The first permanent settlers in what would become Avon Lake were Adam and Ana Miller. The home built by their youngest is now a museum located near Lake and Miller Road. 

In 1915, Avon Lake separated from the rest of the Township of Avon to form the Township of Avon Lake. In 1960, Avon Lake was granted the status of a city.

As of the census of 2020, there were 125,206 people living in Avon Lake. Its growth has been steady since it became a city. 

Avon Lake is host to a number of industrial companies, including facilities for Lubrizol, Ford Motor Company, PolyOne Corporation, Western Enterprises, and Reliant Energy.