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Is Lorain a Good Place to Live? Lorain, Ohio: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lorain ranks #1213 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #491 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($887/mo, #7 of 524) and affordable homes ($139,200, #19 of 524), and trails on low household income ($48,685, #508 of 524) and high poverty (25.2%, #499 of 524).
Lorain by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lorain's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Lorain?
Lorain's cost of living index is 93.9, 6% below the US level of 100 and #414 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $887/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $156,898, 37% below the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
| Measure | Lorain | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 93.9#414 of 1,308 | 92.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $156,898#53 of 1,187 | $248,803 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,133/mo#69 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $139,200#63 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $887/mo#76 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.9x#138 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.9%#669 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Ohio is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Lorain housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Lorain is in the Cleveland-Elyria, OH metro.
Ohio housing market →Is Lorain safe?
Lorain recorded 565 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 72% above the US rate of 328 and 2 times Ohio's 276. That ranks #891 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #390 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lorain Police Department. Property crime runs 1,356 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Lorain | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 565#891 of 1,085 | 276 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,356#389 of 1,085 | 1,429 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Ohio is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Lorain?
The median household in Lorain earns $48,685, 41% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.3%). 25.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Lorain | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $48,685#1248 of 1,312 | $72,212 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.3%#896 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 25.2%#1243 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Ohio is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Lorain?
The median resident of Lorain is 39.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 14.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1271 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lorain | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 39.8 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 14.8%#1271 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 57.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Lorain's schools and health?
Lorain's 22 public schools graduate 77.5% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 15.9 students per teacher and $18,472 spent per pupil. 42.9% of adults are obese and 18.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Lorain | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 77.5%#935 of 1,063 | 86.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.9#617 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $18,472#307 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 42.9%#1242 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 18.5%#1286 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.1%#1183 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 15.4%#1101 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Ohio is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 8,230 students are enrolled in Lorain's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lorain?
The average commute in Lorain is 24.9 minutes (Ohio 23.8); 0.2% of workers take transit and 6.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lorain scores 7.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1228 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.4°F and winters 29.3°F, with 36.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lorain | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 24.9 min#773 of 1,312 | 23.8 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.4%#634 of 1,312 | 5.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 79.6% | 75.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.2% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.6% | 2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 6.7% | 11.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.1#1228 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Ohio is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33.6 | 19.8 | 2.1 |
| Feb | 36.3 | 21.2 | 1.7 |
| Mar | 45.3 | 28.8 | 2.5 |
| Apr | 58.8 | 38.5 | 3.3 |
| May | 70 | 49.2 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 79 | 58.8 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 82.3 | 62.2 | 3.6 |
| Aug | 79.9 | 60.2 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 74.6 | 53 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 62.6 | 43.2 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 49.3 | 34 | 3 |
| Dec | 38.5 | 26 | 2.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Elyria Lorain Co Airport.
| Measure | Lorain | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 50.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 70.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 29.3°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 36.7 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Elyria Lorain Co Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lorain?
Lorain County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 87% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lorain County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hail, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 95% of US counties.
| Measure | Lorain | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.08%#79 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Lorain County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lorain County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0018% | 73% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0028% | 57% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0018% | 47% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0073% | 45% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0014% | 34% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.058% | 19% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Lorain compare with similar-size cities?
Lorain is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #491 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 65,395.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lorain, OHPop. 65,395 | #1213 | 44.5 | $48,685 | $887/mo | 565 | 24.9 min |
| Greenwood, INPop. 66,029 | #378 | 60.4 | $83,608 | $1,312/mo | 142 | 24.8 min |
| Dundalk, MDPop. 65,969 | #1187 | 45.5 | $64,520 | $1,473/mo | no data | 25.3 min |
| Rowlett, TXPop. 65,463 | #433 | 59.4 | $112,081 | $1,990/mo | 157 | 31.2 min |
| Cheyenne, WYPop. 65,239 | #428 | 59.5 | $78,839 | $1,118/mo | 299 | 16 min |
| Brentwood, CAPop. 65,208 | #552 | 57.3 | $142,494 | $2,758/mo | 202 | 40 min |
| St. Cloud, FLPop. 65,130 | #457 | 58.8 | $83,174 | $1,683/mo | 141 | 35.9 min |
| Kenner, LAPop. 64,904 | #944 | 51.0 | $64,020 | $1,179/mo | 288 | 25.3 min |
| Waltham, MAPop. 64,902 | #71 | 69.3 | $120,216 | $2,268/mo | 224 | 24.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Lorain compare with the rest of Ohio?
