Elyria, Ohio

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Elyria

Est. 2026 Population: 52,778  |  Government Website: https://www.cityofelyria.org/  |  Schools: Elyria City School District

Elyria is the county seat of Lorain County and the second-largest city in the county, with a 2024 population estimate of 52,778. Founded in 1817 by Heman Ely — who gave his name to both the city and county — Elyria is a classic northeast Ohio manufacturing and service hub situated at the confluence of the east and west branches of the Black River, featuring two dramatic scenic waterfalls right in the heart of the Cascade Park, one of the city's most treasured features. The city is home to the main campus of Lorain County Community College — one of Ohio's leading community colleges, home to 13,000 students and the first community college in Ohio to offer a permanent campus — and the Stocker Arts Center (a premier performing arts venue). Notable employers include EMC Precision (precision machining, celebrating 100 years in 2025), Elyria Plating Corporation, A. Schulman Inc. (polymer compounds), Mercy Health (regional hospital operations), and the Elyria City Schools as a major employer. The city is undergoing significant revitalization around its picturesque Ely Square downtown district.