%
0.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.0%
0.4%
3.3%
1.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.9%
1.3%
2.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.2%
2.0%
1.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.9%
1.0%
2.5%
Weather
Weather-wise, Columbus and Akron have a similar Midwestern climate. Winters can be cold with heavy snowfall, while summers are warm and humid. Akron tends to have slightly higher temperatures during summer and lower during winter. Both cities experience significant rainfall throughout the year.
Weather and climate
Type
Columbus
Akron
Temperature - Average
52.8°F
49.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.8%
76.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
32.8%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
86.9%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
54.1%
Precipitation - Yearly average
39.3 in
38.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
56.6 in
96.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12%
11.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.7%
51.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
27%
43.6%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
55%
65.7%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
28%
22.1%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
9.9 mph
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Average climate in Akron, Ohio
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Columbus
Akron
Columbus
Akron
Columbus
Columbus
Akron
Columbus
Akron
Columbus
Akron
Columbus
Akron
2018
69
78
0.11
0.18
10.0
N/A
33.8
29.5
N/A
N/A
6.0
9.0
0.0
0.1
2017
68
76
0.16
0.06
9.6
N/A
28.7
31.0
N/A
N/A
5.5
8.5
0.1
0.1
2016
76
80
0.17
0.10
10.6
N/A
28.5
27.1
N/A
N/A
5.6
10.3
0.1
0.3
2015
74
92
0.16
0.12
11.3
N/A
27.0
27.8
N/A
N/A
6.1
13.9
0.1
1.0
2014
82
59
0.20
0.13
11.0
N/A
28.5
26.2
N/A
N/A
7.4
7.4
0.5
2.2
2013
78
62
N/A
0.18
8.9
N/A
29.6
26.2
N/A
N/A
7.8
8.9
0.6
2.9
2012
87
90
N/A
0.13
N/A
N/A
32.9
30.4
N/A
N/A
8.9
12.9
N/A
2.7
2011
89
91
N/A
0.09
N/A
N/A
28.1
31.0
N/A
N/A
8.9
10.8
N/A
3.2
2010
90
112
N/A
0.16
N/A
N/A
30.5
32.0
N/A
N/A
9.1
15.3
N/A
2.5
2009
61
64
N/A
0.27
N/A
N/A
28.7
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
2008
65
71
N/A
0.31
N/A
N/A
31.2
33.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
2.8
2007
80
77
N/A
0.29
N/A
N/A
30.8
36.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
3.2
2006
75
64
N/A
0.42
N/A
N/A
30.0
30.9
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
4.2
2005
87
88
N/A
0.42
N/A
N/A
29.6
33.1
27.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
4.5
2004
77
74
N/A
0.41
N/A
N/A
27.8
27.1
24.6
20.4
N/A
N/A
4.4
4.7
2003
91
84
N/A
0.39
N/A
N/A
26.4
28.3
23.9
20.5
N/A
N/A
4.1
7.3
2002
93
91
N/A
0.47
N/A
N/A
31.3
32.0
25.7
20.9
N/A
N/A
4.1
8.4
2001
84
91
N/A
0.51
N/A
N/A
29.2
31.7
25.9
21.9
N/A
N/A
3.5
8.6
2000
57
78
N/A
0.59
N/A
N/A
N/A
29.7
23.5
21.5
N/A
N/A
3.7
8.0
Natural disasters
Type
Columbus
Akron
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
119.1%
111.2%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
96.1%
52.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
11%
Transportation
Columbus has a reliable public transport system and extensive highway network for commuters. Akron also offers public transportation options, but with fewer routes and services due to its smaller population.
