Lorain
Ohio

What stands out

If you had to describe Lorain County in numbers, start here: unemployment is in the top 10% of American counties (5.1%), winter sunshine is in the bottom 10% of American counties (-1.2 on the USDA scale), and the property tax rate is in the top 14% of American counties (1.51%). Within Ohio it ranks 12th of 88 counties for unemployment.

Where you are

You live in Lorain County, Ohio. 313,101 people live here with you. The population grew 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +1,927).

Ohio has a flat 2.75% income tax on income over $26,050 and exempts Social Security. Cities and school districts can add their own income taxes, so the total rate depends on the municipality. Home prices are well below the national average in all three major metros. Ohio has allowed permitless concealed carry since June 2022 and legalized recreational marijuana by ballot in 2023.

Money

The typical household here brings in $67,272 a year, higher than 68% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $55,721. Unemployment runs 5.1%, higher than 90% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 23 minutes each way.

Ohio takes 1.7% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,134 a year.

Home

The median home costs $262K, pricier than 60% of American counties, about 2.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $866 a month. Property tax is 1.51% of home value, roughly $2,906 a year on that median home, higher than 86% of American counties. 73% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 53% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 21 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 76.6 years, longer than 59% of American counties. There are 577 active physicians in the county, about 18.4 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 7.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.03 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 55% of American counties. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 5 points. 66% of eligible voters turned out. Under Ohio law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 50°F, highs near 59 and lows near 41, colder than 74% of American counties. About 34 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 73 out of 100, riskier than 74% of American counties; the county has had 19 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 266 Mbps down, faster than 81% of American counties. There are 5 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 3 breweries, 7 museums.