10 Largest Cities in Ohio (2024)
- Columbus
- Cleveland
- Cincinnati
- Toledo
- Akron
- Dayton
- Parma
- Canton
- Lorain
- Hamilton
1. Columbus (Population: 907,971)
The largest city in Ohio is Columbus. Besides being the most populated city in Ohio, it's also the state capital. Columbus is home to Ohio University and the division 1 team, the Buckeyes, including other major league sports teams. The city’s population is 907,971, making it the biggest city in Ohio by population as well as the 14th most populated city in the US. The Columbus metropolitan area has over 2.1 million people, making it the 32 largest metro area in the country.
2. Cleveland (Population: 361,607)
The second biggest city in Ohio by population is Cleveland. Sitting on Lake Erie, Cleveland has a population of 361,607 and is the 54th largest city in the United States. Cleveland is a port city and has a diverse economy in sectors like healthcare, finance, and higher education. The average housing price in the city is $97,400, which is 63% below the national average. However, although Cleveland may be affordable, it suffers from a high crime rate, and is the most dangerous city in Ohio.
3. Cincinnati (Population: 309,513)
Cincinnati is also one of the biggest cities in Ohio by population. Cincinnati is home to 309,513 residents and is the seat of Hamilton County. It's also a major regional economic center. Cincinnati is home to three major league sports teams: the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball, the Bengals of the NFL, and FC Cincinnati representing major league soccer. The average income in Toledo is $34,629, with a median home price of $223,600.
4. Toledo (Population: 266,301)
Toledo is another one of the largest cities in Ohio. Toledo has a population of 266,301, making it the fourth-largest city in Ohio and the 79th-largest city in the United States. Toledo is home to many jobs in the auto industry, including a growing sector in green energy jobs. Toledo’s crime rate is quite high compared to the national average; in 2018, the city ranked 43rd among the most dangerous cities in the United States.
5. Akron (Population: 188,509)
Akron is the fifth biggest city in Ohio, with a population of 188,509. Akron is a major economic hub, with Fortune 500 companies such as Goodyear Tire and FirstEnergy being headquartered there. Crime in Akron is high, with the city being 106% more dangerous than the Ohio average. The median home price in Akron is $119,800.
6. Dayton (Population: 135,944)
Dayton is the seat of Montgomery County and has a population of 135,944, making it one of the largest cities in Ohio. Dayton is located near the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and hosts significant research and development sites in aeronautical and astronautical engineering. As a result, much of the city’s economy is centered around defense and aerospace, as well as healthcare. The average home price in Dayton is just $134,700.
7. Parma (Population: 79,358)
Parma is located in Cuyahoga County on the Southern edge of Cleveland. Parma has a population of 79,358 and is the seventh-largest city in Ohio and the second-largest city in Cuyahoga County. The median income in the city is $180,300, which is slightly higher than the national average. In 2014, Parma ranked as the third safest city in the United States, ranking about 90% safer than the national average.
8. Canton (Population: 69,671)
Canton is located in Northwestern Ohio near Cleveland and has a population of 69,671. Canton sits on the edge of Ohio’s extensive Amish communities near Holmes and Wayne counties. One of Canton’s major attractions is the NFL hall of fame. Much of the city’s economy is based on industries in retail, education, finance, and healthcare.
9. Lorain (Population: 65,365)
Lorain is also one of the biggest cities in Ohio by population. Lorain is located in Northeast Ohio on Lake Erie and has a population of 65,365. Lorain is a former industrial city and was formerly home to many shipbuilding and steel companies. Since the decline in its economy, Lorain has struggled with poverty and population decline. Lorain is considered a Rust Belt city with a poverty rate that is well above the national average.
10. Hamilton (Population: 62,937)
Located in Southwest Ohio, Hamilton is the seat of Butler County and has a population of 62,937, making it the tenth largest city in Ohio. Hamilton is a former industrial city that has struggled with poverty and unemployment. Crime in Hamilton is 4,011 per 100,000 people, which is 71% higher than the national average. The average home price in Hamilton is $259,900, which is 35% lower than the national average.