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Population Review

Lake County, Ohio Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 11th-largest in Ohio

The population of Lake County, Ohio is 232,101 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 11th-largest county in Ohio. The median household income is $77,952, the median home value is $199,900, and the median age is 44.0.

The population of Lake County has grown 1.0% since 2010 (230,010 → 232,360), a +0.07% annualized rate.

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

232,101

Population

+0.07%

Annual growth

1012

People / sq mi

$77,952

Median Income

$199,900

Median Home Value

Lake County covers 229 sq mi of land at 1011.8 people per square mile.

About Lake County, OH

What distinguishes Lake County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 1,012 people per square mile. Lake County is a county in Ohio with a population of 232,101. It ranks #11 among counties in Ohio by population.

The typical household earns $77,952 a year, near the US median of $78,538. Only 5.2% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $199,900, with typical rent around $1,073.

College attainment is above the local norm at 30.5%, below the national 35.0%. A solid 12.2% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.

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

Lake County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Lake County had a population of 230,010 in 2010 and 232,360 in 2024, a 1.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 232,527 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.07%.

2020 · 233K20102024
Lake County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

232,360

Population (2024)

230,010

Population (2010)

232,527

Peak (2020)

0.07%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010230,010
2011229,991
2012229,572
2013230,085
2014229,865
2015229,843
2016229,499
2017230,114
2018229,856
2019229,739
2020232,527
2021232,261
2022231,968
2023231,964
2024232,360

Race & Ethnicity

White86.9%
Black or African American4.9%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)0.7%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

44.0

Median Age

50.8%

Female

49.2%

Male

21.1%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
4.8%
5–9
5.4%
10–14
5.6%
15–19
5.9%
20–24
5.6%
25–34
12.0%
35–44
11.8%
45–54
12.6%
55–59
7.1%
60–64
8.1%
65–74
12.5%
75–84
5.9%
85+
2.7%

Children (under 15): 15.8% · Seniors (65+): 21.1%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$77,952+$8,272 vs state
Mean household income$98,936
Per-capita income$43,197
Poverty rate5.2%-4.0% vs state
Unemployment rate2.8%
Employment-to-population62.7%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
21.7%
Manufacturing
20.0%
Finance & real estate
9.5%
Information
8.5%
Education & health care
7.4%
Construction
5.6%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.4%
Retail trade
4.2%

The largest employment sector in Lake County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.7% of workers.

How residents commute

0.6%

Drive alone

1.1%

Carpool

77.9%

Public transit

12.2%

Work from home

23.3 min

Avg commute

Housing

$199,900+$700 vs state

Median home value

$1,073

Median rent

75.1%

Homeownership rate

105,877

Total housing units

94.8%

Occupied

5.2%

Vacant

24.9%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

95.1%

With health insurance

94.6%

With broadband internet

14.8%

Foreign-born

7.1%

Veterans (18+)

14.0%

With a disability

92.1%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

93.9%

High School+

30.5%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Ohio

Other counties in Ohio

Part of Ohio

Metro areas in Ohio

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Lake County, Ohio has a population of 232,101 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 11th-largest county in Ohio. Population density is 1012 people per square mile.

The population of Lake County has grown 1.0% since 2010 (230,010 → 232,360), a +0.07% annualized rate.

The median household income in Lake County, Ohio is $77,952, with mean (average) household income of $98,936 and per-capita income of $43,197. 5.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Lake County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (86.9%), Black or African American (4.9%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Lake County, Ohio is 44.0 years. Residents are 50.8% female and 49.2% male.

The median home value in Lake County is $199,900 and median monthly rent is $1,073. 75.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 105,877 total housing units, 5.2% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Lake County, Ohio is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.

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


Lake County, OH Climate

Lake County, OH has an average annual temperature of 9.9°C (50°F) and receives about 965 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

965

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

-10°0°10°20°30°96mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Lake County, OH — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January-3° / 27°55 mm
February-2° / 28°48 mm
March2° / 35°70 mm
April8° / 46°77 mm
May14° / 57°84 mm
June19° / 66°95 mm
July22° / 72°87 mm
August21° / 71°93 mm
September18° / 64°96 mm
October12° / 54°82 mm
November7° / 44°95 mm
December1° / 34°83 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 Lake County, OH

The most comfortable months to visit Lake County, OH are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). September is usually the wettest month.

AugustJulyJune

Where to stay near Lake County

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

Top-rated places to stay near Lake County

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

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