Ross County, Ohio

Last updated

Ross County
County
Chillicothe ohio ross county courthouse 2006.jpg
Ross County Courthouse
Flag of Ross County, Ohio.png
Flag
Seal of Ross County (Ohio).svg
Seal
Map of Ohio highlighting Ross County.svg
Location within the U.S. state of Ohio
Ohio in United States.svg
Ohio's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 39°20′N83°04′W / 39.33°N 83.06°W / 39.33; -83.06
CountryFlag of the United States.svg United States
StateFlag of Ohio.svg Ohio
FoundedAugust 20, 1798 [1]
Named after James Ross
Seat Chillicothe
Largest cityChillicothe
Area
 • Total
693.03 sq mi (1,794.9 km2)
 • Land689.19 sq mi (1,785.0 km2)
 • Water3.84 sq mi (9.9 km2)  0.6%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
77,093 Decrease2.svg
 • Density110/sq mi (40/km2)
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district 2nd
Website www.co.ross.oh.us

Ross County is a county in the Appalachian region of the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 77,093. [2] Its county seat is Chillicothe, [3] the first and third capital of Ohio. Established on August 20, 1798, the county is named for Federalist Senator James Ross of Pennsylvania. [4] Ross County comprises the Chillicothe, OH Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Columbus-Marion-Zanesville, OH Combined Statistical Area.

Contents

History

Ross County was formed by proclamation of Governor St. Clair, August 20, 1798, being the sixth county formed in the Northwest Territory. [5]

Ross County was described by Ephraim George Squier and Edwin Hamilton Davis as having almost "one hundred enclosures of various sizes, and five hundred mounds" in their book, Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley (1848). They described the Indian-built earthworks as ranging from 5 to 30 feet (1.5–9.1 m) in size, and enclosures of 1 to 50 acres (0.40–20.23 ha) large. These included Serpent Mound, Fort Ancient, Mound City, and Seip Earthworks (both now part of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park), and Newark Earthworks. [6]

Geography

Countryside northeast of Chillicothe on State Route 180 Ohio State Route 180.jpg
Countryside northeast of Chillicothe on State Route 180

The Scioto River flows southward through the east-central part of the county. Paint Creek drains the lower central part of the county, flowing eastward to its terminus with the Scioto at a point southeast of Chillicothe. The county terrain consists of frequent wooded hills, with the intermediate level areas devoted to agriculture. [7] The county's highest point is Farrell Hill, six miles (9.7 km) northeast of Bainbridge. [8] The county has a total area of 693 square miles (1,790 km2), of which 689 square miles (1,780 km2) is land and 3.8 square miles (9.8 km2) (0.6%) is water. [9] Ross County is the second-largest county by land area in Ohio, after Ashtabula County, as well as the fifth-largest by total area.

Adjacent counties

Protected areas

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1800 8,540—
1810 15,51481.7%
1820 20,61932.9%
1830 24,06816.7%
1840 27,46014.1%
1850 32,07416.8%
1860 35,0719.3%
1870 37,0975.8%
1880 40,3078.7%
1890 39,454−2.1%
1900 40,9403.8%
1910 40,069−2.1%
1920 41,5563.7%
1930 45,1818.7%
1940 52,14715.4%
1950 54,4244.4%
1960 61,21512.5%
1970 61,2110.0%
1980 65,0046.2%
1990 69,3306.7%
2000 73,3455.8%
2010 78,0646.4%
2020 77,093−1.2%
US Decennial Census [12]
1790-1960 [13] 1900-1990 [14]
1990-2000 [15] 2020 [2]

2020 census

Ross County, Ohio – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic)Pop 1980 [16] Pop 1990 [17] Pop 2000 [18] Pop 2010 [19] Pop 2020 [20] % 1980% 1990% 2000% 2010% 2020
White alone (NH)61,00364,13766,99170,37867,70593.84%92.51%91.34%90.15%87.82%
Black or African American alone (NH)3,4044,4124,5344,8044,0055.24%6.36%6.18%6.15%5.20%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)631462062121890.10%0.21%0.28%0.27%0.25%
Asian alone (NH)1642652582953690.25%0.38%0.35%0.38%0.48%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH)x [21] x [22] 14720xx0.02%0.01%0.03%
Other race alone (NH)8024781061960.12%0.03%0.11%0.14%0.25%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH)x [23] x [24] 8351,5143,578xx1.14%1.94%4.64%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)2903464297481,0310.45%0.50%0.58%0.96%1.34%
Total65,00469,33073,34578,06477,093 100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 78,064 people, 28,919 households, and 19,782 families in the county. [25] The population density was 113 people per square mile (44 people/km2). There were 32,148 housing units at an average density of 46.6 units per square mile (18.0/km2). [26] The racial makeup of the county was 90.7% white, 6.2% black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 0.3% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.0% of the population. [26] In terms of ancestry, 27.0% were German, 15.2% were Irish, 12.5% were American, and 10.5% were English. [27]

