Greater Akron Akron, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area | |
---|---|
Country | United States |
State | Ohio |
Largest city | Akron |
Other cities | List
|
Population (2020) | |
• MSA | 702,219 (72nd) |
• CSA | 3,633,962 (17th) |
MSA/CSA = 2020 | |
GDP | |
• MSA | $44.562 billion (2022) |
Time zone | UTC−5 (EST) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
Area codes | 330, 234 |
The Akron, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area, sometimes referred to as Greater Akron, is defined by the United States Office of Management and Budget as an area consisting of two counties, Summit and Portage, in Northeast Ohio and anchored by the city of Akron. As of the 2020 census, the MSA had a population of 702,219. The Akron MSA is also part of the larger Cleveland–Akron–Canton, OH Combined Statistical Area, which has a population of 3,633,962 people as of the 2020 census, the largest metropolitan area in Ohio.
Historically, Greater Akron was known as the center of the United States' tire and rubber industry throughout the 20th century, and today one major tire company (Goodyear Tire and Rubber) still is based there. More recently, the area has become a center of polymer science research and manufacturing for the country, [2] and is home to five Fortune 1000 corporations.
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1900 | 100,961 | — | |
1910 | 138,560 | 37.2% | |
1920 | 322,434 | 132.7% | |
1930 | 386,813 | 20.0% | |
1940 | 386,065 | −0.2% | |
1950 | 474,016 | 22.8% | |
1960 | 605,367 | 27.7% | |
1970 | 679,239 | 12.2% | |
1980 | 660,328 | −2.8% | |
1990 | 657,575 | −0.4% | |
2000 | 694,960 | 5.7% | |
2010 | 703,200 | 1.2% | |
2020 | 702,219 | −0.1% | |
[3] [4] |
As of the census [5] of 2010, there were 703,200 people, 279,518 households, and 181,540 families residing within the MSA. The racial makeup of the MSA was 84.8% White, 11.9% African American, 0.20% Native American, 1.8% Asian, 0% Pacific Islander, 0.26% from other races, and 1.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population. 3.4% of the population were reported as foreign born, and 5.4% reported speaking a language other than English as the primary language in the home. In the MSA the population was spread out, with 18.7% the age of 14 or under, 14.4% from 15 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 27.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females, there were 94.1 males.
The median family income in 2007 dollars in the MSA was $61,537, and the median household income in the MSA was $47,336. Males had a median income of $38,776 versus $26,532 for females. The per capita income for the MSA was $36,564 in 2007 dollars.
County | 2020 Census | 2010 Census | Change | Area | Density |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Summit County | 540,428 | 541,781 | −0.25% | 419.38 sq mi (1,086.2 km2) | 1,289/sq mi (498/km2) |
Portage County | 161,791 | 161,419 | +0.23% | 504 sq mi (1,310 km2) | 321/sq mi (124/km2) |
As of November 2024 [update] , the Akron metropolitan area serves as the corporate headquarters of 3 Fortune 1000 firms (shown with November 2024 rankings below):
Other large employers include:
The Akron metropolitan area is served by the following international, regional and county airports:
In Summit County, public transportation is available through the METRO Regional Transit Authority [10] system, which has a fleet of over two hundred buses and trolleys and operates local routes as well as running commuter buses into downtown Cleveland. The Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority (PARTA) [11] operates throughout Portage County and also runs an express route connecting the University of Akron with Kent State University.
The Akron area is served in print by the daily Akron Beacon Journal, formerly the flagship newspaper of the Knight Newspapers chain; the weekly "The Akron Reporter"; and the weekly West Side Leader newspapers and the monthly magazine Akron Life. The Buchtelite newspaper is published by the University of Akron. [16]
Akron is part of the Cleveland-Akron-Canton TV market, the 18th largest market in the U.S. [17] Within the market, WEAO (PBS), WVPX (ION), and WBNX-TV (independent) are licensed to Akron. However, while WEAO serves the city of Akron specifically, WBNX and WVPX identify themselves as Akron/Cleveland, serving the entire market. Akron has no native news broadcast, having lost its only news station when the former WAKC became WVPX in 1996. WVPX and Cleveland's WKYC later provided a joint news program, which was cancelled in 2005. [18] [19]
While part of a combined TV market with Cleveland, the Akron area is its own radio market, and served by WZIP 88.1 (Top 40 – University of Akron), WSTB 88.9 (alternative), WKSU 89.7 (public radio), WAPS 91.3 (album adult alternative), WKJA 91.9 (religious), WQMX 94.9 (country), WONE 97.5 (classic rock), WKDD 98.1 (contemporary hits), WNIR-FM 100.1 (news/talk), WHLO 640 (news/talk), WCUE 1150 (religious), and WAKR 1590/93.5 (soft adult contemporary/full service).
