Erie County, Ohio | |
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 Flag  Seal | |
 Location within the U.S. state ofOhio | |
 Ohio's location within theU.S. | |
| Coordinates:41°31′N82°37′W / 41.51°N 82.61°W /41.51; -82.61 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Ohio |
| Founded | March 16, 1838[1] |
| Named after | Erie tribe |
| Seat | Sandusky |
| Largest city | Sandusky |
| Area | |
• Total | 626 sq mi (1,620 km2) |
| • Land | 252 sq mi (650 km2) |
| • Water | 374 sq mi (970 km2) 60% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 75,622 |
| • Density | 120/sq mi (46/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 9th |
| Website | eriecounty.oh.gov |
Erie County is acounty in the northern portion of theU.S. state ofOhio. As of the2020 census, the population was 75,622.[2] Itscounty seat and largest city isSandusky.[3] The county isnamed for theErie tribe, whose name was their word for "wildcat".[4] It was formed in 1838 from the northern third of Huron County and a portion of Sandusky County.
Erie County is included in the Sandusky, OHMetropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in theCleveland-Akron-Canton, OHCombined Statistical Area.[5]
Erie County was created in 1838 from a portion of Huron County. A few subsequent changes to Erie County's boundaries occurred shortly after its initial formation.[6]
According to theU.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 626 square miles (1,620 km2), of which 252 square miles (650 km2) is land and 374 square miles (970 km2) (60%) is water.[7] It is the second-smallest county in Ohio by land area afterLake County. The county is bordered on the north byLake Erie; the opposite shore is made up of two counties in Ontario, Canada.
It is drained by theHuron andVermilion rivers. Near the Huron River are several ancient earthwork mounds and enclosures constructed by early indigenous peoples. Sandusky has extensive quarries of valuable limestone. The surface is generally level, and the soilalluvial and exceedingly fertile.[8]
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1840 | 12,599 | — | |
| 1850 | 18,568 | 47.4% | |
| 1860 | 24,474 | 31.8% | |
| 1870 | 28,188 | 15.2% | |
| 1880 | 32,640 | 15.8% | |
| 1890 | 35,462 | 8.6% | |
| 1900 | 37,650 | 6.2% | |
| 1910 | 38,327 | 1.8% | |
| 1920 | 39,789 | 3.8% | |
| 1930 | 42,133 | 5.9% | |
| 1940 | 43,201 | 2.5% | |
| 1950 | 52,565 | 21.7% | |
| 1960 | 68,000 | 29.4% | |
| 1970 | 75,909 | 11.6% | |
| 1980 | 79,655 | 4.9% | |
| 1990 | 76,779 | −3.6% | |
| 2000 | 79,551 | 3.6% | |
| 2010 | 77,079 | −3.1% | |
| 2020 | 75,622 | −1.9% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[9] 1790-1960[10] 1900-1990[11] 1990-2000[12] 2020[2] | |||
| Race / Ethnicity(NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 1980[13] | Pop 1990[14] | Pop 2000[15] | Pop 2010[16] | Pop 2020[17] | % 1980 | % 1990 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 72,474 | 68,861 | 69,510 | 65,463 | 61,061 | 90.98% | 89.69% | 87.38% | 84.93% | 80.75% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 5,844 | 6,264 | 6,820 | 6,534 | 6,655 | 7.34% | 8.16% | 8.57% | 8.48% | 8.80% |
| Native American orAlaska Native alone (NH) | 63 | 140 | 133 | 188 | 121 | 0.08% | 0.18% | 0.17% | 0.24% | 0.16% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 153 | 256 | 297 | 456 | 474 | 0.19% | 0.33% | 0.37% | 0.59% | 0.63% |
| Native Hawaiian orPacific Islander alone (NH) | x[18] | x[19] | 2 | 6 | 10 | x | x | 0.00% | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 94 | 78 | 59 | 66 | 232 | 0.12% | 0.10% | 0.07% | 0.09% | 0.31% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | x[20] | x[21] | 1,066 | 1,762 | 3,939 | x | x | 1.34% | 2.29% | 5.21% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1,027 | 1,180 | 1,664 | 2,604 | 3,130 | 1.29% | 1.54% | 2.09% | 3.38% | 4.14% |
