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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Cleveland

Affordable Housing in Cleveland, OH

Cleveland offers one of the largest affordable housing inventories in Ohio, with 276 income-based properties and 23,620 units spread across the city. With a median rent of $945 per month (Census ACS 5-Year) in a majority-renter city, these income-based options can make a meaningful difference for households on a budget. Most inspected properties score well, giving renters a solid foundation for finding quality, affordable housing here.

276
Properties
23,620
Total units
87/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$945/mo

Affordability in Cleveland, OH

Cleveland has a median household income of $40,801 and a median gross rent of $945 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024). With 58% of residents renting their homes, affordable housing options play an important role in the city.

Lease Lantern tracks 127 HUD-assisted and income-based properties totaling 14,777 units across Cleveland, giving renters a wide range of subsidized options to explore.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
1,579 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Cleveland Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 1,579 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Keep in mind that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in how jurisdictions define and report crimes.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 69 · Somewhat Walkable

Getting Around Cleveland

According to Walk Score, assisted housing properties in Cleveland average a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), a Transit Score of 59 (Good Transit), and a Bike Score of 60. These scores reflect conditions in the areas around assisted properties, not the city as a whole.

Walk Score
🎓 Schools
153 schools · 58 districts

Schools

Cleveland is served by 153 schools across 58 districts, including 93 elementary, 7 middle, 52 high schools, and 1 other, according to NCES Common Core of Data. Quality and programs vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before signing a lease.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$40,801 median income

Cost of Living & Housing Affordability

The median household income in Cleveland is $40,801 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates (as of 2024). The citywide median rent is $945 per month, also per Census ACS 5-Year data.

Affordable and income-based housing can be a critical resource here. Cleveland has 127 HUD-assisted or income-restricted properties totaling 14,777 units across the city.

  • Median household income: $40,801/year (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
  • Median rent (all rentals): $945/month (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
  • Share of residents who rent: 58% (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
  • Affordable housing units available: 14,777 across 127 properties
Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 127 HUD-assisted properties in Cleveland were mapped for flood risk. None are located in a high-risk flood zone, according to flood zone data.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 87/100(109 of 276 scored)
90+ (53)70–89 (49)60–69 (4)<60 (3)No score (167)

276 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 276 affordable apartments in Cleveland→

Other cities in OH

› Affordable housing in Akron› Canton income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Cincinnati› Cleveland Heights affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Columbus› Affordable housing in Cuyahoga Falls› Dayton income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Findlay› Lima affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Lorain› Affordable housing in Mansfield› Marion income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in OH› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

Cleveland Affordable Housing Guide

Cleveland is one of Ohio's largest renter-majority cities, with 58 percent of households renting according to Census ACS 5-Year data, and a median rent of $945 per month -- making it a key market for affordable and income-based housing options. With 127 HUD-assisted and LIHTC properties totaling 14,777 units tracked on Lease Lantern, there is a substantial inventory to explore across the city.

Eligibility & how to apply

Ohio income limits (2026)Ohio public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Ohio

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →