Lorain, PA
Population 509 · Pennsylvania
About Lorain, PA
Lorain is a small community located in Pennsylvania with a population of 509 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,727 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lorain features a median home value of $58,300, which is 76% 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 $820, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 366 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (195 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (39 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lorain shows an unemployment rate of 8.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lorain have an average one-way commute time of 15 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.6% 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 0.0% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lorain Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in Lorain, PA
Compared to national averages, Lorain has a median household income of $52,727 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $58,300, which is 76% below the national median. Monthly rent at $820 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Lorain's income is 28% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 69% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Lorain, PA?
Lorain offers affordable housing with a median home value of $58,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $820/month, and short commute times averaging just 15 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,727) that falls below the national average. However, Lorain’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lorain has a population of 509 with a median age of 44.8 years. Compare Lorain with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Lorain
What is the population of Lorain, PA?
The population of Lorain, PA is 509 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Lorain?
The median household income in Lorain, PA is $52,727 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lorain?
The median home value in Lorain, PA is $58,300, which is 76% 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, PA is $820, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lorain?
The unemployment rate in Lorain, PA is 8.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lorain, PA a good place to live?
Lorain offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 509 and a median age of 44.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lorain, PA?
11.6% 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, PA: median home value is $58,300 (76% below national), median rent is $820/month, and median household income is $52,727. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lorain?
The poverty rate in Lorain, PA is 17.7%, 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, PA?
Lorain's population is 0.0% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.