Largest Cities in Ohio (2025)

1. Columbus (Population: 907,971)

Columbus is the largest city in Ohio and serves as the state capital.

With a population of 907,971, it is not only the most populated city in Ohio but also the 14th most populous city in the United States. The city is home to Ohio State University, which has a Division I sports team known as the Buckeyes, as well as several major league sports teams. Furthermore, the Columbus metropolitan area has a population of over 2.1 million, making it the 32nd largest metropolitan area in the country.

2. Cleveland (Population: 361,607)

Cleveland is the second-largest city in Ohio, with a population of 361,607 residents. Located on Lake Erie, it ranks as the 54th largest city in the United States. As a port city, Cleveland has a diverse economy, with key sectors including healthcare, finance, and higher education.

The average housing price in the city is $97,400, which is 63% lower than the national average. However, despite its affordability, Cleveland struggles with a high crime rate and is considered the most dangerous city in Ohio.

3. Cincinnati (Population: 309,513)

Cincinnati is one of the largest cities in Ohio, with a population of 309,513 residents. It serves as the seat of Hamilton County and is a significant regional economic center.

The city is home to three major league sports teams: the Cincinnati Reds in Major League Baseball, the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL, and FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer. The average income in the city is $34,629, and the median home price is $223,600.

4. Toledo (Population: 266,301)

Toledo is one of the largest cities in Ohio, with a population of 266,301, making it the fourth-largest city in the state and the 79th-largest city in the United States. The city is recognized for its substantial presence in the automotive industry, as well as a growing sector focused on green energy jobs.

However, Toledo has a relatively high crime rate compared to the national average; in 2018, it was ranked 43rd among the most dangerous cities in the United States.

5. Akron (Population: 188,509)

Akron is the fifth-largest city in Ohio, with a population of 188,509 residents. It serves as a significant economic center, housing Fortune 500 companies such as Goodyear Tire and FirstEnergy.

However, crime rates in Akron are notably high, making the city 106% more dangerous than the average in the state of Ohio. 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. Located near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton hosts important research and development facilities in aeronautical and astronautical engineering.

Consequently, a significant portion of the city’s economy is focused on the defense and aerospace sectors, as well as healthcare. The average home price in Dayton is approximately $134,700.

7. Parma (Population: 79,358)

Parma is in Cuyahoga County, on the southern edge of Cleveland.

With a population of 79,358, it is the seventh-largest city in Ohio and the second-largest in Cuyahoga County. The median household income in Parma is $180,300, which is slightly higher than the national average.

In 2014, Parma was the third safest city in the United States, being approximately 90% safer than the national average.

8. Canton (Population: 69,671)

Canton is situated in Northwestern Ohio, close to Cleveland, and has a population of 69,671 residents. The city is near Ohio’s extensive Amish communities in Holmes and Wayne counties. One of Canton’s major attractions is the NFL Hall of Fame.

The local economy is primarily supported by industries such as retail, education, finance, and healthcare.

9. Lorain (Population: 65,365)

Lorain is one of the largest cities in Ohio, located in Northeast Ohio on the shores of Lake Erie. It has a population of 65,365 residents. Historically, Lorain was an industrial city, home to numerous shipbuilding and steel companies.

However, following a decline in its economy, the city has faced challenges such as poverty and a decrease in population. As a Rust Belt city, Lorain has a poverty rate that significantly exceeds the national average.

10. Hamilton (Population: 62,937)

Hamilton, located in Southwest Ohio, is the seat of Butler County and has a population of 62,937, making it the tenth largest city in the state. Historically, Hamilton was an industrial city but has faced challenges with poverty and unemployment.

The crime rate in Hamilton is 4,011 incidents 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.