Oberlin, OH demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,329
3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$81,308/yr
10.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,728
3.5% year-over-year change

Oberlin population

How many people live in Oberlin

Oberlin is home to 8,329 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.3% of Oberlin locals are male, and 54.7% are female.

Total population
8,329
3.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.3%
3,770
Female
54.7%
4,559
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,770 45.3% 7.7%
Female 4,559 54.7% 0.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Oberlin is 27, with the population distributed as follows: about 8.4% are children under 15, then 40.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 13.7% of the population, while another 17% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
27.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
8.4%
15 to 24
40.2%
25 to 44
13.7%
45 to 64
17%
Over 65
20.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 701 8.4% 1.9%
15 to 24 3,347 40.2% -1.1%
25 to 44 1,140 13.7% 12.2%
45 to 64 1,413 17% 5.7%
Over 65 1,728 20.8% 6.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Oberlin, 92% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 69.8% of locals are Caucasian, 11.9% are African American and 4.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 13.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.5%
Non-citizens
3.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 7,667 92% 2.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 376 4.5% 5.6%
Non-citizens 286 3.4% 20.2%
Racial breakdown
White
69.8%
Black or African American
11.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
4.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.4%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 5,813 69.8%
Black or African American 992 11.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 13 0.2%
Asian 348 4.2%
Two or more races 1,118 13.4%
Other 45 0.5%

Households in Oberlin

A peek inside Oberlin households

Oberlin has 2,457 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53% are families, while the remaining 47% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,457
6.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,155
Family households
1,302
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,155 47% 10.6%
Family households 1,302 53% 2.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Oberlin

The housing landscape of Oberlin

Oberlin's housing consists of 2,728 units, with 65% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
2,728
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,772 65%
1 unit, attached 176 6.4%
2 units 183 6.7%
3 or 4 units 233 8.5%
5 to 9 units 84 3.1%
10 to 19 units 26 1%
20 to 49 units 54 2%
50 or more units 200 7.3%
Homes built since 2020
30
66.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Oberlin

In Oberlin, the median construction year is 1969. About 26.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 731 26.8% -5.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 140 5.1% 2.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 160 5.9% -18.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 378 13.9% 37.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 357 13.1% -11.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 128 4.7% 124.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 443 16.2% 13.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 294 10.8% -5.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 67 2.5% -4.3%
Built in 2020 or later 30 1.1% 66.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Oberlin occupancy rates

Out of the 2,457 occupied housing units in Oberlin, 58.2% are owner-occupied, while 41.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,457
6.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,026
Owner occupied
1,431
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,026 41.8% 3.1%
Owner occupied 1,431 58.2% 8.3%
Unoccupied housing units
9.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Oberlin housing costs

Housing costs in Oberlin come to a median of $950 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $995.

Median housing costs per month
$950/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Oberlin
$995/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Oberlin

Oberlin education at a glance

About 25% of the population in Oberlin went to high school, while 35.8% pursued college studies. Another 4.7% earned an associate degree and 10.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 22.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 136 1.8% 8.8%
High school diploma 1,847 25% 6.6%
College diploma 2,646 35.8% -3.0%
Associate degree 349 4.7% 16.3%
Bachelor's degree 780 10.5% -3.4%
Graduate degree 1,641 22.2% 11.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Oberlin

How much people earn in Oberlin

The average annual household income in Oberlin was $98,720 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $81,308, reflecting a +10.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Oberlin
$98,720/year
5.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Oberlin
$81,308/year
10.2% year-over-year change

Oberlin income by age

In Oberlin, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $71,853. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $82,188 overall. Overall, 84% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $71,853 4.4%
45 - 64 $82,188 0.7%
Over 65 $88,850 14.4%
Above poverty level
4,646
Below poverty level
884
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,646 84% 7.3%
Below poverty level 884 16% -11.9%

Average renter income in Oberlin

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Oberlin, their median household income was $41,250 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$41,250
Rent-to-income ratio
28.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Oberlin

Workforce and job types in Oberlin

The job market in Oberlin is powered by 3,790 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.4% run their own businesses, 58.6% are employed by private companies, and 15% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,790
3.7% year-over-year change
White collar
3,191
Blue collar
599
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,191 84.2% 2.5%
Blue collar 599 15.8% 10.3%
Employer type
Self employees
5.4%
Private companies
58.6%
Governmental workers
15%
Not for profit companies
21%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 206 5.4% -7.2%
Private companies 2,222 58.6% 0.1%
Governmental workers 568 15% 13.8%
Not for profit companies 794 21% 11.1%
Unemployment rate
5.6%
6.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Oberlin stands at 5.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Oberlin

How people get around in Oberlin

Commuting methods vary: 57.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 25.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,082 57.9% 14.3%
Bus or trolleybus 26 0.7% 0.0%
Motorcycle 10 0.3% 0.0%
Bicycle 108 3% 14.9%
Walk 905 25.2% -13.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Oberlin by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
44074 11,745 3,807 $80,801 $106,665

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FAQs about Oberlin demographics 

What is the total population of Oberlin?

Oberlin has a total population of 8,329 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +3.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Oberlin?

The gender ratio in Oberlin is as follows:
  • 45.3% males (3,770 residents)
  • 54.7% females (4,559 residents)

What is the median age in Oberlin?

The median age in Oberlin is 27.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Oberlin?

The age distribution in Oberlin is as follows:
  • Under 15: 8.4% (701 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 40.2% (3,347 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 13.7% (1,140 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17% (1,413 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.8% (1,728 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Oberlin?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Oberlin is as follows:
  • White: 69.8% (5,813 residents)
  • Black or African American: 11.9% (992 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (13 residents)
  • Asian: 4.2% (348 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.4% (1,118 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (45 residents)

What percentage of the population in Oberlin are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 92% of the population in Oberlin.

How many housing units are there in Oberlin?

There are 2,728 housing units in Oberlin, reflecting a +3.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Oberlin and what is the average household size?

Oberlin has a total of 2,457 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Oberlin?

Oberlin has a median household income of $81,308, representing a +10.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Oberlin?

The employment rate is 94.4% in Oberlin, with a workforce of 3,790 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.2% (3,191 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.8% (599 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.4% (206 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.6% (2,222 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15% (568 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 21% (794 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025