Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lima, OH
Considering a move to Lima, OH? Home to about 35,579 residents, Lima offers a very affordable cost of living, with median home prices around $93,400 and average rents at $750. Commute times are short, averaging just 17 minutes, and you’ll find major hospitals, local colleges, and plenty of community amenities. While property and violent crime rates are above national averages, Lima’s low housing costs and convenient city size make it an attractive option for budget-minded movers looking for a friendly Midwest lifestyle.
Demographics - Lima, OH
Lima, Ohio is a mid-sized city with a population of about 35,579, characterized by a youthful median age of 35 and a diverse community where 21.5% of residents are Black and 70.2% are White. The city's population density and balanced gender ratio contribute to a vibrant, close-knit atmosphere, while a modest percentage of non-English speakers adds cultural variety.
Population:
35,579
Density:
2,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
70.2%
Black:
21.5%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
7.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lima, OH?
Lima stands out for its very affordable cost of living, with median home values at $93,400 and average rents around $750 per month. Everyday expenses for groceries, utilities, and healthcare are below national averages, making the city particularly appealing for those seeking budget-friendly living in Ohio.
Median House Value:
$93,400
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$940
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
0.5%
|
High:
3.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
73.1
Grocery:
93.4
Housing:
44.8
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
89.3
Health Care:
92.1
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Lima, OH a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Lima are above the national average, with residents facing a 1 in 159 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 33 chance of property crime annually. While safety is a consideration, many residents enjoy the supportive community and take typical precautions to stay secure.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
630
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,020
Crime Index:
3,650
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 159
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 33
Weather
What is the weather like in Lima, OH year-round?
Lima experiences all four seasons, with cold winters dipping to 18°F, warm summers reaching highs of 84°F, and moderate rainfall totaling about 37 inches a year. Residents enjoy a mix of sunny and cloudy days, with 51% of days offering sunshine, making it a classic Midwest climate.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
35°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
51%
Neighbors
Lima's neighborhoods reflect a working-class community with a median household income of $41,200 and a poverty rate of 26.2%. The area boasts short average commute times of just over 17 minutes, while most residents own homes or rent affordably, fostering a stable, neighborly environment.
Median Income:
$19,900
Household Income:
$41,200
Family Income:
$50,800
Per Capita Income:
$22,400
Income Male:
$31,600
Income Female:
$25,400
Poverty Rate:
26.2%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
17.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.6%
Bachelors or More:
13.7%
Education
How are the schools in Lima, OH?
Lima is home to a variety of educational options, including public and private schools, as well as higher education institutions like Rhodes State College and The Ohio State University at Lima. The local schools offer manageable student-to-teacher ratios, and the city supports lifelong learning through accessible college campuses.
Public Schools
Name:
Lima Senior High School
Street:
1 Spartan Way
Phone:
419-996-3000
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Name:
Liberty Arts Magnet School
Street:
338 W Kibby St
Phone:
419-996-3399
Students:
375
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Charles Catholic School
Street:
2175 W Elm St
Phone:
419-222-2536
Students:
310
Colleges
Name:
Rhodes State College
City:
Lima
State:
OH
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
4,100
Name:
The Ohio State University at Lima
City:
Lima
State:
OH
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
900
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Lima is strong, with major hospitals like Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center and Lima Memorial Health System providing comprehensive services and emergency care. Most residents have health insurance, and the city maintains a solid physician-to-resident ratio, ensuring timely medical attention.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center
Address:
730 W Market St, Lima, OH 45801
Phone:
(419) 227-3361
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Lima Memorial Health System
Address:
1001 Bellefontaine Ave, Lima, OH 45804
Phone:
(419) 228-3335
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.2%
Health Care Index:
68.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lima, OH?
Lima offers a highly accessible housing market, with median home prices at $93,400 and rents for a two-bedroom apartment averaging $750. Homeownership is common, and the market has seen steady appreciation, making it easy for newcomers to find affordable housing options.
Median Home Price:
$93,400
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
52.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Residents of Lima can conveniently access vehicle and licensing services at the local Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles office on East Market Street. The DMV provides essential services such as driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and title transfers, with more information available on the official Ohio BMV website.
State:
Ohio
Department:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
219 E. Market Street, Lima, OH 45801
Phone:
(419) 223-8520
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.