Cuyahoga Valley National Park [46] is a national park located in Summit County and lies between the major Ohio cities of Cleveland and Akron. It is the only national park located in Ohio and consists of over 33,000 acres. Waterfalls, rolling hills, caves, winding river scenery attract many park visitors. Over 125 miles of trails traverse the steep narrow ravines, rolling floodplain, and lush farmland throughout the park. The park offers an array of preserved and restored displays of 19th (see Hale Farm & Village) and early 20th century sustainable farming and pastoral, rural living, while catering to contemporary interests with art exhibits, outdoor concerts, and scenic excursion and special event railroad tours on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. [47]
The Summit Metro Parks is a park district that manages over 11,000 acres (4,500 ha) in Summit County, including 14 developed parks, six conservation areas and more than 125 miles (201 km) of trails including the 33.5-mile (53.9 km) Hike and Bike Trail which follows the course of the old Akron, Bedford and Cleveland Railroad. [48] The Freedom Trail is currently under construction, with phases one and two already complete. Phases one and two pass through Tallmadge, Munroe Falls, and Akron, and connect with the western end of the Portage Hike and Bike Trail in Kent. Phase three will connect the Freedom Trail to the Towpath Trail in downtown Akron. [49]
The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail [50] in Summit County follows the course of the former Ohio and Erie Canal. When the trail is fully complete, it will stretch about 100 miles from Downtown Cleveland in Cuyahoga County, though the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Summit County, Stark County and end in New Philadelphia in Tuscarawas County. In 2011, Summit County became the first of the counties to complete their section of the Towpath Trail stretching 33.4 miles from the Portage Lakes in the southern portion of the county, through the suburbs and downtown Akron, and finally through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
The Portage Park District is a county park district in Portage County that manages 2,470 acres (1,000 ha) of parkland and 14 miles (23 km) of hiking trails. [51] Notable trails include the Headwater Trail which follows the former Cleveland and Mahoning Valley Railroad line and connects Mantua and Garrettsville. The Portage Hike and Bike Trail has several phases completed in and around Kent and Ravenna, with direct connections to the Freedom and Bike and Hike Trails in Summit County. [52]
Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park [53] is a 167-acre state park located near Garrettsville in Portage County. The spectacular rock formations at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges have become trademarks of the park. These rock formations are among the few outcrops in northern Ohio still exposed to view and offer hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult. Activities located in the park include hiking and picnicking.
Portage Lakes State Park [54] is a 2,475 acre state park located in Akron around the Portage Lakes. There are approximately 2034 acres of water and 8 lakes within the park that can be used for boating, fishing, and swimming and an additional 411 acres of land that can be used for camping, hunting, and picnicking.
Tinkers Creek State Park [55] is a 370-acre state park located in Streetsboro in Portage County. Park activities include fishing on a 15-acre spring-fed lake, picnicking, hiking, and cross country skiing and ice fishing during winter.
West Branch State Park [56] is an 8,002 acre state park located near Ravenna in Portage County. The large 2,650-acre lake can be used for boating, fishing, and swimming and contains numerous boat launches. The 5,379-acres of meadows and woodlots can be used for numerous activities such as for camping, hiking, hunting and horseback riding. The park maintains 14 miles of hiking trails, 12 miles of mountain biking trails, and 20 miles of bridle trails.
Wingfoot Lake State Park [57] is a 690-acre state park located in Mogadore in Portage County around Wingfoot Lake. The park was built in the 1960s by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for their employees and corporate retreats. In 2009, the park was bought by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. Facilities include enclosed and open pavilion shelters (some with fireplaces), playgrounds, badminton courts, horseshoe pits, bocce ball courts, an 18-hole mini-golf course, and an 18-hole disc golf course. Boating and fishing is also permitted on the 444 acre Wingfoot Lake.
Summit County is an urban county in the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 540,428, making it the fourth-most populous county in Ohio. Its county seat and largest city is Akron. The county was formed on March 3, 1840, from portions of Medina, Portage and Stark counties. It was named Summit County because the highest elevation on the Ohio and Erie Canal is in the county.
Portage County is a county in the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 161,791. Located in Northeast Ohio, Portage County is part of the Akron Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Cleveland–Akron–Canton Combined Statistical Area. Its county seat is Ravenna and its largest city is Kent. The county, named for the portage between the Cuyahoga and Tuscarawas rivers, was created in 1807 and formally organized in 1808. In addition to the cities of Kent and Ravenna, Portage County also includes the cities of Aurora and Streetsboro, along with five villages, 18 civil townships, and several unincorporated places within those townships. Additionally, the county includes parts of the city of Tallmadge, and part of the village of Mogadore, both of which are mostly in neighboring Summit County.
Akron is a city in and the county seat of Summit County, Ohio, United States. At the 2020 census, the city proper had a total population of 190,469, making it the fifth-most populous city in Ohio and 136th-most populous city in the U.S. The Akron metropolitan area, covering Summit and Portage counties, had a population of 702,219. It is located on the western edge of the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau in Northeast Ohio about 40 miles (64 km) south of downtown Cleveland.
