Youngstown Rental Market Ranks Most Competitive
With 17 renters for every unit, prospective tenants in Youngstown face an extremely tight market.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Apartments
Live Poll
Is housing in your community becoming more affordable for the average resident?
Youngstown ranked as the number one housing market in the Cotality October 2026 report and as the most competitive small rental market by RentCafe. The city faces significant pressure with a 96% apartment occupancy rate.
Why it matters
High demand in the Mahoning Valley makes finding housing increasingly difficult for local renters, as 17 people compete for every available unit. The current market intensity reflects a local supply shortage compared to growing interest in the area.
The city maintains a 96% apartment occupancy rate with 17 prospective renters per unit. While local rents average $1,060, the city has topped the Cotality housing market list six times in 2026.
The players
Cotality
A property data firm that maintains over 5.5 billion U.S. records, parcel boundaries, and historical price trends.
RentCafe
A residential real estate platform that tracks occupancy rates and rental competitiveness.
Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber Housing Council
A local development body coordinating regional housing expansion projects.
The details
The market competitiveness is determined by high occupancy rates and the volume of prospective renters seeking space. With local monthly rents at $1,060 compared to the $1,771 national average, Youngstown has become a primary target for those seeking affordable options. This surge in demand necessitates the planned addition of 1,000 homes by 2030 to alleviate current space constraints.
Timeline
October 2026: Youngstown earns top ranking in Cotality market report.
2030: Target date for the completion of 1,000 additional homes.
The Home Front
Youngstown’s rental market status reflects a broader regional trend of tightening inventory across the Mahoning Valley. This intensity follows the high competition patterns documented in the RentCafe Rental Competitiveness Index.
Prospective renters should prepare to act quickly when a listing appears, given the 96% occupancy rate. Be ready with your rental application documents and references beforehand to remain competitive against the 17 other seekers vying for each unit.
The takeaway
The high competition for local rentals shows no signs of slowing down until new inventory is brought to market. Keep an eye on local development announcements from the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber Housing Council as they work toward their 2030 goal.
Further reading
For more on managing your housing search, visit Apartments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WFMJ.
Live Poll
Is housing in your community becoming more affordable for the average resident?
