Medina County continues to be one of the state's most affluent, according to Census Bureau data

A new Census Bureau report showed Medina County had the fifth-highest median household income in 2024 out of the state's 38 most populous counties that were included in the report. The median household income in Medina County was approximately $92,500 in 2024, while it was around $92,300 in 2023 when adjusted for inflation to 2024 dollars. Last year, the median household income was about $72,200 in Ohio and approximately $81,600 in the United States. "Medina County has a history of being a suburban enclave with a growing, well-educated population and a healthy business base of family-owned companies in diverse industries," Medina County Economic Development Executive Director Bethany Dentler said. Yet, the county's median household income is less than it was in 1999 when adjusted for inflation, which was about $105,700. "While there are many dual-income family households which have kept Medina County's income high, long-term factors accounting for the decreasing trend include the county's growing share of retirees, who often have fixed incomes," Dentler said. Medina County had the sixth-highest median home value in 2024 out of the state's 38 most populous counties. The median home value was $321,700 in 2024, and about $293,200 in 2023 when adjusted for inflation to 2024 dollars. "Middle and upper-income families are drawn to Medina County by quality schools, safe neighborhoods and amenities, which creates a self-reinforcing cycle," Dentler said. "Higher housing costs sustain a higher-income resident base." The increased demand for housing leads to home values going up, she said. Local zoning and land use rules in parts of the county also limit the contractors' ability to build more homes per acre. "Families with strong incomes continue to move here because of lifestyle appeal while supply stays tight," Dentler said. "There are relatively few listings for sales of existing homes, perhaps because there are not affordable smaller homes on the market for older homeowners, and new housing developments focus on higher-priced single-family homes." Medina County also had the fourth-lowest poverty rate last year among the state's 38 largest counties that were included in the report. In 2024, 5.5 percent of residents lived in households below the poverty line compared to 9.1 percent in 2023. "While poverty levels did jump above the 24-year average of 6.5 percent immediately after COVID, we have seen a post-pandemic labor market recovery in Medina County, particularly in healthcare, service, retail and manufacturing, which pulled many households back above the poverty threshold," Dentler said. Prolonged unemployment is one driver of poverty, she said. Medina County has a solid base of locally owned manufacturers, logistics firms and professional services that are providing job opportunities to help keep residents from prolonged unemployment. "Medina County's falling poverty rates not only reflects the resiliency of our community but also the concerted efforts of multiple organizations and officials who have been focused on this issue for several decades," Dentler said. "We all work closely with local businesses to ensure that they are healthy and growing, and we work to connect job seekers to employment opportunities that pay a family-sustaining wage. We have non-profit organizations who have done terrific work to close the resource gaps and meet the needs of those still below the poverty level, such as Feeding Medina County." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.