Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lorain, OH
Thinking about moving to Lorain, OH? With a population of about 65,000 and affordable median home prices around $107,000, Lorain offers budget-friendly living on the shores of Lake Erie. The city features short average commute times (22 minutes), reasonable rents, and access to local healthcare and education. While crime rates are higher than the national average, the area boasts a friendly community, easy access to Cleveland, and a climate with four distinct seasons and over half the year’s days being sunny.
Demographics - Lorain, OH
Demographics - Lorain, OH
Lorain, Ohio, is home to approximately 65,000 residents and offers a diverse community, with over a quarter identifying as Hispanic or Latino and nearly 14% speaking a language other than English. The median age is just over 38, reflecting a balanced mix of families and working adults. Neighborhoods are moderately dense, providing a blend of suburban and urban lifestyles.
Population:
65,211
Density:
2,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
58.9%
Black:
17.6%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
5.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lorain, OH?
Lorain features a very affordable cost of living, with median home values around $107,000 and average rents near $825 per month. Utility and grocery expenses tend to be lower than national averages, making the city especially attractive for budget-minded individuals and families. State income tax rates are moderate, further supporting a low overall cost of living.
Median House Value:
$107,000
Gross Rent:
$825
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$425
State Taxes:
Low:
0.5%
|
High:
4.797%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.3
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
54.4
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
91.3
Health Care:
95.6
Miscellaneous:
93.2
Crime
Is Lorain, OH a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Lorain are higher than the national average, with a resident’s chance of experiencing property crime at about 1 in 42. While violent crime occurs less frequently, with a chance of 1 in 239, residents should remain aware of safety and take reasonable precautions. Many neighborhoods continue to foster a strong sense of community despite these statistics.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
419
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,373
Crime Index:
2,792
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 239
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Lorain, OH year-round?
Lorain experiences all four seasons, featuring cold winters with average lows around 22°F and warm summers reaching highs in the low 80s. The city receives about 37.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on over half its days. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Local households in Lorain typically earn around $42,500 annually, with a notable portion of families living below the poverty line. The community has a strong high school graduation rate and a moderate percentage of college graduates, while the average commute is a manageable 22 minutes. Public transportation is available but not widely used, and the unemployment rate is slightly above the national average.
Median Income:
$22,600
Household Income:
$42,500
Family Income:
$53,900
Per Capita Income:
$23,500
Income Male:
$40,200
Income Female:
$31,400
Poverty Rate:
22.7%
Non English Speakers:
13.8%
Rent:
$825
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.8%
Bachelors or More:
14.5%
Education
How are the schools in Lorain, OH?
Lorain offers a range of educational opportunities, including public schools with student-teacher ratios around 16–18, private options, and nearby colleges such as Lorain County Community College and Oberlin College. High school graduation rates are strong, and families benefit from accessible K–12 and higher education within a short drive. The area supports both traditional and alternative educational paths for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Lorain High School
Street:
2600 Ashland Ave
Phone:
440-233-2200
Students:
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.9
Name:
General Johnnie Wilson Middle School
Street:
2700 Washington Ave
Phone:
440-277-1186
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
Lake Ridge Academy
Street:
37501 Center Ridge Rd, North Ridgeville
Phone:
440-327-1175
Students:
450
Colleges
Name:
Lorain County Community College
City:
Elyria
State:
OH
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
10,500
Name:
Oberlin College
City:
Oberlin
State:
OH
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
2,900
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, with two major hospitals nearby offering emergency services and a physician-to-population ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people. Over 91% of Lorain's residents have health insurance coverage, supporting overall community wellness. Healthcare services are accessible and generally well-rated for a city of this size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital
Address:
3700 Kolbe Rd, Lorain, OH 44053
Phone:
(440) 960-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center
Address:
630 East River St, Elyria, OH 44035
Phone:
(440) 329-7500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.6%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lorain, OH?
The Lorain housing market is known for affordability, with a median home price of $107,000 and typical rents for a two-bedroom at $825. More than half of residents own their homes, and the area has a healthy rental vacancy rate of 6.9%. Home values have seen modest appreciation over the past year, making it a stable market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$107,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$825
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles serves Lorain residents at a nearby Elyria office, providing all standard licensing and registration services. The DMV is accessible both in-person and online, making it convenient for new arrivals to handle vehicle and identification needs. For more information, residents can visit the Ohio BMV website or call the local office.
State:
Ohio
Department:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
657 Chestnut Commons Dr, Elyria, OH 44035
Phone:
1-844-644-6268
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.