The Mahoning Valley

The Mahoning Valley is a region in northeastern Ohio, United States. It encompasses the Mahoning River Valley and includes cities such as Youngstown, Warren, and several other communities in Mahoning and Trumbull counties. 

Nestled in the heart of Ohio, the Mahoning Valley resonates with a storied past and a resilient spirit. Defined by the hum of industry and the echoes of hardworking communities, this region embodies perseverance through economic shifts. From the steel mills that once shaped its landscape to the vibrant revitalization efforts, the Mahoning Valley stands as a testament to adaptability. It is a place where the bonds of community run deep, and the embrace of change fosters a hopeful tomorrow. In the Mahoning Valley, every challenge met is an opportunity to redefine, rebuild, and carry the legacy of resilience forward.

The Mahoning Valley can be considered a valuable location for a luxury jewelry brand for several reasons, including population growth, low housing costs, low overall costs of living, and the overall value it offers.

  1. Population Growth:

    • The Mahoning Valley has experienced steady population growth over the years. A growing population can indicate increased consumer demand, providing a larger customer base for a luxury jewelry brand. As more people settle in the area, there is a potential for a growing market for high-end products. It has also recently been identified as one of the best places to retire in the country, an indicator that can point to increased expendable income may be driven to the valley due to its buying power alone. (source)

  2. Low Housing Costs:

    • The region is known for having relatively low housing costs compared to other areas. This can attract individuals and families looking for affordable living options, potentially freeing up disposable income that could be spent on luxury items like jewelry. Lower housing costs can contribute to a higher discretionary income for residents. Home Ownership is more accessible in the Valley where our residents are 5% more likely than the national average to own their own home. Housing prices are also more than two times less than the average price throughout the United States. The Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, Ohio area was labeled the second most affordable place to call home in a U.S. News & World Report in August, 2023. (source)

  3. Low Costs of Living:

    • The overall cost of living in the Mahoning Valley is often lower than in larger metropolitan areas. This lower cost of living can translate into a higher standard of living for residents, allowing them to allocate more of their budget to luxury goods and experiences, including high-end jewelry.

  4. Overall Value for Location:

    • The Mahoning Valley offers a strategic location that combines economic advantages with a desirable living environment. Its proximity to urban centers and transportation networks can facilitate business operations, while the lower costs contribute to a competitive advantage. Residents of the area enjoy ease of access to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Cleveland, Akron, Columbus - we are a very short drive to the shores of Lake Erie, have state and national parks in our backyard and are equidistant from both New York and Chicago.

In summary, the Mahoning Valley's combination of population growth, low housing costs, low overall costs of living, and strategic location makes it an attractive area for a luxury jewelry brand. The potential for a growing market and the affordability factor can contribute to the success and sustainability of a business in this region.

Warren, Ohio

Youngstown, Ohio

Notable Projects & Industries

Valley Vision 2050

Governor Mike DeWine expresses support for a proposal to establish an economic development district in the Mahoning Valley, focusing on job creation and business growth. The initiative, backed by the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber, aims to create a separate economic development region for Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, and Ashtabula counties under JobsOhio. This move is seen as a strategic opportunity to enhance local leadership, enabling a concentrated focus on promoting the Valley's advantages to businesses. The governor emphasizes the unique attributes of the region, its distinctiveness from Cleveland, and the potential for positive economic growth, particularly due to its central location and assets like Youngstown State University. The proposal aims to create a more localized and effective JobsOhio partner for the Mahoning Valley, showcasing a collaborative effort across organizations and garnering financial support for sustained economic development.

Read more about the project here.

Ultium Cells

In May of 2020, Ultium broke ground on their first 2.8 million-square-foot operation located in Warren, Ohio. The facility began initial cell production in August 2022 and currently employs 1,700 people in new high-tech jobs. The state-of-the-art plant supplies battery cells to various GM facilities and LG throughout North America, using the most advanced and efficient battery cell manufacturing processes. We are hopeful that manufacturing like this will continue to grow due to the nation’s rapid shift toward electric vehicles and renewables.

Learn more about Ultium here.

Foxconn

Foxconn Technology Group is the world’s largest contract manufacturer of consumer electronics. Within Foxconn Technology Group is Foxconn EV System, which is responsible for manufacturing and producing next-generation electric vehicles for customers who then market and sell the vehicles to their existing customer base. Many car companies build, manufacture, and sell their own vehicles. However, Foxconn is a contract manufacturer. That means a business with a product comes to Foxconn to manufacture. In the case of Foxconn Ohio, they are bringing next-generation electric vehicles to market for their business partners to market and sell to customers. They employ about 700 workers within their Warren, Ohio plant.

