countyscore
41.7
County Score
Lawn Care 79Income & Jobs 68.1Water Quality 62.6

County Report Card

About Lorain County, Ohio

Trailing the National Median

Lorain County’s composite score of 41.7 sits below the national median of 50.0. This indicates that while the county has specific strengths, it faces cumulative challenges that lower its overall standing.

Below the State Baseline

The county lags behind the Ohio average score of 48.6. It faces tougher economic and environmental headwinds than many other counties in the northern part of the state.

Strong Income and Health

Lorain County performs well in income (68.1) and health (57.8), with a median household income of $70,693. These scores reflect a workforce that is generally well-compensated and has decent access to healthcare.

Environmental Risk and Taxes

A very low risk score of 13.7 and a tax score of 15.4 are significant drawbacks. High property taxes, evidenced by a 1.444% effective rate, and environmental vulnerabilities impact the county's long-term appeal.

A Choice for Working Professionals

Lorain County is a viable option for professionals who work in the Cleveland area and want solid income potential. However, residents must be comfortable with higher tax rates and pay close attention to environmental risk factors in their specific neighborhoods.

Score breakdown

Tax15.4Cost30.9Safety46.5Health57.8Schools51.2Income68.1Risk13.7Water62.6Weather56.9
🏛15.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠30.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼68.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡46.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤57.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓51.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡13.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧62.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱79
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Medina County
Ohio
53.9
Cuyahoga County
Ohio
30.4
Erie County
Ohio
47.4
Huron County
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56.9
Summit County
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Ashland County
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Wayne County
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Richland County
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Deep Dives

Lorain County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lorain County

via TaxByCounty

Lorain County taxes exceed national norms

Lorain County's effective tax rate of 1.444% places it well above the national median, with median property taxes of $2,992 exceeding the national median of $2,690 by 11%. The county ranks in the top 30% nationally for property tax burden.

Notably above Ohio's state average rate

Lorain County's 1.444% effective rate significantly exceeds Ohio's 1.148% state average, with median taxes of $2,992 running 39% above the state median of $2,145. The county ranks among Ohio's higher-taxed counties.

A regional tax burden in upper range

Lorain County's 1.444% rate exceeds Licking County (1.256%), Knox County (1.074%), and Jefferson County (1.012%), but falls short of Lake County (1.703%) and Lucas County (1.746%). It occupies the middle-to-upper tier among nearby counties.

What you actually pay each year

On Lorain County's median home value of $207,200, homeowners pay approximately $2,992 annually without a mortgage, rising to $3,199 with mortgage insurance factored in. That's roughly $250 per month—a notable burden compared to lower-tax counties statewide.

Appeals can meaningfully reduce your burden

Given Lorain County's above-average tax rate, homeowners with overassessed properties stand to gain significantly from filing appeals. If your assessed value hasn't kept pace with actual market conditions or exceeds comparable nearby homes, the county auditor's office can walk you through the reassessment process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lorain County

via CostByCounty

Lorain County: Right At National Average

Lorain County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio exactly matches the national benchmark, with a $70,693 median household income running 5% below the U.S. median of $74,755. Housing affordability here aligns with typical American standards—neither notably better nor worse.

Median in Ohio's Affordability Range

Lorain County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio precisely matches Ohio's state average, reflecting balanced housing costs and incomes typical for the state. At $916 median rent, Lorain sits slightly above the state median of $873, offset by moderate household incomes.

Mid-Range Market Positioning

Lorain County's $916 rent falls between lower-cost counties like Logan ($832) and higher-cost Lake ($1,073), while its $70,693 income ranks solidly mid-cohort. This positioning makes Lorain a neutral choice—no outlier affordability advantages or disadvantages.

15.6% of Income to Rent

Renters allocate $916 monthly to gross rent—15.6% of the $70,693 median income—while homeowners carry $1,110, roughly 18.8% of household earnings. Lorain County households experience typical Ohio cost-of-living dynamics with reasonable housing burden.

Lorain: Typical Ohio Option

Lorain County suits relocators seeking a straightforward Ohio market without unusual affordability advantages or constraints. If you want average housing costs and incomes aligned with state norms, Lorain provides a stable, predictable living environment.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lorain County

via IncomeByCounty

Lorain County slightly trails nationally

Lorain County's median household income of $70,693 falls 5% short of the national median of $74,755, placing it just below the national average. This modest gap suggests an economy with steady employment but limited high-wage growth.

Above Ohio's median income

Lorain ranks in Ohio's upper-middle tier, earning $2,592 more than the state median of $68,101. Per capita income of $39,638 exceeds the state average of $35,642 by 11%, indicating reasonably distributed earning power.

