Welcome to episode five of Brain Drain, a Midstory podcast that explores the city of Toledo through the eyes of the people who’ve left it behind. In this episode of Brain Drain, we take a closer look at Toledo’s calling card and ask whether it’s enough to continue to define this city.
Toledo isn’t short on amenities. It’s got a world-class art museum, an award-winning library system, a zoo that could rival any across the nation, and an ambitious parks system looking to revitalize the city’s riverfront.
That, coupled with the low cost of living, makes it — in theory — the perfect place for any young person to build the life they want to live. But many young people aren’t satisfied with ease and comfort and are still waiting for something more — something that Toledo is working on, but might not have fully figured out yet.
Research has shown that young people, in part because of their adventurousness, are more likely than their older counterparts to start new businesses, donate to charitable causes and advocate for social and economic justice within their communities. If it’s a search for adventure that has led them away from Toledo, how could this city transform to provide that spark and excitement that so many bright, young minds are hungry for? Or is it enough that, one day, those very same people might find themselves looking for what Toledo already offers?
Explore the gallery below to learn more about those who call Toledo home and the factors that shape where young people choose to live.
I’m After Whatever the Other Life Brings
Toledo’s Attractions
Toledo's Attractions
From the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium to our metroparks and museums, many of Toledo’s public amenities are nationally recognized.
Hover over each card to learn more about them.
Target Age Group for Cities
Target Age Group for Cities
How does Toledo compare to other cities?
Looking at ages 25-34, a prime age group for cities to be attracting to their jurisdictions for workforce development, Toledo had one of the smallest percentages from its total population — 15.9% — when compared to the topmost populated U.S. cities, to other major Ohio cities and to other neighboring and similarly-sized cities — which ranged from nearly 17% - 23%.
Only Detroit, Fort Wayne, Akron and Dayton had a population 25 to 34-year-olds less than Toledo’s at 15.7%, 15.5%, 15.4% and 15.4%, respectively.
Comparing Toledo’s Age Demographics
Comparing Toledo’s Age Demographics
The distribution of a city’s age demographics can shed light onto larger trends of the people that comprise that city.
While in every city those ages 25-34 make up the majority, notice how in Toledo the difference between this age group and the rest is more evenly spread.
What do you observe about the shape of Toledo’s distribution vs. the other cities?
Who’s Coming to Toledo?
Who’s Coming to Toledo?
According to the U.S. Census, among those who moved to Toledo in 2024, the majority were between the ages of 18-29.
Now, while this age group generally represents undergraduate and graduate students, it’s not a guarantee that their move is permanent.
But, what is interesting is that the next largest age group to move to Toledo were those between the ages of 40-44, a demographic typically in the stage of life where they’re raising a family.
What Are Young People Looking For?
What Are Young People Looking For?
Midstory brings college students from across the country every year to Toledo for our ThinkLab Program where they learn about Toledo and the Midwest, tell stories for the region and help problem-solve solutions.
At the start of the program, every student is surveyed where we ask them how important certain factors are to them when choosing a place to live or work.
Among 138 interns from 2022-2026, these are their top three criteria ranked from highest to lowest: 1) Living costs, 2) City reputation and identity, and 3) Public spaces and amenities.
I’m After Whatever the Other Life Brings
Toledo's Attractions
Toledo's Attractions
From the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium to our metroparks and museums, many of Toledo’s public amenities are nationally recognized.
Hover over each card to learn more about them.
Target Age Group for Cities
Target Age Group for Cities
How does Toledo compare to other cities?
Looking at ages 25-34, a prime age group for cities to be attracting to their jurisdictions for workforce development, Toledo had one of the smallest percentages from its total population — 15.9% — when compared to the topmost populated U.S. cities, to other major Ohio cities and to other neighboring and similarly-sized cities — which ranged from nearly 17% - 23%.
Only Detroit, Fort Wayne, Akron and Dayton had a population 25 to 34-year-olds less than Toledo’s at 15.7%, 15.5%, 15.4% and 15.4%, respectively.
Employment in the Arts
Comparing Toledo’s Age Demographics
The distribution of a city’s age demographics can shed light onto larger trends of the people that comprise that city.
While in every city those ages 25-34 make up the majority, notice how in Toledo the difference between this age group and the rest is more evenly spread.
What do you observe about the shape of Toledo’s distribution vs. the other cities?
Who’s Coming to Toledo?
Who’s Coming to Toledo?
According to the U.S. Census, among those who moved to Toledo in 2024, the majority were between the ages of 18-29.
Now, while this age group generally represents undergraduate and graduate students, it’s not a guarantee that their move is permanent.
But, what is interesting is that the next largest age group to move to Toledo were those between the ages of 40-44, a demographic typically in the stage of life where they’re raising a family.
What Are Young People Looking For?
What Are Young People Looking For?
Midstory brings college students from across the country every year to Toledo for our ThinkLab Program where they learn about Toledo and the Midwest, tell stories for the region and help problem-solve solutions.
At the start of the program, every student is surveyed where we ask them how important certain factors are to them when choosing a place to live or work.
Among 138 interns from 2022-2026, these are their top three criteria ranked from highest to lowest: 1) Living costs, 2) City reputation and identity, and 3) Public spaces and amenities.
Stay tuned for more deep dives in our following episodes.
