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Lima, OH

Frequently asked questions

Lima, OH

Lima is a city in and the county seat of Allen County, Ohio, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 35,579. It is located in northwest Ohio along Interstate 75, approximately 72 miles (116 km) north of Dayton, 78 miles (126 km) southwest of Toledo, and 63 mi (101 km) southeast of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Lima was founded in 1831. The Lima Army Tank Plant, officially called the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center, built in 1941, is the sole producer of the M1 Abrams. It is the principal city of the Lima metropolitan area, which had 102,000 residents in 2020 and is included in the Lima–Van Wert–Wapakoneta combined statistical area.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 13.80 square miles (35.74 km²), of which 13.57 square miles (35.15 km²) is land and 0.23 square miles (0.60 km²) is water.

The Ottawa River flows through the city. Locals sometimes refer to the river as "Hawg Creek". This resembles a traditional local name used dating back to the Hog Creek Shawnee community that existed between Lima and present Ada, before the Shawnee removal of 1831. This removal made possible the official founding of "Lima" as a formal town in that year. It is the principal city of the Lima, Ohio metropolitan statistical area, which is included in the Lima–Van Wert–Wapakoneta, OH, combined statistical area. Lima was founded in 1831. The Lima Army Tank Plant, officially called the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center, built in 1941, is the sole producer of the M1 Abrams.

In the years after the American Revolution, the Shawnee were the most prominent residents of west central Ohio, growing in numbers and permanency after the 1794 Treaty of Greenville. By 1817, the United States had created the Hog Creek Reservation for the local Shawnee, covering portions of what would become Allen and Auglaize counties, and including part of present-day Lima. 

The creation of the Shawnee reservation freed other lands in the area for settlement, and in February 1820, the Ohio legislature formally established Allen County. In 1831, the Shawnees were forced to surrender all their land in the area to the United States and relocated to Kansas, opening all of Allen County to settlement. The Ohio legislature mandated that a county seat be established and "Lima" was the result.

Lima was named after Lima, Peru's capital city. The name was reputedly chosen in a nod to the Peruvian capital which, during the 1800s, was a major source of quinine, an anti-malaria drug for which there had been a demand in the region, an area known as the Great Black Swamp.

Lima prioritizes the well-being of its residents, offering a range of health and wellness resources. Mercy Health - St. Rita's Medical Center is a leading healthcare provider in the region, offering advanced medical services and compassionate care to patients. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Lima Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Ally Fitness, Eastside Fitness, and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Lima, such as the Ottawa River Bikeway and McLean Teddy Bear Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Lima, OH are Allen County Museum, ArtSpace/Lima, and Faurot Park.

Population: 34,690 (2024). ZIP codes: 45801-02, 45804-07, 45809, 45854. Area codes: 419, 567. Elevation: 883 ft (269 m). Area: 13.80 sq mi (35.75 km²).

FAQs

What is Lima, OH  famous for?

Lima's oil field was, for about a decade, the largest in the US. Economic development brought money for arts and entertainment. Benjamin Faurot's Opera House opened in 1882, a nationally renowned structure so impressive that New Yorkers used it as a model for their theaters. In 1907, Lima built its first movie theater.

What is the race population in Lima, OH?

Lima, OH is home to a population of 35.6k people, of which 99.5% are citizens. As of 2022, 1.23% of Lima, OH residents were born outside of the country (439 people). In 2022, there were 2.67 times more White (non-Hispanic) residents (22.2k people) in Lima, OH than any other race or ethnicity. There were 8.32k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 2.93k Two+ (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Is Lima, OH a nice place to live?

Living in Lima offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Lima, there are a lot of parks. Many families live in Lima and residents tend to have moderate political views.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Lima

Mercy Health - St. Rita's Medical Center

Lima Parks and Recreation Department 

Ally Fitness

Eastside Fitness 

Anytime Fitness

Ottawa River Bikeway 

McLean Teddy Bear Park

Allen County Museum

ArtSpace/Lima

Faurot Park

Data USA

Niche

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