Of the 28,919 households, 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.2% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 31.6% were non-families, and 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.95. The median age was 39.8 years. [26]

The median income for a household in the county was $42,626 and the median income for a family was $50,081. Males had a median income of $42,721 versus $32,374 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,595. About 13.1% of families and 17.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.7% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over. [28]

2000 census

As of the 2000 United States Census, [29] there were 73,345 people, 27,136 households, and 19,185 families in the county. The population density was 106 people per square mile (41 people/km2). There were 29,461 housing units at an average density of 42.7 units per square mile (16.5/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 91.74% White, 6.20% Black or African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.35% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.19% from other races, and 1.20% from two or more races. 0.58% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 27,136 households, out of which 32.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.20% were married couples living together, 11.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.30% were non-families. 24.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.97.

The county population contained 24.00% under the age of 18, 8.60% from 18 to 24, 31.60% from 25 to 44, 23.60% from 45 to 64, and 12.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 108.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $37,117, and the median income for a family was $43,241. Males had a median income of $35,892 versus $23,399 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,569. About 9.10% of families and 12.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.10% of those under age 18 and 10.20% of those age 65 or over.

Government

County officials

County officials are (as of October 2024):

Politics

Ross is a generally Republican county in Presidential and Congressional elections, although until recent years, Democratic candidates performed fairly well in the county. The last Democrat to win a majority in the county was Lyndon Johnson in 1964, while Bill Clinton won a plurality in 1996 and Barack Obama came within just 439 votes in 2012.

Ross is part of Ohio's 2nd congressional district, which is represented by Republican David Taylor.

United States presidential election results for Ross County, Ohio [30]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No. %No. %No. %
2024 22,80168.96%9,84629.78%4181.26%
2020 22,27866.77%10,55731.64%5301.59%
2016 18,65261.02%10,35633.88%1,5575.09%
2012 15,00849.76%14,56948.31%5831.93%
2008 16,75952.49%14,45545.28%7112.23%
2004 17,23154.41%13,97844.14%4621.46%
2000 13,70652.68%11,66244.83%6482.49%
1996 10,28639.87%12,64949.03%2,86211.09%
1992 10,82539.84%10,45238.46%5,89621.70%
1988 14,56360.39%9,27138.45%2791.16%
1984 17,01566.60%8,02031.39%5132.01%
1980 13,25155.54%9,35539.21%1,2535.25%
1976 11,47750.45%10,74347.22%5312.33%
1972 15,57371.15%5,87926.86%4361.99%
1968 11,28450.72%6,87330.90%4,08918.38%
1964 9,62343.10%12,70456.90%00.00%
1960 14,07560.90%9,03639.10%00.00%
1956 13,03663.73%7,41836.27%00.00%
1952 13,43161.01%8,58538.99%00.00%
1948 10,39852.08%9,52447.71%420.21%
1944 11,42453.50%9,92846.50%00.00%
1940 11,78048.62%12,44751.38%00.00%
1936 9,81743.75%12,50355.71%1210.54%
1932 9,57547.34%10,54252.12%1100.54%
1928 11,17964.59%6,06235.02%670.39%
1924 8,43153.86%6,02838.51%1,1947.63%
1920 9,33056.46%7,06342.74%1330.80%
1916 4,85747.76%5,15450.68%1591.56%
1912 3,60036.76%4,49445.89%1,69817.34%
1908 5,43249.69%5,32548.71%1741.59%
1904 5,47254.60%4,38743.77%1631.63%
1900 5,46351.61%5,03547.56%880.83%
1896 5,56252.32%4,96746.73%1010.95%
1892 4,63249.19%4,48947.67%2963.14%
1888 4,94250.70%4,58447.03%2212.27%
1884 4,83050.30%4,72349.18%500.52%
1880 4,73450.81%4,55148.85%320.34%
1876 4,17748.41%4,43151.35%210.24%
1872 3,65049.55%3,71150.38%50.07%
1868 3,23046.98%3,64553.02%00.00%
1864 3,38051.34%3,20448.66%00.00%
1860 3,04347.35%2,80643.67%5778.98%
1856 2,43642.69%2,68146.99%58910.32%
United States Senate election results for Ross County, Ohio1 [31]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No. %No. %No. %
2024 20,40262.42%11,12534.03%1,1603.55%

