Affordable Living
Cost of Living in
Wilmington & Clinton County
What you'll actually pay — and what you'll save. One of the best values in Southwest Ohio, with housing costs well below the national average and three major metro areas within an hour's drive.
Last updated: July 20, 2026
Cost of Living at a Glance
How Wilmington stacks up.
The overall cost of living in Wilmington is roughly 9-10% below the national average. Here is how each category compares — housing is the biggest win by far.
Housing
30% below national average. The biggest savings category.
Utilities
3% above national average. Seasonal heating and cooling drives this.
Transportation
5% below national average. Shorter commutes keep costs down.
Groceries
At or near national average. Competitive pricing from local stores.
Healthcare
6% above national average. The one category where costs run slightly higher.
Overall
~9% below national average. National index: 100 = U.S. baseline.
Index scores: 100 equals the U.S. national average. Below 100 = lower cost; above 100 = higher cost. Sources: BestPlaces, AreaVibes, Salary.com. For a personalized cost assessment, contact our team.
Housing Costs
What housing costs in Clinton County.
Housing is the single biggest advantage of living in Wilmington. Whether you're buying or renting, you get significantly more space for your money compared to the national average — and compared to Ohio's bigger cities.
Median Home Price
The median home sold price in Clinton County sits around $236,000, with the Wilmington area median near $281,500. This is well below the national median home price of roughly $412,000 — a savings of 30-40% on the typical home purchase.
Price ranges vary by neighborhood: $200K-$350K for well-maintained homes in desirable subdivisions, under $200K for fixer-uppers or smaller homes, and $350K+ for new construction or larger properties with acreage.
Rent Prices
The 2025 Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Clinton County is $927 per month. That is roughly 25% below the national median rent of $1,163. One-bedroom apartments are typically available for $700-$850, and three-bedroom units for $1,000-$1,200.
Rental inventory ranges from historic downtown apartments above Main Street storefronts to newer garden-style complexes on the outskirts of town. Single-family home rentals are also available, typically in the $1,000-$1,500 range.
Property Taxes
The median effective property tax rate in Clinton County is approximately 1.19% — below the Ohio state median of 1.60%. On a $250,000 home, that's roughly $2,975 per year in property taxes.
In late 2025, the Clinton County Board of Commissioners voted to reduce the county's inside millage from 3.0 to 2.5 mills, saving property owners an estimated $760,000+ collectively. Rates vary by specific school district and municipality.
Everyday Expenses
What you'll pay for daily life.
Beyond the mortgage or rent check, here is what day-to-day costs look like in Wilmington and Clinton County.
Groceries
Grocery prices in Wilmington are essentially at the national average (index of 101). A single person can expect to spend roughly $293 per month on food, while a family of four spends about $850-$900 per month.
Wilmington has several grocery options including Kroger, Save-A-Lot, and Aldi (a short drive in nearby cities). The Clinton County Farmers Market operates seasonally downtown, offering local produce and goods.
Quick Example
A gallon of milk: ~$3.50. A loaf of bread: ~$2.80. A dozen eggs: ~$3.00. Comparable to national averages.
Utilities
Utility costs in Wilmington run about 3% above the national average. The typical monthly utility bill (electricity, heating, water, trash) for a standard single-family home ranges from $200 to $350 depending on the season.
Winter heating costs (natural gas or electric) are the main driver of the slightly higher index. Summers are moderate but air conditioning use adds to electric bills in July and August. Many newer homes and recent renovations include energy-efficient windows and appliances.
Quick Example
Average electric bill: $100-$150/month. Natural gas: $60-$120/month in winter. Water/sewer: $40-$60/month.
Transportation
Transportation costs are roughly 5% below the national average. Gas prices in Ohio consistently run below the national average, and the typical commute in Wilmington is short — most residents can cross town in 10-15 minutes.
