Stark County, Ohio

Stark County is a county located in the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 374,853.[1] Its county seat is Canton.[2] The county was created in 1808 and organized the next year.[3] It is named for John Stark, an officer in the American Revolutionary War.[4]

Stark County
County
Stark County Courthouse
Stark County Courthouse
Official seal of Stark County
Seal
Map of Ohio highlighting Stark County
Location within the U.S. state of Ohio
Map of the United States highlighting Ohio
Ohio's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 40°49′N 81°22′W
Country United States
State Ohio
FoundedJanuary 1, 1809
Named forJohn Stark
SeatCanton
Largest cityCanton
Area
 • Total581 sq mi (1,500 km2)
 • Land575 sq mi (1,490 km2)
 • Water5.3 sq mi (14 km2)  0.9%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total374,853
 • Estimate 
(2021)
373,834 Decrease
 • Density650/sq mi (250/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional districts6th, 13th
Websitewww.starkcountyohio.gov

Stark County is included in the Canton-Massillon, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Cleveland-Akron-Canton, OH Combined Statistical Area.

History

Stark County was named in honor of American Revolutionary War General John Stark. John Stark (August 28, 1728 – May 8, 1822) was a general who served in the American Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He became widely known as the "Hero of Bennington" for his exemplary service at the Battle of Bennington in 1777.

In the 1760s and 1770s Moravian missionaries from Pennsylvania came to preach the gospel to the native people, and also to lead and resettle already converted native people migrating away from whites encroaching on their land in Pennsylvania. The earliest of these were Christian Frederick Post and John Heckewelder. See also the history of neighboring Tuscarawas County, Ohio

The first permanent settlements were established in 1805, beginning with Canton. Possibly 80% of the early settlers were German-speakers from Pennsylvania, although others came from Virginia, New York, and New England. Lumbering and sawmills were important early industries, to cater to the enormous demand for lumber from the incoming settlers. Stark County was originally part of Columbiana County, but was split off in 1807.

At the start of the Civil War the men of Stark County were quick to volunteer to preserve the Union. As of 1862 over 1,100 had enlisted.[5]

During the early 20th century, Stark County was an important location in the early development of professional football. The rivalry between the Massillon Tigers and Canton Bulldogs helped bring the Ohio League to prominence in the mid-1900s (decade) and again in the late 1910s. The Bulldogs ended up a charter member of the National Football League, where it played for several years. (The role Stark County had in developing the game is part of the reason the Pro Football Hall of Fame is located in Canton.) Two relatively large football stadiums, Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton and Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon, are still in use (albeit now mostly for high school football), with Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium hosting the NFL's annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game each year.

In the later 20th century, Stark County's voting record swung from one party to another, closely tracking the winner of the U.S. Presidential election. Even within the swing state of Ohio, Stark County is regarded as a quintessential bellwether, and thus presidential candidates have typically made multiple visits to the region. Major media outlets typically pay close attention to the election results in the county. The New York Times in particular has covered the county's citizens and their voting concerns in a series of features each election cycle for over a decade.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 581 square miles (1,500 km2), of which 575 square miles (1,490 km2) is land and 5.3 square miles (14 km2) (0.9%) is water.[6]

Adjacent counties

Major highways

National protected area

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18102,734—
182012,406353.8%
183026,588114.3%
184034,60330.1%
185039,87815.2%
186042,9787.8%
187052,50822.2%
188064,03121.9%
189084,17031.5%
190094,74712.6%
1910122,98729.8%
1920177,21844.1%
1930221,78425.1%
1940234,8875.9%
1950283,19420.6%
1960340,34520.2%
1970372,2109.4%
1980378,8231.8%
1990367,585−3.0%
2000378,0982.9%
2010375,586−0.7%
2020374,853−0.2%
2021 (est.)373,834[7]−0.3%
U.S. decennial census[8]
1790-1960[9] 1900-1990[10]
1990–2000[11] 2010-2020[1]

2000 census

As of the census[12] of 2000, there were 378,098 people, 148,316 households, and 102,782 families living in the county. The population density was 656 inhabitants per square mile (253/km2). There were 157,024 housing units at an average density of 272 units per square mile (105 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 90.28% white, 7.20% black or African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.29% from other races, and 1.43% from two or more races. 0.92% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 148,316 households, out of which 31.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.20% were married couples living together, 11.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.70% were non-families. 26.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.80% under the age of 18, 8.30% from 18 to 24, 27.80% from 25 to 44, 24.00% from 45 to 64, and 15.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 92.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $39,824, and the median income for a family was $47,747. Males had a median income of $37,065 versus $23,875 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,417. About 6.80% of families and 9.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.90% of those under age 18 and 6.60% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

As of the 2010 census, there were 375,586 people, 151,089 households, and 100,417 families living in the county.[13] The population density was 652.9 inhabitants per square mile (252.1/km2). There were 165,215 housing units at an average density of 287.2 units per square mile (110.9 units/km2).[14] The racial makeup of the county was 88.7% white, 7.6% black or African American, 0.7% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 0.5% from other races, and 2.2% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.6% of the population.[13] In terms of ancestry, 33.6% were German, 15.5% were Irish, 10.1% were English, 10.1% were Italian, and 7.7% were American.[15]

Of the 151,089 households, 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.2% were married couples living together, 12.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 33.5% were non-families, and 28.1% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.96. The median age was 41.1 years.[13]

The median income for a household in the county was $44,941 and the median income for a family was $55,976. Males had a median income of $44,238 versus $31,896 for females. The per capita income for the county was $24,015. About 9.5% of families and 12.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.5% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.[16]

Politics

Stark County has often been described as "the swing county, in the swing state" when it comes to presidential elections. Locally, it has generally been a strong Republican area, but that changed in the 1990s and into 2000s, where it remained highly competitive for both parties. In 1992, it became a swing county that tilted Democratic, and over the next 15–20 years more local office holders were Democrats. That has changed, however, in the last 10 years or so, beginning in 2010. Republicans now hold most of the local elected positions.

