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Population Review

Erie County, Ohio Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 33rd-largest in Ohio

The population of Erie County, Ohio is 74,938 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 33rd-largest county in Ohio. The median household income is $68,431, the median home value is $183,900, and the median age is 45.2.

The population of Erie County has declined 4.1% since 2010 (76,977 → 73,841), a -0.30% annualized rate.

Erie County within Ohio · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

74,938

Population

-0.30%

Annual growth

298

People / sq mi

$68,431

Median Income

$183,900

Median Home Value

Erie County covers 251 sq mi of land at 298.2 people per square mile.

About Erie County, OH

Erie County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 298 people per square mile. Erie County is a county in Ohio with a population of 74,938. It ranks #33 among counties in Ohio by population.

Median household income is $68,431, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.7%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $183,900, with typical rent around $882.

About 27.9% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. Most workers commute: only 5.4% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.

That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Erie County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.

Erie County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Erie County had a population of 76,977 in 2010 and 73,841 in 2024, a -4.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 76,977 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.29%.

2010 · 77K20102024
Erie County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

73,841

Population (2024)

76,977

Population (2010)

76,977

Peak (2010)

-0.29%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201076,977
201176,691
201276,440
201376,071
201475,833
201575,388
201675,004
201774,778
201874,413
201974,179
202075,482
202174,894
202274,563
202374,125
202473,841

Race & Ethnicity

White82.2%
Black or African American8.5%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)0.8%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

45.2

Median Age

51.0%

Female

49.0%

Male

23.0%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.1%
5–9
5.2%
10–14
5.8%
15–19
6.0%
20–24
5.5%
25–34
11.4%
35–44
10.9%
45–54
12.1%
55–59
6.7%
60–64
8.4%
65–74
13.3%
75–84
7.1%
85+
2.6%

Children (under 15): 16.1% · Seniors (65+): 23.0%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$68,431$-1,249 vs state
Mean household income$91,016
Per-capita income$39,579
Poverty rate8.7%-0.5% vs state
Unemployment rate3.8%
Employment-to-population57.7%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
24.6%
Manufacturing
17.7%
Education & health care
11.4%
Finance & real estate
6.5%
Retail trade
5.5%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.0%
Construction
4.7%
Information
4.5%

The largest employment sector in Erie County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.6% of workers.

How residents commute

0.9%

Drive alone

1.6%

Carpool

82.5%

Public transit

5.4%

Work from home

21.5 min

Avg commute

Housing

$183,900$-15,300 vs state

Median home value

$882

Median rent

71.1%

Homeownership rate

38,400

Total housing units

83.7%

Occupied

16.3%

Vacant

28.9%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

94.6%

With health insurance

92.9%

With broadband internet

18.8%

Foreign-born

7.6%

Veterans (18+)

15.6%

With a disability

96.4%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

92.4%

High School+

27.9%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Ohio

Other counties in Ohio

Part of Ohio

Metro areas in Ohio

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Erie County, Ohio has a population of 74,938 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 33rd-largest county in Ohio. Population density is 298 people per square mile.

The population of Erie County has declined 4.1% since 2010 (76,977 → 73,841), a -0.30% annualized rate.

The median household income in Erie County, Ohio is $68,431, with mean (average) household income of $91,016 and per-capita income of $39,579. 8.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Erie County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (82.2%), Black or African American (8.5%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Erie County, Ohio is 45.2 years. Residents are 51.0% female and 49.0% male.

The median home value in Erie County is $183,900 and median monthly rent is $882. 71.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 38,400 total housing units, 16.3% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Erie County, Ohio is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.

Columbus is among the largest cities associated with Erie County, Ohio, with a population of 906,480.


Erie County, OH Climate

Erie County, OH has an average annual temperature of 9.9°C (50°F) and receives about 902 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

9.9°C

Avg Temp

902

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

-10°0°10°20°30°103mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Erie County, OH — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January-4° / 25°51 mm
February-3° / 27°45 mm
March3° / 37°67 mm
April9° / 48°80 mm
May15° / 59°89 mm
June20° / 69°103 mm
July23° / 73°94 mm
August22° / 71°92 mm
September18° / 64°81 mm
October12° / 53°58 mm
November5° / 42°74 mm
December-1° / 31°68 mm

1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.

Best time to visit Erie County, OH

The most comfortable months to visit Erie County, OH are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). June is usually the wettest month.

AugustJuneJuly

Where to stay near Erie County

Visiting or relocating to Erie County, OH? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.

Top-rated places to stay near Erie County

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.