Reports commissioned by The Raymond John Wean Foundation indicate positive trends in housing and entrepreneurship in Warren and Youngstown, despite ongoing economic challenges.

The reports, compiled by the Greater Ohio Policy Center, analyze data on population, housing, employment, education, and other factors, comparing the cities to their respective counties and the state.

In Warren, the reports show an increase in homeownership from 2020 to 2023, particularly among Hispanic and Latino households. The city also saw a significant decrease in permanent vacant housing since 2022 and a doubling of average home sale prices.

The number of minorities, women, and businesses in Warren has doubled since February 2022. Wages increased throughout Trumbull County, and the percentage of White households living below the poverty level decreased since 2020. However, the reports also highlight that the percentage of African American households living below the poverty level increased in both the city and Trumbull County, despite a decrease at the state level. Additionally, the cost of housing is outpacing wage increases.

In Youngstown, the reports found an increase in homeownership from 2020 to 2023 and a notable decrease in permanent vacant housing since 2022. Average home sale prices in Youngstown more than doubled since 2022, rising from $65,150 to $159,703 in 2024.

The number of minorities, women, and businesses has also doubled since February 2022. However, Youngstown is experiencing a higher rate of population decline compared to previous periods.

Rent has increased throughout Mahoning County, but wages for White and African American households have not shown similar growth. The percentage of households living below the poverty level increased in both Youngstown and Mahoning County.

The reports also noted the need for supportive intervention in Youngstown’s school district.

The reports emphasize significant economic inequities between Youngstown and Mahoning County, which they say are highly racialized due to the city’s demographics.

 The Health Care and Social Assistance industry has grown in Youngstown, while Retail Trade and Administrative Services have declined in favor of Public Administration and Educational Services.