The population of Ohio, a state in the Midwest of the United States, is roughly 11.8 million. It is renowned for its industrial economy, rich history, and varied terrain. Nonetheless, Ohio is also dealing with several significant issues that deter individuals from moving to or remaining in the state. These seven factors explain why nobody is relocating to Ohio:
1. Excessive taxes
Ohio ranks seventh out of the 50 states in terms of state and local taxes as a proportion of income, making it one of the states with the highest tax burdens in the nation. Ohioans pay an average of 10.7% of their income in taxes, compared to the national average of 9.9%. This covers sales tax, property tax, income tax, and other taxes. Ohio has nine tax brackets that range in size from 0% to 4.797%, making its income tax structure equally intricate and progressive.
2. A weak economy
The loss of numerous manufacturing jobs to automation, outsourcing, and competition from other states and nations has caused Ohio’s economy to suffer for decades. In 2019, Ohio’s GDP grew at a pace of 1.4%, which was less than the 2.3% national average. In November 2020, Ohio’s unemployment rate was 5.5%, which was higher than the 6.7% national average. In 2019, Ohio’s median household income was $58,642, which was less than the $65,712 national average.
3. Adverse Weather
Ohio experiences hot, muggy summers and chilly, icy winters due to its continental climate. Ohio has four distinct seasons, but they are frequently harsh and erratic. All year long, Ohioans must contend with blizzards, ice storms, floods, thunderstorms, and tornadoes. Compared to the national average of 52.7°F, Ohio’s average yearly temperature is 50.7°F. Ohio receives 39.1 inches of precipitation on average year, more than the 30.2 inches that the rest of the country receives.
4. Poor Life Quality
Ohio has low rankings in several quality-of-life categories, including environment, safety, health, and education. According to the United Health Foundation, Ohio has the forty-most favorable overall health status out of all 50 states. Obesity, smoking, diabetes, cancer, and infant mortality are all prevalent in Ohio. In terms of education, Ohio comes in at number 31 out of the 50 states, according to U.S. News & World Report. Ohio has poor graduation rates, low college preparedness, and low student achievement scores. According to U.S. News & World Report, Ohio’s environment ranks 41st out of the 50 states. Ohio has high pollution levels, bad air and water quality, and restricted access to natural resources. In terms of safety, Ohio is ranked 36th out of 50 states by U.S. News & World Report. The states of Ohio have high rates of imprisonment, property crime, and violent crime.
5. Insufficient Diversity
Compared to the national average of 76.3%, Ohio has a higher percentage of its population who identify as white alone—81.9%—than any other state. Ohio has a low percentage of racial and ethnic minorities, such as African Americans (13.1%), Hispanics (4.1%), Asians (2.5%), and Native Americans (0.2%). With only 4.6% of its population born outside of the United States, Ohio has a lower percentage of foreign-born residents than the national average of 13.7%. Ohio may have fewer chances and viewpoints in the areas of culture, society, and economy due to its lack of variety.
6. Boring Way of Life
Many people think Ohio is a dull state with little to offer in the way of culture, entertainment, or outdoor activities. Major attractions including theaters, museums, amusement parks, and sports teams are scarce in Ohio. WalletHub reports that Columbus, the largest city in Ohio, is ranked 32nd out of the 50 most populated U.S. cities when it comes to fun. Toledo, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and other large Ohio cities are ranked much lower. The rural parts of Ohio are likewise desolate and lonely, with hardly much to do or see.
7. A Bad Image
Many Americans hold an unfavorable opinion of Ohio, believing it to be a dismal, dull, and outdated state. Jokes, misconceptions, and slurs about Ohio are common, especially from its bordering states. Ohio is also linked to social issues, racial strife, and governmental corruption. Ohio’s propensity to get involved in contentious and polarizing national topics like gun control, abortion rights, and presidential elections hurts the state’s reputation.
Statistical Data:
| Category | Ohio Statistics | National Average |
| Excessive Taxes | State and local taxes as a % of income: 10.7% | National average: 9.9% |
| Income tax brackets: 0% to 4.797% | ||
| Weak Economy | GDP Growth: 1.4% | National average: 2.3% |
| Nov 2020 Unemployment Rate: 5.5% | National average: 6.7% | |
| Median Household Income: $58,642 | National average: $65,712 | |
| Adverse Weather | Average Yearly Temperature: 50.7°F | National average: 52.7°F |
| Average Yearly Precipitation: 39.1 inches | National average: 30.2 inches | |
| Poor Life Quality | Overall Health Status: 40th out of 50 states | |
| Education Ranking: 31st out of 50 states | ||
| Environment Ranking: 41st out of 50 states | ||
| Safety Ranking: 36th out of 50 states | ||
| Insufficient Diversity | White Alone Population: 81.9% | National average: 76.3% |
| African Americans: 13.1%, Hispanics: 4.1%, Asians: 2.5% | ||
| Foreign-born residents: 4.6% | National average: 13.7% | |
| Boring Way of Life | Columbus (Fun Ranking): 32nd out of 50 cities | |
| Perception of dullness in attractions and activities | ||
| A Bad Image | Negative public opinion, stereotypes, and controversies |
In summary
There are a lot of difficulties and disadvantages in Ohio, which deter individuals from moving there or remaining there. Ohio has a lousy reputation, high taxes, a weak economy, horrible weather, a low standard of living, little diversity, and an uninteresting way of life. These variables could account for Ohio’s population growth rate of 0.6%, which is less than the 6.3% national average. If Ohio wants to draw and keep more residents in the future, it might need to make some big adjustments and enhancements.