City Profile
Elyria, Ohio
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Elyria, Ohio, is a city known for its warm hospitality and strong community spirit, situated in the northeastern part of the state within Lorain County. Founded in 1817 by Heman Ely, the city offers a blend of close-knit town living with access to urban amenities, being a principal city in the Cleveland metro area. Its strategic location, approximately 10 miles south of Lake Erie and traversed by the Black River, provides both natural beauty and convenient access to major highways like I-90, I-80, and Ohio State Route 57. Elyria is often considered an attractive destination for families and young professionals seeking affordable homes and a manageable commute.
The city's character is shaped by its historical roots and a community-oriented atmosphere. Residents often describe Elyria as a friendly place with a small-town feel, where many people know each other. This sense of community, combined with a lower cost of living compared to national averages, makes Elyria a compelling option for those looking for quality of life without the high expenses of larger metropolitan areas. The city's appeal also lies in its array of local amenities, including restaurants, grocery stores, and parks, which contribute to a convenient and vibrant daily life.
Ohio, located in the Midwest, is characterized by a blend of urban centers and rural landscapes, offering a balance of city amenities and small-town charm. The state's economy is robust and diverse, with manufacturing being a significant sector, particularly in plastics, rubber, fabricated metals, and automobiles. Other major industries include financial activities, healthcare, education, and bioscience, with growing technology and logistics sectors. Living in Ohio is generally affordable, with the cost of living, especially housing, being lower than the national average. The climate is continental, featuring four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, and precipitation occurring year-round.
Performance
Quality Scores
Expenses
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Elyria, Ohio, is notably affordable when compared to the national average, making it an attractive location for individuals and families. The cost of living index for the Cleveland-Elyria metro area stands at 93.7, indicating that it is approximately 6.3% less expensive than the rest of the United States. This affordability extends across various essential expenses, including housing, transportation, and everyday consumer goods.
While housing costs are significantly lower than the national average, other expenses like utilities and food contribute to the overall budget. For instance, the average monthly utility bill in Elyria was reported around $248.54 in early 2026. Despite these costs, the overall economic landscape allows for a higher quality of life due to the substantial savings on housing, which is often the largest household expense. This makes Elyria a viable option for those looking to maximize their budget without sacrificing access to necessary services and amenities.
Income
Salary Insights
Elyria's job market is characterized by a mix of established industries, though it faces some challenges in employment growth. As of 2024, the most common employment sectors for residents include Manufacturing, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade. These industries form the backbone of the local economy, providing a significant number of jobs within the city and surrounding areas. The employed population in Elyria experienced a slight decline of 0.1% between 2023 and 2024, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding job market.
The average salary for an employee in Elyria was reported to be $78,000 as of June 2026, with a median wage of $39,900 per year. The unemployment rate in Elyria stood at 3.4% in 2026, which is lower than the national average. While the city offers various job opportunities, particularly in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors, some assessments indicate a lower score for the overall employment environment, suggesting areas for potential growth and development.
The average salary in Elyria is $78,000 per year. You would need approximately $30,516 to live comfortably.
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Weather
Climate
Mobility
Transport
Transportation in Elyria is largely car-dependent, reflecting a common trend in many American cities. In 2024, approximately 80.5% of workers in Elyria drove alone to work, with 91.6% of residents relying on personal vehicles for commuting. The average commute time for residents is around 22.6 minutes, which is shorter than the national average.
Public transportation options are available through the Lorain County Transit System (LCT), which operates four routes through the city. However, the reliance on personal vehicles indicates that public transit may not be as comprehensive or widely utilized as in larger metropolitan areas. The city's walkability score is relatively low at 13 out of 100, suggesting that most errands and daily activities require a car. Despite this, Elyria's network of major highways facilitates easy travel to surrounding communities and the greater Cleveland area.
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