Median Income
$52,727
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$58,300
79% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
589/100K
55% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.6%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$820
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
4.7%
31% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.1%
38% higher than US avg
How Lorain Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population509
Median Age44.8 yrs
Density1,497/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$52,727
Per Capita$32,701
Unemployment4.7%
Poverty17.1%
County GDP$6,208M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$58,300
Rent$820
Ownership83.3%
Zillow$112,548
Housing Units359
Rent Burden24.3%
Crime
F
Violent589/100K
Property1,514/100K
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain41.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,469 ft (448 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.6%
High School+89.5%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute15 min
Broadband84.2%
EV Stations7
Libraries14
Is Lorain a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lorain receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Lorain has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lorain is $52,727, 30% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.7%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 17.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lorain is $58,300, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $820 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 589 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,514 per 100,000, 23% below the national average.
Education
11.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Lorain experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Lorain has a population of 509 with a density of 1,497 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 44.8 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42% female and 58% male. The city is predominantly White (95.3%), with 2.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.7% of residents. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.8yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.7%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.3%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Lorain is $52,727, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,701 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $958, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,304 business establishments, including 299 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,727 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,701 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $958 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,334 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.7% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.1% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,304 |
| County GDP | $6,208M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 299 |
| Healthcare | 471 |
| Retail | 469 |
| Manufacturing | 107 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,651 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.4% |
The median home value in Lorain is $58,300, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $112,548, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 101.8% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $820 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 359 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. The average annual property tax is $4,651 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $58,300 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $112,548 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $58 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 101.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $820 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.7% |
| Housing Units | 359 |
| Median Year Built | 1947 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,651 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.98% |
In Lorain, 31.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,437. The dentist ratio is 1:1,685. 85.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lorain vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.3% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,437 |
| Dentists | 1:1,685 |
| Mental Health | 1:414 |
| Dental Visits | 61.8% |
| Premature Death | 10,679/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 471 |
Lorain has a violent crime rate of 589 per 100,000 residents, 55% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,514 per 100,000, 23% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lorain receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lorain vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 588.7/100K |
| 55% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,513.9/100K |
| 23% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lorain experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 41.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 1,469 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 48.9°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,469 ft (448 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,497/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.2960°N, 78.8961°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Cambria County County |
| Nearest Airport | Arnold Palmer Regional (LBE)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.3"
9% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0427 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 9.3 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.77 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.27 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.5 on Sep 11, 2024.
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
119 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| Sep 11, 2024 |
4 km WNW of Claysville, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
210 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 340 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Aug 3, 1963 |
EF3 |
84 km |
2 |
| Jun 26, 2024 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2024 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1997 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BEAR DEN (945 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
BEAR DEN |
945 |
54 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
510 |
51 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Lorain has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 26°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Lorain. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Lorain
What is the population of Lorain?
Lorain has a population of 509 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 1,497 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42% female and 58% male.
Is Lorain expensive to live in?
Lorain has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $52,727, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $58,300 (79% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $820 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lorain safe?
The violent crime rate in Lorain is 589 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,514 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lorain receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lorain?
Lorain has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Lorain?
Lorain has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $958. There are 3,304 business establishments in the area, including 299 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 8.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lorain?
The median home value in Lorain is $58,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $112,548. For renters, the median monthly rent is $820. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,651.
How are the schools in Lorain?
Schools in Lorain score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.6% of adults in Lorain hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.5% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lorain?
The obesity rate in Lorain is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 85.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,437.
What is transportation like in Lorain?
The average commute in Lorain is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lorain?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lorain is 95.3% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 96.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.3% speak Spanish. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 20.5% of residents have a disability. 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
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