Stow is a city in Summit County, Ohio, United States. The population was 34,483 at the 2020 census. It is a suburban community within the Akron metropolitan area.
William Wetmore founded Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio in 1812.
The Cleveland metropolitan area, or Greater Cleveland as it is more commonly known, is the metropolitan area surrounding the city of Cleveland in Northeast Ohio, United States. According to the 2020 census results, the six-county Cleveland, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) consists of Cuyahoga County, Ashtabula County, Geauga County, Lake County, Lorain County, and Medina County, and has a population of 2,185,825, making it the 33rd-most populous metropolitan area in the United States and the third largest metropolitan area in Ohio. The metro area is also part of the larger Cleveland–Akron–Canton Combined Statistical Area with a population of over 3.7 million people, the most populous statistical area in Ohio and the 17th most populous in the United States.
Northeast Ohio is a geographic and cultural region that comprises the northeastern counties of the U.S. state of Ohio. Definitions of the region consist of 16 to 23 counties between the southern shore of Lake Erie and the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, home to over 4.5 million people. It is anchored by the metropolitan area of Cleveland, the most populous city in the region with over 372,000 residents in 2020. Other metropolitan centers include Akron, Canton, Mansfield, Sandusky, and Youngstown. Northeast Ohio includes most of the area known historically as the Connecticut Western Reserve.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a national park of the United States in Ohio that preserves and reclaims the rural landscape along the Cuyahoga River between Akron and Cleveland in Northeast Ohio.
Bath Township is one of the nine townships of Summit County, Ohio, United States. A suburb of Akron, the 2020 census found 10,024 people in the township.
State Route 59 is an east–west state highway in the U.S. state of Ohio, serving the Akron metropolitan area. The western terminus of State Route 59 is in downtown Akron at a partial interchange with the Interstate 76/Interstate 77 concurrency, and the eastern terminus is at State Route 5, 0.5 miles (0.80 km) east of Ravenna. The route is approximately 23 miles (37 km) long and was certified in 1969 over what had previously been part of SR 5. It serves as a major or as the primary east–west roadway for the cities of Cuyahoga Falls, Kent, Ravenna, and Stow, the village of Silver Lake, and Franklin and Ravenna Townships.
The Ohio and Erie Canal was a canal constructed during the 1820s and early 1830s in Ohio. It connected Akron with the Cuyahoga River near its outlet on Lake Erie in Cleveland, and a few years later, with the Ohio River near Portsmouth. It also had connections to other canal systems in Pennsylvania.
Northampton was one of the 16 original townships in Summit County, Ohio. It was situated in the middle of Summit County, bordering Akron and Cuyahoga Falls. No incorporated areas were formed within the township, but Akron and Cuyahoga Falls expanded into Northampton via annexation. In 1986, Northampton Township merged with Cuyahoga Falls, making the first time a township and city had merged in Ohio. When created, it occupied survey Town 3, Range 11 in the Western Reserve and covered an area of about 25 square miles (65 km2). Its first settler, Simeon Prior, named the township for the Hampshire County, Massachusetts village of Northampton.
Boston Township is one of the nine townships of Summit County, Ohio, United States, about 15 miles (24 km) north of Akron and 23 miles (37 km) south of Cleveland. It is part of the Akron metropolitan area. The 2020 census found 1,401 people in the township.
Franklin Township is a civil township in Portage County, Ohio, United States. It is on the Cuyahoga River in Northeast Ohio on the western edge of the county. The 2010 Census found 5,527 people in the township and the 2020 census recorded 6,283 people. The township is part of the Akron Metropolitan Statistical Area and the larger Cleveland–Akron–Canton Combined Statistical Area.
Summit Metro Parks is a Metroparks system serving the citizens of Summit County, Ohio by managing 14,000 acres (5,700 ha) in 16 developed parks, six conservation areas and more than 150 miles (240 km) of trails, with 22.4 miles (36.0 km) of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
State Route 532 is a north–south state highway in the northeastern portion of the U.S. state of Ohio. The highway runs from its southern terminus at a signalized intersection with U.S. Route 224 (US 224) on the Summit–Portage county line approximately 0.75 miles (1.21 km) south of Mogadore on the border of Springfield Township and Suffield Township to its northern terminus at a diamond interchange with Interstate 76 (I-76), at its exit 29 within the Tallmadge city limits.
Twinsburg Township is one of the nine townships of Summit County, Ohio, United States. The 2020 census found 3,857 people in the township.
Kent is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the largest city in Portage County. It is located along the Cuyahoga River in Northeast Ohio on the western edge of the county. The population was 28,215 at the 2020 Census. The city is counted as part of the Akron metropolitan area and the larger Cleveland–Akron–Canton combined statistical area.
The Suburban League is an Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) athletics league made up of 16 high schools from Cuyahoga, Medina, Portage, and Summit counties in Northeast Ohio. It was formed in 1949 and expanded into two divisions in 2015.