Education

School districts

School districts covering portions of Ross County include: [32]

Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center

Pickaway-Ross lies in the Northern part of the county. Students from the following affiliated Ross and Pickaway county districts attend the vocational school:

Ohio University Chillicothe

Ohio University established a regional campus in Chillicothe in 1966. The university has over 2,500 students enrolled as of 2010, ranging from traditional-aged students and non-traditional learners. [33]

Communities

Map of Ross County, Ohio With Municipal and Township Labels Map of Ross County Ohio With Municipal and Township Labels.PNG
Map of Ross County, Ohio With Municipal and Township Labels

City

Villages

Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities

Townships

Notable people

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Ross County History". Ross County OH. Archived from the original on January 15, 2009. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  2. 1 2 2020 census
  3. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. ↑ "Ross County data". Ohio State University Extension Data Center. Retrieved April 28, 2007.[ dead link ]
  5. ↑ Howe, Henry (1888). Historical Collections of Ohio. Vol. 2. Cincinnati: C.J. Krehbiel & Co. (published 1890). p. 491.
  6. ↑ Squier, E.G. (1848). Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution. p. 57.
  7. 1 2 3 Ross County OH - Google Maps (accessed 8 June 2019)
  8. ↑ Farrell Hill (PeakBagger.com, accessed 8 June 2019)
  9. ↑ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". US Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on May 4, 2014. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  10. ↑ Adena State Memorial (Ohio State Parks) accessed 8 June 2019
  11. ↑ Great Seal State Park (Ohio Div of Natural Resources) accessed 8 June 2019
  12. ↑ "US Decennial Census". US Census Bureau. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  13. ↑ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  14. ↑ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". US Census Bureau. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  15. ↑ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). US Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  16. ↑ "1980 Census of Population - General Social and Economic Characteristics - Ohio- Table 59 - Persons by Spanish Origin, Race, and Sex: 1980 AND Table 58 - Race by Sex: 1980" (PDF). United States Census Bureau . p. 49-67 and 27-47.
  17. ↑ "1990 Census of Population - General Population Characteristics - Ohio: Table 6 - Race and Hispanic Origin" (PDF). United States Census Bureau . p. 21-95.
  18. ↑ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Ross County, Ohio". United States Census Bureau .
  19. ↑ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Ross County, Ohio". United States Census Bureau .
  20. ↑ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Ross County, Ohio". United States Census Bureau .
  21. ↑ included in the Asian category in the 1980 Census
  22. ↑ included in the Asian category in the 1990 Census
  23. ↑ not an option in the 1980 Census
  24. ↑ not an option in the 1990 Census
  25. ↑ "Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  26. 1 2 3 "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  27. ↑ "Selected Social Characteristics in the US – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  28. ↑ "Selected Social Characteristics – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  29. ↑ "U.S. Census website". US Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  30. ↑ Leip, David. "Atlas of US Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  31. ↑ "2024 Senate Election (Official Returns)". Commonwealth of Texas by county. November 5, 2024. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  32. ↑ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Ross County, OH" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau . Retrieved November 21, 2024. - Text list
  33. ↑ "Profile Fact Sheet". www.ohio.edu. Archived from the original on September 9, 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  34. ↑ Brownsville, Huntington Twp OH - Google Maps (accessed 8 June 2019)
  35. ↑ "Ingham – OpenStreetMap" . Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  36. ↑ Lickskillet, Liberty Twp OH - Google Maps (accessed 8 June 2019)
  37. ↑ Metzger, Green Twp - Google Maps (accessed 8 June 2019)
  38. ↑ Pleasant Grove, Twin Twp OH - Google Maps (accessed 8 June 2019)
  39. ↑ Pleasant Valley, Union Twp OH - Google Maps (accessed 8 June 2019)

39°20′N83°04′W / 39.33°N 83.06°W / 39.33; -83.06

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