Lorain ranks #13 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 44.5 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 33% below the Ohio median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 37% below the typical Ohio home.
| City | Rank in OH | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin, OHPop. 49,294 | #1 | 71.5 | $160,296 | $1,686/mo | 109 |
| Lakewood, OHPop. 50,007 | #2 | 64.9 | $68,954 | $1,070/mo | 81 |
| Kettering, OHPop. 57,206 | #3 | 61.8 | $74,681 | $1,051/mo | 86 |
| Parma, OHPop. 79,870 | #4 | 60.8 | $69,295 | $1,087/mo | 150 |
| Cuyahoga Falls, OHPop. 50,909 | #5 | 57.0 | $72,705 | $1,038/mo | 228 |
| Columbus, OHPop. 914,802 | #6 | 54.5 | $66,082 | $1,295/mo | 380 |
| Euclid, OHPop. 48,823 | #7 | 52.9 | $50,285 | $1,025/mo | 106 |
| Elyria, OHPop. 53,035 | #8 | 51.9 | $54,945 | $906/mo | 186 |
| Newark, OHPop. 50,783 | #9 | 51.2 | $61,670 | $973/mo | 297 |
| Middletown, OHPop. 51,617 | #10 | 48.4 | $57,102 | $1,007/mo | 165 |
| Hamilton, OHPop. 63,468 | #11 | 47.9 | $55,166 | $1,007/mo | 295 |
| Cincinnati, OHPop. 311,224 | #12 | 45.2 | $52,909 | $1,001/mo | 785 |
| Lorain, OHPop. 65,395 | #13 | 44.5 | $48,685 | $887/mo | 565 |
| Toledo, OHPop. 267,463 | #14 | 42.9 | $49,724 | $901/mo | 872 |
| Akron, OHPop. 189,247 | #15 | 42.6 | $48,076 | $955/mo | 871 |
| Cleveland, OHPop. 366,097 | #16 | 40.5 | $40,801 | $945/mo | 1,365 |
| Youngstown, OHPop. 59,331 | #17 | 39.7 | $34,408 | $728/mo | 690 |
| Dayton, OHPop. 136,579 | #18 | 38.5 | $45,247 | $918/mo | 1,230 |
| Canton, OHPop. 69,755 | #19 | 37.7 | $43,188 | $850/mo | 1,091 |
| Springfield, OHPop. 58,190 | #20 | 36.2 | $47,143 | $851/mo | 1,248 |
All 20 Ohio cities we track, by overall score. Ohio statewide: median income $72,212, violent crime 275.6 per 100,000.
How is Lorain's score calculated?
Lorain scores 44.5 out of 100, #1213 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Ohio's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Lorain. Similar-size median 55.5.
33.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Lorain's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
61.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lorain. Similar-size median 58.9.
22.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lorain's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
54.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lorain's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
84.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lorain. Similar-size median 56.1.
14.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lorain. Similar-size median 42.4.
34.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lorain. Similar-size median 50.0.
39.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lorain's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
32.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
78.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lorain's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Lorain has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Lorain
Is Lorain, OH a good place to live?
Lorain ranks #1213 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #491 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($887/mo, #7 of 524) and affordable homes ($139,200, #19 of 524), and trails on low household income ($48,685, #508 of 524) and high poverty (25.2%, #499 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Lorain?
Lorain's cost of living index is 93.9, 6% below the US level of 100 and #414 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $887/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $156,898, 37% below the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
What is the crime rate in Lorain?
Lorain recorded 565 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 72% above the US rate of 328 and 2 times Ohio's 276. That ranks #891 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #390 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lorain Police Department. Property crime runs 1,356 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Lorain?
The median household in Lorain earns $48,685, 41% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.3%). 25.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Lorain?
Median rent in Lorain is $887/mo (Census), #76 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,133/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lorain?
The typical home value in Lorain is $156,898, up 3.9% in a year, against $248,803 for Ohio and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $139,200.
How are the public schools in Lorain?
Lorain's 22 public schools graduate 77.5% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 15.9 students per teacher and $18,472 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lorain?
The average commute is 24.9 minutes, #773 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.8 minutes across Ohio. 5.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lorain?
Lorain averages 50.2°F over the year, 70.4°F in summer and 29.3°F in winter, with 36.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lorain walkable?
Lorain scores 7.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1228 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Lorain at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lorain County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hail, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 95% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Lorain?
Lorain County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 87% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Lorain?
Lorain has 65,395 residents. The median resident of Lorain is 39.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 14.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1271 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lorain compare with the rest of Ohio?
Lorain ranks #13 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 44.5 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 33% below the Ohio median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 37% below the typical Ohio home.
What cities are similar in size to Lorain?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lorain's population of 65,395 are Greenwood, IN (#378 overall), Dundalk, MD (#1187 overall), Rowlett, TX (#433 overall), Cheyenne, WY (#428 overall), and Brentwood, CA (#552 overall). Lorain is #1213.