| Total | 79,655 | 76,779 | 79,551 | 77,079 | 75,622 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the2010 United States census, there were 77,079 people, 31,860 households, and 21,011 families residing in the county.[22] The population density was 306.4 inhabitants per square mile (118.3/km2). There were 37,845 housing units at an average density of 150.4 units per square mile (58.1 units/km2).[23] The racial makeup of the county was 87.0% white, 8.6% black or African American, 0.6% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 0.7% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 3.4% of the population.[22] In terms of ancestry, 38.8% wereGerman, 15.2% wereIrish, 11.7% wereEnglish, 8.5% wereItalian, and 4.6% wereAmerican.[24]
Of the 31,860 households, 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.5% were married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 34.1% were non-families, and 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.89. The median age was 43.4 years.[22]
The median income for a household in the county was $46,593 and the median income for a family was $61,247. Males had a median income of $46,211 versus $32,621 for females. The per capita income for the county was $25,290. About 8.5% of families and 12.5% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 17.1% of those under age 18 and 8.5% of those age 65 or over.[25]
As of thecensus[26] of 2000, there were 79,551 people, 31,727 households, and 21,764 families residing in the county. The population density was 312 inhabitants per square mile (120/km2). There were 35,909 housing units at an average density of 141 units per square mile (54/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 88.64%White, 8.64%Black orAfrican American, 0.21%Native American, 0.37%Asian, 0.01%Pacific Islander, 0.53% fromother races, and 1.60% from two or more races. 2.09% of the population wereHispanic orLatino of any race. 35.7% were ofGerman, 9.2%Irish, 8.2%English, 8.1%Italian, and 7.8%American ancestry according toCensus 2000.
There were 31,727 households, out of which 30.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.70% weremarried couples living together, 11.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.40% were non-families. 27.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.70% under the age of 18, 7.20% from 18 to 24, 27.00% from 25 to 44, 25.50% from 45 to 64, and 15.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 95.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $42,746, and the median income for a family was $51,756. Males had a median income of $39,249 versus $23,697 for females. Theper capita income for the county was $21,530. About 6.00% of families and 8.30% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 11.60% of those under age 18 and 6.80% of those age 65 or over.
In 2008, the Census Bureau announced that the county's population had declined to an estimated 77,323 by July 1, 2007.[27]
Patrick Shenigo is the Chairman of the Erie County Commission, the highest elected position in the county.
From 1992 to 2012, Erie County consistently voted Democratic. In 2016, however, it swung from a 12.3% margin forBarack Obama to a 9.5% margin forDonald Trump, tracking with Trump's unexpectedly strong showing in theRust Belt. Trump further increased his margin of victory to 11.5% in 2020. In 2024, Trump won the highest percentage of the vote in the county since 1984.
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 22,493 | 56.32% | 16,871 | 42.24% | 573 | 1.43% |
| 2020 | 22,160 | 54.83% | 17,493 | 43.28% | 763 | 1.89% |
| 2016 | 19,648 | 51.89% | 16,057 | 42.41% | 2,157 | 5.70% |
| 2012 | 16,952 | 42.92% | 21,793 | 55.17% | 755 | 1.91% |
| 2008 | 17,432 | 42.13% | 23,148 | 55.95% | 795 | 1.92% |
| 2004 | 18,597 | 46.39% | 21,421 | 53.44% | 67 | 0.17% |
