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Youngstown has claimed the top spot in two national housing market rankings, again leading Cotality’s latest list of the nation’s hottest housing markets and ranking as the most competitive small rental market in the United States.
In its October report, Cotality ranked Youngstown No. 1 among the nation’s hottest housing markets. It marks the sixth time this year that Youngstown has topped the company’s monthly rankings.
Youngstown held the No. 1 position for five consecutive months, from January through May, and ranked No. 2 in June before reclaiming the top spot in October. The city also ranked among the top three nationally in October, November and December 2025.
Youngstown also earned the No. 1 ranking among the nation’s most competitive small rental markets in RentCafe’s analysis of the 2026 peak rental season, climbing from No. 18 a year earlier.
According to RentCafe, Youngstown earned a Rental Competitiveness Index score of 87.6, with a 96% apartment occupancy rate and approximately 17 prospective renters competing for each available apartment. The report also found a 77.1% lease renewal rate and an average of 41 days to fill a vacant apartment.
Youngstown’s average monthly rent was approximately $1,060, compared with the national average of $1,771. RentCafe also reported no new apartments delivered in Youngstown during the period studied.
"Youngstown has topped Cotality’s rankings six times this year, and now we’re No. 1 among the nation’s most competitive small rental markets," said Guy Coviello, president and CEO of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber. "The rental market findings show there’s demand for housing here.
"Through our Housing Council, we’re working toward a goal of 1,000 new homes across the Valley by 2030 to give new residents a place to live and support our efforts to grow the region’s population and workforce."