Property Intelligence Report — Lima, Ohio

Lima's real estate market offers genuine affordability for the Midwest, with median home values hovering around $147,000—a significant draw for first-time buyers or anyone looking to stretch their investment dollars. The community maintains a solid 67.5% homeownership rate, suggesting stable neighborhoods where residents tend to stay put. With a median household income of roughly $59,000, the pricing aligns reasonably well with local earning potential, though it's worth understanding that educational attainment runs somewhat below the national average at 18.1% with a bachelor's degree or higher.

The one environmental factor that deserves serious attention before purchasing is Lima's classification as an EPA Zone 1 radon area, which means elevated radon risk is common. Any home inspection here should include professional radon testing, and remediation systems are practically standard in the area. On the plus side, earthquake risk is genuinely minimal—the region experienced just two minor tremors in the past decade, with magnitudes under 3.0, so seismic concerns won't factor into your decision-making.

At just over 100,000 residents, Lima functions as a proper small city with character rather than a sprawling suburb. It's the kind of place where property investment can make real financial sense if you're drawn to smaller-town living and can manage the radon mitigation upfront.