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Freelance Writer Salary in Youngstown, OH β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Youngstown's cost of living (index: 78). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Freelance Writer Salary in Youngstown β€” Key Numbers

$35,100
Median Salary
$21,060
25th Percentile
$56,160
75th Percentile
$85,800
90th Percentile
National median (Freelance Writer)$45,000
vs. National median-22.0%
Youngstown median household income$44,200
vs. City household income-20.6%

Cost of Living in Youngstown

Cost of Living Index
78(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$750/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio25.6%
Annual rent cost$9,000
Median Home Price$110,000
Home Price / Salary3.1Γ—
20% Down Payment$22,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.1 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Youngstown

6.0%
Unemployment Rate
535,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
39.5
Median Age

Youngstown has a metro population of 535,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 6.0% unemployment rate is above the national average, which may reflect broader economic conditions in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Freelance Writer make in Youngstown, OH?

The estimated median salary for a Freelance Writer in Youngstown is $35,100 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $45,000 adjusted by Youngstown's cost of living index (78). The typical salary range runs from $21,060 (25th percentile) to $56,160 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $85,800.

Is Youngstown affordable for a Freelance Writer?

On a $35,100 annual salary, a Freelance Writer in Youngstown would spend approximately 25.6% of gross monthly income on median rent ($750/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Youngstown relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $110,000 is 3.1Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Freelance Writer's salary compare to Youngstown's overall income?

Youngstown's median household income is $44,200. A Freelance Writer earning the city-adjusted median of $35,100 earns 20.6% less than the typical Youngstown household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Youngstown has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.