For commuters heading to Dayton (40 minutes), Cincinnati (50 minutes), or Columbus (60 minutes), the I-71/US-68 corridor makes the drive manageable. The Wilmington Air Park provides general aviation access, and Dayton International Airport is about 30-35 minutes west.
Quick Example
Gas per gallon: ~$3.20 (below national average). Typical commute within town: under 15 minutes. No toll roads in the area.
Why Wilmington is Affordable
More house, less stress — the value proposition.
Wilmington's affordability is not just about low home prices. It is the combination of low housing costs, manageable everyday expenses, and a quality of life that bigger cities cannot match at this price point.
Housing is the biggest savings category
Housing costs in Wilmington are roughly 30% below the national average. That means a $250,000 home in Wilmington would cost $350,000+ in a typical U.S. market. Your monthly mortgage payment goes further here — you get more square footage, a larger lot, and often a newer or better-maintained home for the same payment.
Lower property taxes than most of Ohio
At 1.19%, Clinton County's effective property tax rate is well below the Ohio state median of 1.60%. The recent county commission millage reduction in 2025 has made it even more attractive. Compare that to nearby counties where rates exceed 1.5% or even 2% in some Ohio communities.
No big-city premium for daily life
Groceries, utilities, and transportation are all at or near the national average. There is no urban markup for parking, congestion pricing, or inflated service costs. Your dollar stretches further on everything from a dinner out to a plumber's visit.
Three metro areas within an hour
Wilmington is one of the few communities in Ohio where you can live affordably and still have Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus all within 40-60 minutes. You get the lower cost of small-town living with the employment, entertainment, and healthcare access of a major metro area. That is a rare combination.
Strong local economy
Wilmington is home to major employers including R+L Carriers (headquartered here), ABX Air, and Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) at the Wilmington Air Park. This employment base provides stable, well-paying jobs that keep the local economy healthy and reduce the need for residents to commute long distances.
Remote worker friendly
For remote workers, Wilmington is a compelling choice. You keep your metro-area salary while paying significantly less for housing, utilities, and daily expenses. Fiber internet is expanding, and the pace of life is genuinely appealing for people who work from home. It is the kind of trade-off that makes financial sense.
Compared to Nearby Cities
Wilmington vs. Dayton, Cincinnati & Columbus.
Here is how the overall cost of living in Wilmington compares to the three major metro areas within an hour's drive. Wilmington consistently comes out as the most affordable option.
| Category | Wilmington | Dayton | Cincinnati | Columbus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Cost of Living | 91 | 94 | 97 | 86.4 |
| Median Home Price | $236K | ~$230K | ~$285K | ~$310K |
| Housing Index | 70 | 76 | 85 | 80 |
| Commute Distance | N/A | ~40 min | ~50 min | ~60 min |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.19% | ~1.8% | ~1.6% | ~1.7% |
| Population | ~12,600 | ~137,000 | ~309,000 | ~905,000 |
Index scores based on BestPlaces and AreaVibes data. National baseline = 100. Lower scores = more affordable. Data as of Q1-Q2 2026.
What Your Budget Gets You
Your budget goes further here.
Wondering what different price points look like in the Clinton County market? Here are real examples of what you can expect at each budget level.
$200,000 Budget
Best For
First-time buyers, investors, buyers willing to do cosmetic updates
$300,000 Budget
Best For
Growing families, relocating professionals, buyers wanting turnkey homes
$400,000 Budget
Best For
Buyers seeking acreage, premium finishes, or historic character
Monthly payment estimates are rough approximations based on current interest rate assumptions. Actual payments depend on loan terms, down payment, taxes, insurance, and credit profile. Talk to a lender for a precise pre-approval.
Want to see what's in your budget?
Talk to a Glasshouse Realty agent. We'll help you understand what you can afford in the Wilmington market — and find the home that fits your life and your budget.
Or call (937) 768-3821 or email marketing@glasshouserealty.com
Get a Personalized Estimate
See what your budget looks like in Wilmington.
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