Oberlin city, Ohio Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Oberlin city, Ohio has a total population of 8,054, the 217th largest city in Ohio, with a median household income of $73,775, which is 6% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 18.8%.
Key Takeaways
- 54.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in Ohio.
Oberlin city Quick Facts
How Oberlin city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 39 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Oberlin city Rankings in Ohio
Explore Ohio Rankings
Other Cities in Lorain County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lorain city | 65,207 | $45,799 | 27.4% | $123,500 |
| Elyria city | 52,833 | $53,204 | 17.5% | $142,800 |
| North Ridgeville city | 36,043 | $94,234 | 4.9% | $254,700 |
| Avon Lake city | 25,456 | $110,174 | 3.9% | $337,200 |
| Avon city | 25,082 | $126,618 | 3.8% | $377,100 |
| Amherst city | 12,796 | $93,043 | 4.5% | $222,700 |
| Sheffield Lake city | 8,946 | $62,065 | 12.4% | $153,400 |
| Grafton village | 5,665 | $88,352 | 8.4% | $198,500 |
| Sheffield village | 4,287 | $102,384 | 2.7% | $265,100 |
Cities Similar to Oberlin city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Marys city | 8,319 | $72,056 | $138,500 | 14.2% | 9.7% |
| Orrville city | 8,361 | $70,103 | $178,500 | 27.2% | 14.3% |
| Napoleon city | 8,561 | $73,417 | $139,500 | 18.7% | 8.5% |
| Northridge CDP | 7,546 | $77,130 | $171,700 | 20.8% | 12.1% |
| Wauseon city | 7,387 | $74,337 | $143,400 | 18.9% | 7.6% |
Population Overview
Oberlin city is a small city located in Ohio, within Lorain County. The total population is 8,054. It ranks as the 217th most populous out of 1,264 cities and towns in Ohio.
Age Demographics
The median age in Oberlin city is 24.2 years. This is 39% lower than the state median of 39.6 years. Only 11.1% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 11.6% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Oberlin city is $73,775. This is 6% higher than the state median of $69,680. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 6% lower. The poverty rate stands at 18.8%. This is 42% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 5.4%. This is 12% higher than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $207,500. Housing costs are 4% higher than the state median of $199,200. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.8x, Oberlin city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 57.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 15% lower than the state average of 67.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Oberlin city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 68.8% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 11.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (8.3% vs 4.6%).
Education
54.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Oberlin city in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 76% higher than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.4%. Notably, 36.9% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Oberlin city, Ohio is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Ohio state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,264 Census-designated places in Ohio. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Oberlin city, Ohio?
Oberlin city, Ohio has a population of 8,054 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Oberlin city, OH?
The median household income in Oberlin city is $73,775, which is 6% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Oberlin city, OH?
The poverty rate in Oberlin city is 18.8%. This means approximately 1,004 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Oberlin city, Ohio?
Oberlin city's population is 68.8% White, 11.8% Black, 8.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 3.6% Asian.
What is the median home value in Oberlin city, OH?
The median home value in Oberlin city is $207,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x.
How educated is Oberlin city, Ohio?
54.6% of adults (25+) in Oberlin city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 36.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.