Oberlin, OH
Population 8,054 · Ohio
About Oberlin, OH
Oberlin is a small town located in Ohio with a population of 8,054 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,775 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 24.2 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 Oberlin features a median home value of $207,500, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Oberlin in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $982, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,635 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (1,321 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (995 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oberlin shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Oberlin have an average one-way commute time of 16.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
54.6% of Oberlin residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 2.4% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, and 2.7% Asian residents, with 5.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Oberlin, OH
Compared to national averages, Oberlin has a median household income of $73,775 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $207,500, which is 15% below the national median. Monthly rent at $982 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within Ohio, Oberlin's income is 3% above the state average of $71,814, and home values are 19% above the state median of $174,449.
Why Live in Oberlin, OH?
Oberlin offers affordable housing with a median home value of $207,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $982/month, and a well-educated community where 54.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,775) that falls below the national average. However, Oberlin’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Oberlin has a population of 8,054 with a median age of 24.2 years. Compare Oberlin with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Ohio.
Similar Cities Near Oberlin
Cities in Ohio with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Landen | 8,041 | $105,948 | $284,400 | Compare |
| Groesbeck | 8,036 | $59,886 | $208,700 | Compare |
| Bellevue | 8,201 | $57,534 | $130,100 | Compare |
| Campbell | 7,812 | $41,368 | $77,400 | Compare |
| North Madison | 8,309 | $60,875 | $146,200 | Compare |
| St. Marys | 8,319 | $72,056 | $138,500 | Compare |
| Dry Run | 7,765 | $180,850 | $451,100 | Compare |
| Eaton | 8,353 | $51,731 | $134,700 | 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 Oberlin With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oberlin
What is the population of Oberlin, OH?
The population of Oberlin, OH is 8,054 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Ohio.
What is the median household income in Oberlin?
The median household income in Oberlin, OH is $73,775 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oberlin?
The median home value in Oberlin, OH is $207,500, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Oberlin?
The median monthly rent in Oberlin, OH is $982, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oberlin?
The unemployment rate in Oberlin, OH is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Oberlin, OH a good place to live?
Oberlin offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,054 and a median age of 24.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Oberlin, OH?
54.6% of residents in Oberlin aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Oberlin?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oberlin, OH: median home value is $207,500 (15% below national), median rent is $982/month, and median household income is $73,775. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Oberlin?
The poverty rate in Oberlin, OH is 18.8%, 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 Oberlin, OH?
Oberlin's population is 2.4% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, and 11.8% two or more races. 5.9% of residents are foreign-born.