Competitive with nearby counties

Lorain's $70,693 sits between Erie County ($69,200) and Cuyahoga ($67,000), holding steady in northeast Ohio's middle tier. It trails prosperous Lake County ($77,952) but outpaces struggling Ashtabula County, reflecting industrial regional dynamics.

Rent burden is manageable

Lorain's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio is below the 17% affordability threshold, leaving renters with discretionary income. Median home value of $207,200 is moderate relative to household earnings, supporting accessible homeownership.

Lorain County: stable savings opportunity

Moderate income and affordable housing give Lorain residents reliable capacity to save and invest consistently. Establish employer retirement plans, build an emergency fund covering 6 months, and explore home equity investment to strengthen long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lorain County

via CrimeByCounty

Lorain County Performs Well on Safety

Lorain County earns a safety score of 98.1, outperforming the national average. Its total crime rate of 1,201.5 per 100K is nearly half the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

Lorain Surpasses Ohio State Security Average

The county's safety score of 98.1 is slightly better than the Ohio state average of 97.8. It also reports a total crime rate lower than the state's average of 1,412.3 per 100K.

Regional Comparisons Show Moderate Crime Rates

Lorain County's crime rate of 1,201.5 per 100K is higher than Lake County's 622.7. However, it provides a much safer alternative to the high crime rates found in nearby Lucas County.

Analyzing Property and Violent Crime Trends

Property crime accounts for 1,029.7 incidents per 100K, while violent crime sits at 171.8. Both categories remain significantly lower than national violent and property crime averages.

Vigilance and Security for Lorain Residents

Vigilance is key to maintaining a safe suburban environment in Lorain. Motion-sensor lights and visible security cameras are effective tools for deterring local property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lorain County

via HealthByCounty

Lorain County approaches national health benchmarks

At 76.0 years, Lorain County's life expectancy sits 2.0 years below the national average of 78.0 years but reflects reasonably strong population health. The 19.5% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national rate of 17.8%, indicating some disease burden in the community.

Solid performance compared to Ohio

Lorain County's 76.0-year life expectancy exceeds Ohio's state average of 74.8 years by 1.2 years, placing it among the state's healthier counties. This advantage reflects the county's established healthcare infrastructure and economic stability.

Strong health profile in Northeast Ohio

Lorain County's 76.0-year life expectancy closely matches Lake County (77.0 years) and outpaces Lucas County (73.4 years) by 2.6 years. The county's 19.5% poor/fair health rate suggests room for improvement in disease prevention and chronic care management.

Strong coverage with excellent provider access

Lorain County's uninsured rate of 7.3% is near the state average of 7.5%, with most residents maintaining coverage. The county leads the region with 52 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, providing exceptional access to frontline healthcare.

Leverage Lorain's strong provider network

With leading primary care access and near-average uninsured rates, Lorain County is well-positioned for health success. Visit healthcare.gov to find coverage that connects you to the county's strong network of providers and preventive health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lorain County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Network of 90 Schools

Lorain County supports a diverse student body of 43,377 through 90 schools across 26 districts. The landscape includes 43 elementary schools and 19 high schools, plus 11 charter schools representing 12.2% of total options.

Efficient Suburban Education

The county maintains an 88.5% graduation rate, slightly exceeding the state average of 88.3%. With a $7,861 per-pupil expenditure, Lorain County provides a solid return on investment for its expansive suburban population.

High-Volume Urban and Suburban Districts

Lorain City and Elyria City Schools lead the county, collectively serving nearly 12,000 students. North Ridgeville City also makes an impact, hosting the county's largest single school, the Academic Center, with 1,878 students.

A Suburban Powerhouse with Urban Pockets

With 65 suburban and 9 city schools, the county offers a wide variety of learning environments. Schools average 487 students, but facilities like North Ridgeville High and Lorain High offer large-scale campus experiences.

Find Variety and Quality in Lorain

Lorain County offers everything from large city districts to quiet suburban campuses and charter options. Search for a home in this versatile county to find the perfect educational fit for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lorain County

via RiskByCounty

Lorain County faces elevated natural hazard risk

Lorain County's composite risk score of 86.26 significantly exceeds the national average and carries a Relatively Moderate rating. This county represents one of the higher-risk areas for natural disasters in the nation.

Second-highest risk in Ohio

At 86.26, Lorain County ranks second among all Ohio counties in composite risk, far exceeding the state average of 55.03. Only one county in Ohio carries greater natural hazard exposure.

Significantly riskier than surrounding region

Lorain County's 86.26 score substantially outpaces most northwest Ohio neighbors, positioning it as the region's natural hazard hotspot. Its extreme tornado and flood risks create a particularly dangerous combination.

Tornadoes and floods create compound risk

Lorain County experiences catastrophic tornado risk at 90.94 and extreme flood exposure at 90.24—among the highest levels statewide for both hazards. Earthquake exposure at 74.62 adds a third significant concern uncommon in neighboring counties.

