Lima, OH
Population 35,304 · Ohio
About Lima, OH
Lima is a mid-sized city located in Ohio with a population of 35,304 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,370 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lima features a median home value of $95,900, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Lima one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $865, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 15,802 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (6,485 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (7,500 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lima shows an unemployment rate of 8.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lima have an average one-way commute time of 17.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.8% of Lima residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.8% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lima Ranks in Ohio
Cost of Living in Lima, OH
Compared to national averages, Lima has a median household income of $43,370 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $95,900, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $865 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within Ohio, Lima's income is 40% below the state average of $71,814, and home values are 45% below the state median of $174,449.
Why Live in Lima, OH?
Lima offers affordable housing with a median home value of $95,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $865/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,370) that falls below the national average. However, Lima’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lima has a population of 35,304 with a median age of 35.4 years. Compare Lima with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Ohio.
Similar Cities Near Lima
Cities in Ohio with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brunswick | 35,284 | $85,313 | $233,300 | Compare |
| Gahanna | 35,438 | $106,004 | $322,300 | Compare |
| Mason | 35,148 | $124,407 | $397,900 | Compare |
| Marion | 35,771 | $45,829 | $105,900 | Compare |
| North Ridgeville | 36,043 | $94,234 | $254,700 | Compare |
| Fairborn | 34,506 | $55,966 | $169,600 | Compare |
| Stow | 34,317 | $91,933 | $238,000 | Compare |
| Upper Arlington | 36,319 | $150,993 | $568,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Ohio
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Lima With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lima
What is the population of Lima, OH?
The population of Lima, OH is 35,304 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Ohio.
What is the median household income in Lima?
The median household income in Lima, OH is $43,370 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lima?
The median home value in Lima, OH is $95,900, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Lima?
The median monthly rent in Lima, OH is $865, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lima?
The unemployment rate in Lima, OH is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lima, OH a good place to live?
Lima offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 35,304 and a median age of 35.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lima, OH?
11.8% of residents in Lima aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Lima?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lima, OH: median home value is $95,900 (61% below national), median rent is $865/month, and median household income is $43,370. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lima?
The poverty rate in Lima, OH is 24.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Lima, OH?
Lima's population is 3.8% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 23.4% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.