United States presidential election results for Stark County, Ohio[17]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No. %No. %No. %
2020 111,097 58.44% 75,904 39.93% 3,092 1.63%
2016 98,388 55.85% 68,146 38.68% 9,631 5.47%
2012 88,581 48.74% 89,432 49.21% 3,733 2.05%
2008 86,743 46.14% 96,990 51.59% 4,277 2.27%
2004 92,215 48.93% 95,337 50.59% 907 0.48%
2000 78,153 48.89% 75,308 47.11% 6,383 3.99%
1996 60,212 38.03% 73,437 46.38% 24,697 15.60%
1992 61,863 35.33% 70,064 40.02% 43,165 24.65%
1988 87,087 55.08% 69,639 44.05% 1,370 0.87%
1984 98,434 59.69% 65,157 39.51% 1,325 0.80%
1980 87,769 55.87% 59,005 37.56% 10,332 6.58%
1976 72,607 49.83% 70,012 48.05% 3,090 2.12%
1972 92,110 62.74% 51,565 35.12% 3,135 2.14%
1968 68,414 47.88% 57,675 40.36% 16,799 11.76%
1964 53,632 37.68% 88,704 62.32% 0 0.00%
1960 82,881 55.22% 67,205 44.78% 0 0.00%
1956 83,667 62.85% 49,445 37.15% 0 0.00%
1952 74,929 57.66% 55,031 42.34% 0 0.00%
1948 51,482 51.40% 47,533 47.46% 1,135 1.13%
1944 51,506 47.30% 57,393 52.70% 0 0.00%
1940 46,384 43.81% 59,496 56.19% 0 0.00%
1936 34,693 35.91% 57,931 59.96% 3,988 4.13%
1932 40,672 51.06% 35,757 44.89% 3,225 4.05%
1928 59,564 70.85% 23,840 28.36% 671 0.80%
1924 40,858 64.28% 12,544 19.74% 10,160 15.98%
1920 37,483 62.88% 18,437 30.93% 3,688 6.19%
1916 14,159 45.23% 15,316 48.93% 1,828 5.84%
1912 6,033 22.57% 9,908 37.07% 10,788 40.36%
1908 14,112 50.48% 12,286 43.95% 1,559 5.58%
1904 15,695 65.46% 6,919 28.86% 1,361 5.68%
1900 13,165 54.12% 10,651 43.79% 509 2.09%
1896 12,111 51.13% 11,339 47.87% 235 0.99%
1892 9,231 44.79% 10,227 49.63% 1,150 5.58%
1888 8,763 47.29% 9,094 49.07% 674 3.64%
1884 8,315 49.62% 7,955 47.47% 487 2.91%
1880 7,264 50.21% 6,965 48.14% 238 1.65%
1876 6,410 48.16% 6,772 50.88% 128 0.96%
1872 5,817 52.30% 5,250 47.20% 55 0.49%
1868 5,601 53.10% 4,948 46.90% 0 0.00%
1864 4,797 52.84% 4,282 47.16% 0 0.00%
1860 4,064 52.98% 2,820 36.76% 787 10.26%
1856 3,770 50.73% 3,633 48.88% 29 0.39%

Government
See also: Ohio county government

Elected officials[18]
  • Commissioners: Janet Weir Creighton (R), Bill Smith (R), Richard Regula (R)
  • Auditor: Alan Harold (R)
  • Clerk of Courts: Lynn Todaro (R)
  • Judges of the Court of Common Pleas: Hon. Kristin Farmer (R), Hon. Natalie Haupt (D), Hon. Taryn L. Heath (D), Hon. Francis G. Forchione (D), Hon Chryssa Hartnett (D)
  • Coroner: Ron Rusnak M.D. (R)
  • Engineer: Keith Bennett (D)
  • Family Court: Hon. Rosemarie Hall (R), Hon Jim D. James (R), Hon David R. Nist (R)
  • Probate Court: Hon. Dixie Park (R)
  • Prosecutor: Kyle Stone (R)
  • Recorder: Jamie Walters (R)
  • Sheriff: George Maier (D)
  • Treasurer: Alex Zumbar (R)

Education

Colleges and universities

Technical/Career centers
  • R. G. Drage Career Technical Center
  • Sours Adult Career & Technical Center

Public school districts

Private school districts
  • Stark County Catholic Schools

High schools

Communities
Map of Stark County, Ohio with municipal and township labels

Cities

Villages

Townships

Prior to 1815, Stark County consisted of only eight large townships.[19] After a number of partitions and a few transfers between counties, the townships are:

Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities

See also

References
  1. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 30, 2022.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. "Ohio: Individual County Chronologies". Ohio Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. The Newberry Library. 2007. Archived from the original on April 6, 2016. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  4. "Stark County data". Ohio State University Extension Data Center. Retrieved April 28, 2007.
  5. Perrin, William Henry (1881). History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio. Chicago: Baskin & Battey. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  6. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on May 4, 2014. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
  7. "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021". Retrieved June 30, 2022.
  8. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
  9. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
  10. Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
  11. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
  12. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  13. "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  14. "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  15. "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  16. "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  17. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  18. Stark County Elected Officials Archived September 27, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  19. U.S. GenWeb: Ohio, Stark County, accessed February 2018.

40.81°N 81.37°W / 40.81; -81.37

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