Comprehensive, robust coverage is mandatory

Lorain County residents must carry flood insurance and maximum tornado/wind coverage given the extraordinary 90.94 tornado and 90.24 flood scores. Consider investing in a safe room or reinforced shelter to protect against the region's severe storm environment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lorain County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Northern Latitude

Lorain County’s 51.0°F average temperature is cooler than the national median, shaped by its position on the southern shore of Lake Erie. It represents a typical Great Lakes humid continental zone.

Cooler Than the State Average

The county's average temperature of 51.0°F is lower than the Ohio state average of 51.5°F. This makes it one of the cooler regions in the state's northern tier.

Snow Capital of the Region

Lorain County records a significant 45.3 inches of snow annually, far outpacing the 25.1 inches in Marion County. However, its 39.6 inches of total precipitation is lower than the state average.

Heavy Snow and Mild Heat

Winter is the dominant season here with 45.3 inches of snow and a 29.7°F average. Summer brings 14 extreme heat days and a comfortable July average of 73.3°F.

Heavy Duty Winter Prep

A high-capacity snow blower is essential for managing the 45.3-inch annual snowfall. Homeowners should also check attic insulation to handle the colder 29.7°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lorain County

via SoilByCounty

Lorain's typical northern Ohio acidity

Lorain County soil has an average pH of 5.84, which is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.97. Compared to the national median of 6.5, these soils usually require some buffering to reach peak productivity. It is a common profile for the region, reflecting the local geology and climate.

A balanced mix of sand and silt

The soil composition is 46.8% silt and 32.2% sand, with 18.8% clay. This creates a medium-textured soil that offers a good compromise between drainage and stability. It is breathable enough for root health while having enough clay to prevent immediate drying.

Consistent organic matter and storage

Organic matter stands at 4.60%, very close to the Ohio average of 4.85%. The available water capacity is 0.173 in/in, slightly lower than the state benchmark of 0.186. This results in a dependable soil that provides a standard, reliable foundation for most gardening and agricultural pursuits.

Moderate water movement

While specific drainage classes are not provided for the dominant soil types here, the composition suggests moderate permeability. The balanced sand and silt percentages usually mean water moves through the topsoil at a steady rate. Local gardeners should monitor for heavy clay pockets that might slow drainage in specific spots.

Lakeside gardening in Zone 6b

In the 6b hardiness zone, Lorain County is well-suited for a variety of fruit trees and perennials. The soil's balanced texture supports everything from apples to summer squashes. With a bit of mulch to help with water retention, your garden can be highly productive all summer long.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lorain County

via LawnByCounty

Lorain County Lawns Outperform National Average

Lorain County features a strong lawn difficulty score of 79.0, beating the state average of 76.0. Located in Zone 6b, it offers a moderate climate that is far more forgiving than the national median score of 50.0. Turf generally stays healthy with standard care and minimal specialized treatment.

Controlled Precipitation and Heat Stress

With 39.6 inches of annual rain, Lorain is slightly drier than the Ohio average of 41.2 inches. The county sees 14 extreme heat days and 3,103 growing degree days, which keeps grass from growing out of control. This balance allows for a consistent mowing cycle without the need for excessive supplemental watering.

Sandy Loam Foundation in Lorain County

The soil pH of 5.84 is nearly ideal, requiring only minor adjustments to reach the 6.0 sweet spot. A sand content of 32.2% paired with 18.8% clay creates a texture that supports good root penetration and drainage. While specific drainage class data is missing, this sand-heavy mix typically resists the puddling seen in heavier clay soils.

Moderate Dryness Requires Smart Watering

About 27.4% of the county is currently abnormally dry, and residents dealt with 8 weeks of drought in the past year. Since Lorain receives slightly less rain than the state average, investing in a smart irrigation controller can help target water use. Focus on protecting the lawn's crown during these dry spells to ensure quick recovery.

Perfect Timing for Lorain Grass Seeding

Fine fescues and Kentucky bluegrass are excellent choices for the 6b climate and sandy soil mix. Your spring window opens after April 24, while the first autumn frost usually waits until October 24. Aim for late August or September to seed, allowing the young roots to establish before the winter freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lorain County's county score?
Lorain County, Ohio has a composite county score of 41.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Lorain County rank among counties in Ohio?
Lorain County ranks #66 among all counties in Ohio on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Lorain County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Lorain County is $2,992, with an effective tax rate of 1.44%. This earns Lorain County a tax score of 15.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lorain County?
The median household income in Lorain County, Ohio is $70,693 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lorain County earns an income score of 68.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lorain County, Ohio a good place to live?
Lorain County scores 41.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #66 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Lorain County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Lorain County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.