Read more about the nearly 6.2 million-square-foot facility.

Covelli Enterprises

The largest franchisee of Panera Bread and O’Charley’s Restaurants is headquartered just 10 minutes South of Thom Duma Jewelers. Owners Sam and Caryn Covelli are also loyal TDFJ ambassadors.

Read more about Covelli Enterprises by following this link.

Phantom Fireworks

The nation’s leading distributor of consumer fireworks calls the Valley its home. BJ Alan Co. operates firework showrooms in 12 states and leases over 1,200 temporary locations annually. Better known as Phantom Fireworks, owner Bruce Zolden and his son Ron are both loyal TDFJ ambassadors who promote our company throughout the community.

Find our about BJ Alan and Phantom Fireworks here.

Cafaro Company

One of the largest privately-owned retail developers in the United States. It boasts ownership of 12 malls and 39 open air shopping centers in 11 states among its property listings. The Cafaro Company has its offices nearby in the Eastwood Mall Complex.

Discover Cafaro Company's extensive portfolio by following this link.

The Valley’s Largest Employers

  • Alorica Inc.

  • Diocese of Youngstown

  • General Motors

  • Infocision

  • Mahoning County Government

  • Mercy Health

  • Sharon Regional Health Systems

  • Trumbull County Government

Over 1,000 Employees

  • Ultium Cells

  • UPMC Horizon - Shenango Valley

  • Alorica Inc.

  • Windsor House

  • Youngstown Air Reserve Base

  • Youngstown City Schools

  • Youngstown State University

  • Alcoa Engineered Products

  • AT&T

  • Austintown Local Schools

  • AVI Foodsystems

  • Boardman Local Schools

  • Briarfield Manor Health Care

  • City of Youngstown

  • Columbiana County

  • Covelli Enterprises

  • Delphi Packard Electric Systems

  • East Liverpool City Hospital

  • Falcon Transport

  • Farrell Duferco Corp

  • Flex N Gate

500 - 1,000 Employees

  • FreshMark / Carriage Hill Foods

  • George Junior Republic in PA

  • Giant Eagle Markets

  • Huntington Bank

  • MAC Trailer Manufacturing

  • Ohio Security Systems

  • Premier Bank

  • Salem Community Hospital

  • Shepherd of the Valley

  • Vallourec Star

  • VXI Global Solutions

  • Warren City Schools

  • Wheatland Tube

Demographic Information

Population

In 2021, Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA had a population of 542k people with a median age of 43.9 and a median household income of $50,966. Between 2020 and 2021 the population of Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA grew from 538,115 to 542,459, a 0.807% increase and its median household income grew from $48,020 to $50,966, a 6.13% increase.

In 2021, the median property value in Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA was $115,400, and the homeownership rate was 70.7%.

Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA borders Akron, OH, Ashtabula, OH, Canton-Massillon, OH, Meadville, PA, New Castle, PA, Oil City, PA, and Salem, OH.

Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA is home to a population of 542k people, from which 99.4% are citizens. As of 2021, 1.81% of Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA residents were born outside of the country (9.82k people).

In 2021, there were 8.16 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (445k people) in Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 54.5k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 16.7k Two+ (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Employment

1 YEAR GROWTH

± 2.06%

From 2020 to 2021, employment in Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA grew at a rate of 0.195%, from 238k employees to 238k employees.

The most common job groups, by number of people living in Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA, are Office & Administrative Support Occupations (27,274 people), Sales & Related Occupations (24,102 people), and Production Occupations (21,374 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA.

Industry

From 2020 to 2021, employment in Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA grew at a rate of 0.195%, from 238k employees to 238k employees.

The most common employment sectors for those who live in Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA, are Health Care & Social Assistance (41,971 people), Manufacturing (37,321 people), and Retail Trade (28,723 people). Though some of these residents may live in Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

Education

In 2021, universities in Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA awarded 4,350 degrees. The student population of Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA in 2021 is skewed towards women, with 7,425 male students and 10,159 female students.

The largest universities in Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA by number of degrees awarded are Youngstown State University (2,596 and 59.7%), Grove City College (632 and 14.5%), and Kent State University at Trumbull (243 and 5.59%).

The most popular majors in Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA are Social Work (172 and 3.95%), Other Liberal Arts & Sciences, General Studies, & Humanities (161 and 3.7%), and Registered Nursing (142 and 3.26%).

The median tuition costs in Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA are $25,975 for private four year colleges, and $7,924 and $12,542 respectively, for public four year colleges for in-state students and out-of-state students.

Housing

70.7% HOMEOWNERSHIP

In 2021, 70.7% of the housing units in Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA were occupied by their owner. This percentage grew from the previous year's rate of 70.3%.

This chart shows the percentage of owner in Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.