East Cleveland, OH demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
13,534
-1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$22,116/yr
-3.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,849
3.1% year-over-year change

East Cleveland population

How many people live in East Cleveland

East Cleveland is home to 13,534 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 41.4% of East Cleveland locals are male, and 58.6% are female.

Total population
13,534
-1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
41.4%
5,605
Female
58.6%
7,929
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,605 41.4% -1.9%
Female 7,929 58.6% -0.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in East Cleveland is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.5% are children under 15, then 12.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.9% of the population, while another 23.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.5%
15 to 24
12.7%
25 to 44
19.9%
45 to 64
23.9%
Over 65
24.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,505 18.5% -8.1%
15 to 24 1,723 12.7% -10.3%
25 to 44 2,698 19.9% -14.3%
45 to 64 3,240 23.9% 9.5%
Over 65 3,368 24.9% 15.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In East Cleveland, 95% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 8.2% of locals are Caucasian, 87.2% are African American and 1.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.8%
Non-citizens
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,857 95% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 515 3.8% -7.2%
Non-citizens 162 1.2% -23.2%
Racial breakdown
White
8.2%
Black or African American
87.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.4%
Other
0.9%
Value Percent
White 1,116 8.2%
Black or African American 11,809 87.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 11 0.1%
Asian 147 1.1%
Two or more races 328 2.4%
Other 123 0.9%

Households in East Cleveland

A peek inside East Cleveland households

East Cleveland has 6,861 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 37% are families, while the remaining 63% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,861
1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,326
Family households
2,535
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,326 63% 7.6%
Family households 2,535 37% -7.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in East Cleveland

The housing landscape of East Cleveland

East Cleveland's housing consists of 9,849 units, with 34.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,849
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,433 34.9%
1 unit, attached 777 7.9%
2 units 1,179 12%
3 or 4 units 523 5.3%
5 to 9 units 526 5.3%
10 to 19 units 331 3.4%
20 to 49 units 1,048 10.6%
50 or more units 2,021 20.5%
Mobile home 11 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in East Cleveland

In East Cleveland, the median construction year is 1938. About 60.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 5,980 60.7% 10.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 645 6.6% -16.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 932 9.5% 10.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 813 8.2% -2.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 689 7% -21.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 279 2.8% 20.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 211 2.1% -23.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 200 2% 3.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 100 1% -11.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

East Cleveland occupancy rates

Out of the 6,861 occupied housing units in East Cleveland, 37.1% are owner-occupied, while 62.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 30.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,861
1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,316
Owner occupied
2,545
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,316 62.9% -3.5%
Owner occupied 2,545 37.1% 12.1%
Unoccupied housing units
30.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

East Cleveland housing costs

Housing costs in East Cleveland come to a median of $780 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $776.

Median housing costs per month
$780/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in East Cleveland
$776/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in East Cleveland

East Cleveland education at a glance

About 44.8% of the population in East Cleveland went to high school, while 25.8% pursued college studies. Another 8.7% earned an associate degree and 10.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 487 4.7% 30.2%
High school diploma 4,681 44.8% -6.5%
College diploma 2,693 25.8% 5.2%
Associate degree 910 8.7% 4.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,081 10.3% 16.5%
Graduate degree 600 5.7% 7.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in East Cleveland

How much people earn in East Cleveland

The average annual household income in East Cleveland was $43,887 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $22,116, reflecting a -3.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in East Cleveland
$43,887/year
8.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in East Cleveland
$22,116/year
-3.4% year-over-year change

East Cleveland income by age

In East Cleveland, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $29,107. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $22,500 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $12,368, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $20,100 in earnings. Overall, 59.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $12,368 12.3%
25 - 44 $29,107 -3.7%
45 - 64 $22,500 -0.1%
Over 65 $20,100 -5.3%
Above poverty level
7,793
Below poverty level
5,210
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,793 59.9% 5.4%
Below poverty level 5,210 40.1% -8.2%

Average renter income in East Cleveland

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in East Cleveland, their median household income was $19,098 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 48.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$19,098
Rent-to-income ratio
48.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in East Cleveland

Workforce and job types in East Cleveland

The job market in East Cleveland is powered by 4,500 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.4% run their own businesses, 62.3% are employed by private companies, and 13.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,500
-5.1% year-over-year change
White collar
3,592
Blue collar
908
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,592 79.8% -1.9%
Blue collar 908 20.2% -15.8%
Employer type
Self employees
5.4%
Private companies
62.3%
Governmental workers
13.3%
Not for profit companies
19%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 245 5.4% 20.1%
Private companies 2,802 62.3% -12.8%
Governmental workers 599 13.3% 18.4%
Not for profit companies 854 19% 4.7%
Unemployment rate
18.4%
-0.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in East Cleveland stands at 18.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in East Cleveland

How people get around in East Cleveland

Commuting methods vary: 69.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,004 69.6% -9.3%
Taxicab 58 1.3% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 661 15.3% -10.6%
Subway or elevated 41 1% N/A
Walk 31 0.7% -59.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in East Cleveland by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
44112 17,848 8,710 $28,799 $49,562

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FAQs about East Cleveland demographics 

What is the total population of East Cleveland?

East Cleveland has a total population of 13,534 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in East Cleveland?

The gender ratio in East Cleveland is as follows:
  • 41.4% males (5,605 residents)
  • 58.6% females (7,929 residents)

What is the median age in East Cleveland?

The median age in East Cleveland is 44.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in East Cleveland?

The age distribution in East Cleveland is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.5% (2,505 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.7% (1,723 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.9% (2,698 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.9% (3,240 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.9% (3,368 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of East Cleveland?

The racial and ethnic makeup of East Cleveland is as follows:
  • White: 8.2% (1,116 residents)
  • Black or African American: 87.2% (11,809 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (11 residents)
  • Asian: 1.1% (147 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.4% (328 residents)
  • Other: 0.9% (123 residents)

What percentage of the population in East Cleveland are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95% of the population in East Cleveland.

How many housing units are there in East Cleveland?

There are 9,849 housing units in East Cleveland, reflecting a +3.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in East Cleveland and what is the average household size?

East Cleveland has a total of 6,861 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in East Cleveland?

East Cleveland has a median household income of $22,116, representing a -3.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for East Cleveland?

The employment rate is 81.6% in East Cleveland, with a workforce of 4,500 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.8% (3,592 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.2% (908 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.4% (245 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.3% (2,802 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.3% (599 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 19% (854 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025