Performance
Score Breakdown
Oak Hill
Cincinnati
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Oak Hill is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
34% lower compared to Cincinnati.
Housing costs are a major driver: Oak Hill's average rent is
36% lower than Cincinnati's.
| Metric | Oak Hill | Cincinnati | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $897 | $1,410 | -36% |
| Groceries | $350 | $493 | -29% |
| Utilities | $150 | $178 | -16% |
| Transport | $100 | $120 | -17% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $250 | -52% |
| Monthly Total | $1,617 | $2,451 | -34% |
| Cost Index | 78 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cincinnati offers 64% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Cincinnati delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Oak Hill is estimated at
$45,000 vs $55,000 in Cincinnati.
| Metric | Oak Hill | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $28,806 | $79,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 36,931 idx | 76,699 idx |
| Household Income | $52,466 | $52,909 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Oak Hill | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Cincinnati has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Oak Hill.
Cincinnati scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Cincinnati leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Oak Hill | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 29 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 1.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 49.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Cincinnati is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Cincinnati is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Cincinnati has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Oak Hill | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,937 | 314,915 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 41.4 | 33.2 |
| Unemployment | 8.30% | 3.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Oak Hill
Advantages
The violent crime rate in Oak Hill is 44% below the national average, contributing to a sense of safety.
Housing is significantly more affordable than the national average, with a median home value of $118,700 in 2024.
The city offers abundant opportunities for outdoor activities, including white water rafting and hiking, due to its proximity to the New River Gorge.
Oak Hill experienced a positive employment growth rate of 4.63% from 2023 to 2024.
The median rent of $897 in June 2026 is considerably lower than the national average.
Drawbacks
Oak Hill has a high unemployment rate of 8.3% as of March 2026, exceeding the national average.
The city is highly car-dependent, with a Walk Score of 0 and very limited public transit options.
The population is projected to decline by -1.42% annually, indicating a shrinking community.
Some reports suggest overall crime rates are 57% higher than the West Virginia average, despite low violent crime.
The average commute time of 29 minutes is slightly higher than the national average.
Cincinnati
Advantages
The cost of living in Cincinnati is 3% lower than the national average, making it more affordable than many major U.S. cities.
Cincinnati boasts a diverse and growing economy, with strong sectors in healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services.
The city offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, including museums, theaters, and a symphony orchestra.
Several neighborhoods, such as Over-The-Rhine and the Central Business District, are highly walkable, with Walk Scores of 94 and 92 respectively.
The median property value in Cincinnati was $230,900 in 2024, significantly lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible.
Drawbacks
While some areas are highly walkable, the city's overall Walk Score of 49 indicates a car-dependent environment for most errands.
Public transportation, while available, is not considered the most dependable, often necessitating a personal vehicle.
The city's poverty rate was 25.5% in 2024, which is higher than the national average.
Cincinnati experiences extreme seasonal variations in humidity, with muggy summers and very cold, snowy winters.
The average commute time in the Cincinnati metropolitan area was 2 hours daily in 2023, which is relatively long compared to some other cities.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Oak Hill
#85West Virginia, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$897
Avg Salary
$28,806
Cost Index
78
Commute
29 min
Transit Score
1.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
8.30%
Livability
68
Business
55
Cincinnati
#49Ohio, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,410
Avg Salary
$79,000
Cost Index
103
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
49.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.70%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
70
Business
72
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