Youngstown Rental Competition Stays Intense

With 17 applicants per unit, renters in Youngstown face a highly competitive market where vacancies are difficult to secure.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Apartments

Bold vector editorial illustration depicting a row of brick apartment buildings, representing the constrained housing supply in Youngstown. — Youngstown renters face a highly competitive housing market, with 17 applicants vying for each available unit amid a 96% occupancy rate. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Youngstown ranked as the most competitive small rental market in the October 2026 report from RentCafe. Local households face a highly constrained supply, with occupancy rates currently at 96%.

Why it matters

High demand in the Mahoning Valley makes finding housing challenging and competitive for local renters. The current market intensity reflects a broader imbalance between the available stock and the number of prospective tenants.

The Rental Competitiveness Index scores Youngstown at 87.6, supported by an occupancy rate of 96% and an average of 17 applicants for every available unit. The average monthly rent stands at $1,060, significantly lower than the $1,771 national average.

The players

RentCafe

A provider of apartment search services that tracks occupancy rates and rental market competitiveness.

Cotality

A property data firm maintaining over 5.5 billion U.S. property records and tax transaction files.

Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber Housing Council

A regional development organization coordinating housing infrastructure and growth targets.

The details

The market's intensity is driven by high occupancy and a limited number of units, forcing prospective renters to compete against 16 other individuals for every open apartment. With the average rent sitting at $1,060, local affordability remains attractive compared to national averages, but low inventory keeps competition stiff. To address these pressures, the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber Housing Council has established a goal to add 1,000 homes to the local market by 2030.

Youngstown earned the top ranking in the October 2026 housing market report.
Local housing officials aim to complete 1,000 additional homes by 2030.

Money Landscape

Youngstown's current rental climate marks a departure from national affordability trends, where lower price points are driving higher competition. This aligns with recent data from the RentCafe Rental Competitiveness Index regarding the pressure on inventory in smaller cities.

Renters in Youngstown should prepare for rapid leasing cycles, as the 96% occupancy rate means available units are snapped up quickly by the high volume of competition. If you are planning a move, consult with a local real estate professional to understand specific neighborhood vacancy trends.

The takeaway

The extremely competitive nature of the Youngstown market highlights the necessity of having all financial documents ready before apartment hunting. Track regional supply growth updates from the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber Housing Council as new units come online to better time your next lease.

What happens next

The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber Housing Council has set a target for the construction of 1,000 additional homes by 2030 to alleviate supply constraints.