Lorain, OH
Population 65,207 · Ohio
About Lorain, OH
Lorain is a mid-sized city located in Ohio with a population of 65,207 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,799 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lorain features a median home value of $123,500, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Lorain one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $839, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 30,456 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (15,157 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (12,023 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lorain shows an unemployment rate of 7.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lorain have an average one-way commute time of 24.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.3% of Lorain 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 4.9% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 3.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lorain Ranks in Ohio
Cost of Living in Lorain, OH
Compared to national averages, Lorain has a median household income of $45,799 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $123,500, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $839 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Ohio, Lorain's income is 36% below the state average of $71,814, and home values are 29% below the state median of $174,449.
Why Live in Lorain, OH?
Lorain offers affordable housing with a median home value of $123,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $839/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,799) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Lorain provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Lorain has a population of 65,207 with a median age of 39.3 years. Compare Lorain with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Ohio.
Similar Cities Near Lorain
Cities in Ohio with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton | 63,124 | $54,293 | $152,300 | Compare |
| Canton | 70,105 | $39,754 | $94,400 | Compare |
| Youngstown | 59,605 | $34,746 | $58,400 | Compare |
| Springfield | 58,410 | $45,883 | $107,600 | Compare |
| Kettering | 57,442 | $71,619 | $192,500 | Compare |
| Elyria | 52,833 | $53,204 | $142,800 | Compare |
| Cuyahoga Falls | 50,864 | $70,645 | $174,700 | Compare |
| Middletown | 50,607 | $54,985 | $148,300 | 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 Lorain With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lorain
What is the population of Lorain, OH?
The population of Lorain, OH is 65,207 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 Lorain?
The median household income in Lorain, OH is $45,799 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lorain?
The median home value in Lorain, OH is $123,500, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lorain?
The median monthly rent in Lorain, OH is $839, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lorain?
The unemployment rate in Lorain, OH is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lorain, OH a good place to live?
Lorain offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 65,207 and a median age of 39.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lorain, OH?
14.3% of residents in Lorain 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 Lorain?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lorain, OH: median home value is $123,500 (50% below national), median rent is $839/month, and median household income is $45,799. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lorain?
The poverty rate in Lorain, OH is 27.4%, 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 Lorain, OH?
Lorain's population is 4.9% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 16.3% two or more races. 3.1% of residents are foreign-born.