The Lima metropolitan statistical area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau, is an area consisting of one county – Allen – in Northwest Ohio, anchored by the city of Lima.

[3] Two additional counties were added to the Lima SMSA in 1971 – Putnam and Van Wert.

[6] With that addition, there were a total of 218,244 residents living in the metropolitan area at the 1980 census.

In 2003, Auglaize County was removed from the Lima metropolitan area and was re-designated as the Wapakoneta micropolitan statistical area (Wapakoneta μSA).

[8] The Lima–Van Wert–Celina, OH Combined Statistical Area is made up of three counties in northwest Ohio.