Transport
Type
Columbus
Akron
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
415
112
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
10
Means of transportation to work
Type
Columbus
Akron
Bicycle
0.6%
0.2%
Bus
1.6%
1.4%
Carpooled
7.4%
7.7%
Car alone
86.7%
87.7%
Railroad
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
2.2%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Columbus
Akron
Average
26.1 min
24.6 min
Other means
21.7 min
22 min
Public transportation
35.4 min
38 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Columbus
Akron
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
90.7%
85.4%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
12.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.4%
0.9%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.6%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Columbus tends to be more expensive than Akron due to its higher demand. Housing in Akron is more affordable, and the city is often recognized as a top place to buy a home under the national median price.
Neighborhoods
Columbus offers a mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods, each with their unique charm and amenities. Akron also offers a variety of neighborhoods, many with a close-knit community feel.
Houses and residents
Type
Columbus
Akron
Houses
422,120
93,546
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.3
Median year apartment built
1982
1960
Median year house/condo built
1977
1952
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
15.6 years
Houses occupied
390,605 (92.5%)
84,914 (90.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
175,427 (44.9%)
42,714 (50.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
215,178 (55.1%)
42,200 (49.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,371
$905.97
Median monthly housing costs
$1,110
$784
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$195,022
$81,314
Estimated median house or condo value
$219,200
$106,300
Median numbers of rooms
5
5.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4.7
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$233,452
$136,437
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$121,729
$102,885
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$215,337
$135,558
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$240,711
$94,537
Median house price - mobile homes
$121,578
$44,110
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$218,726
$181,576
Median house price - All housing units
$229,736
$137,428
Median house age
42
68
Renting percentage
53%
45.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,007.5
1,507.1
House value disparities
30.2%
36.4%
Household income disparities
42.4%
45%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$89,058
$71,904
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,295
$49,938
Housing units without a mortgage
4,290 (3.3%)
1,292 (4.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,651 (8.2%)
2,419 (9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
125,487 (96.7%)
25,670 (95.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
775 (0.6%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,558 (10.4%)
2,878 (10.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
15
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.6%
3.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
2.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Columbus
Akron
One, detached
45.8%
67.7%
One, attached
9.1%
3.0%
Two
4.0%
6.8%
3 or 4
8.6%
4.5%
5 to 9
11.8%
4.9%
10 to 19
8.6%
3.9%
20 to 49
4.5%
2.9%
50 or more
6.8%
6.1%
Mobile homes
0.8%
0.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,915
3,686
State government workers
31,881
2,025
Unpaid family workers
724
196
Industries and Occupations
While Columbus has a diverse job market involving industries such as technology, fashion, and aviation, Akron primarily focuses on healthcare, biotechnology, and education.
Both cities offer excellent healthcare facilities. Columbus is home to some of the top hospitals in the country, including Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Akron has notable hospitals such as Akron General Medical Center and Akron Children's Hospital, both recognized for excellent care.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Columbus
Akron
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Columbus offers more in terms of infrastructure, with numerous development projects in the pipeline. Akron, with its smaller population, does not see as many large-scale construction projects, but still maintains a solid infrastructure with good road systems and public facilities.
Infrastructure
Type
Columbus
Akron
Hospitals
47
11
TV stations
14
22
Arenas or stadiums
3
2
Bank branches located here
200
69
Bank institutions located here
25
12
Main business address for public companies
23
6
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
17
15
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Columbus
Akron
1999
2,450
674
2000
2,376
857
2001
1,897
599
2002
1,483
414
2003
2,087
644
2004
3,216
816
2005
4,275
1,353
2006
4,662
1,286
2007
2,679
734
2008
1,015
280
2009
555
85
Culture and Food
Columbus and Akron are both rich in cultural opportunities. Columbus has a vibrant arts scene, a variety of restaurants offering diverse cuisines, and lively music and nightlife scene. Akron, on the other hand, offers a solid music scene, interesting museums and galleries, and a wide range of food options, known particularly for its burger joints.
Sports Teams
Sports fans will enjoy both cities. Columbus is home to major sports teams such as the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) and Columbus Crew SC (MLS), whereas Akron has minor league teams and the Akron RubberDucks, a Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians.
Columbus, OH
Akron, OH