| 2000 | 16,105 | 45.99% | 17,732 | 50.64% | 1,178 | 3.36% |
| 1996 | 12,204 | 36.49% | 16,730 | 50.02% | 4,515 | 13.50% |
| 1992 | 12,459 | 34.77% | 14,531 | 40.56% | 8,838 | 24.67% |
| 1988 | 16,670 | 51.77% | 15,097 | 46.89% | 431 | 1.34% |
| 1984 | 19,174 | 57.83% | 13,508 | 40.74% | 472 | 1.42% |
| 1980 | 15,628 | 51.29% | 12,343 | 40.51% | 2,499 | 8.20% |
| 1976 | 14,742 | 50.01% | 13,843 | 46.96% | 893 | 3.03% |
| 1972 | 16,714 | 58.46% | 10,889 | 38.09% | 988 | 3.46% |
| 1968 | 13,023 | 48.50% | 11,388 | 42.41% | 2,438 | 9.08% |
| 1964 | 9,981 | 38.46% | 15,968 | 61.54% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1960 | 15,092 | 57.94% | 10,954 | 42.06% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1956 | 14,771 | 70.18% | 6,276 | 29.82% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1952 | 14,245 | 65.36% | 7,549 | 34.64% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1948 | 9,568 | 52.28% | 8,644 | 47.23% | 90 | 0.49% |
| 1944 | 10,663 | 57.90% | 7,753 | 42.10% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1940 | 11,267 | 54.90% | 9,254 | 45.10% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1936 | 6,869 | 36.69% | 10,376 | 55.43% | 1,475 | 7.88% |
| 1932 | 7,666 | 40.68% | 10,765 | 57.13% | 412 | 2.19% |
| 1928 | 10,380 | 57.68% | 7,570 | 42.06% | 46 | 0.26% |
| 1924 | 7,689 | 54.34% | 2,968 | 20.97% | 3,494 | 24.69% |
| 1920 | 8,755 | 62.36% | 4,831 | 34.41% | 453 | 3.23% |
| 1916 | 4,170 | 43.12% | 5,152 | 53.27% | 349 | 3.61% |
| 1912 | 2,695 | 30.22% | 3,504 | 39.29% | 2,720 | 30.50% |
| 1908 | 5,366 | 50.14% | 4,983 | 46.56% | 353 | 3.30% |
| 1904 | 5,764 | 58.67% | 3,648 | 37.13% | 413 | 4.20% |
| 1900 | 5,353 | 51.95% | 4,837 | 46.94% | 115 | 1.12% |
| 1896 | 5,442 | 53.18% | 4,641 | 45.35% | 150 | 1.47% |
| 1892 | 3,979 | 47.28% | 4,195 | 49.85% | 242 | 2.88% |
| 1888 | 3,721 | 45.49% | 4,322 | 52.84% | 136 | 1.66% |
| 1884 | 3,507 | 45.51% | 4,044 | 52.48% | 155 | 2.01% |
| 1880 | 3,661 | 51.51% | 3,305 | 46.50% | 141 | 1.98% |
| 1876 | 3,158 | 49.40% | 3,112 | 48.68% | 123 | 1.92% |
| 1872 | 2,905 | 55.75% | 2,287 | 43.89% | 19 | 0.36% |
| 1868 | 3,130 | 62.43% | 1,884 | 37.57% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1864 | 3,033 | 62.41% | 1,827 | 37.59% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1860 | 2,886 | 63.57% | 1,538 | 33.88% | 116 | 2.56% |
| 1856 | 2,258 | 60.86% | 1,377 | 37.12% | 75 | 2.02% |
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 19,654 | 50.00% | 18,117 | 46.09% | 1,536 | 3.91% |
| Office | Name | Party |
|---|---|---|
| Commissioner | Steve Shoffner | Republican |
| Commissioner | Matt Old | Republican |
| Commissioner | Patrick J. Shenigo | Republican |
| Prosecutor | Kevin J. Baxter | Democrat |
| Sheriff | Paul A. Sigsworth | Democrat |
| Clerk of Courts | Craig Hecht | Republican |
| Recorder | Nicholas Smith | Republican |
| Treasurer | Caleb A. Stidham | Republican |
| Engineer | Eric Dodrill | Republican |
| Coroner | Brian A. Baxter | Republican |
| Auditor | Richard H. Jeffrey | Republican |
| Common Pleas Court Judge | Tygh M. Tone | Democrat |
| Common Pleas Court Judge | Roger E. Binette | Republican |
| Common Pleas Court Judge | Beverly K. McGookey | Democrat |
| Juvenile Court Judge | Robert C. DeLamatre | Republican |
Erie County's courthouse at 323 Columbus Avenue in Sandusky was built in 1872 by Cleveland architects Myer and Holmes in a richly ornamentedSecond Empire style. Most of the façade was remodeled beginning in 1936 in Art Deco in aWPA project led locally by architect Henry Millott. Some of the original façade remains visible around the bottom row of windows.[32]
All or part of eleven school districts serve Erie County and its residents:
{{cite web}}:Cite uses generic title (help)Places adjacent to Erie County, Ohio | |
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Municipalities and communities ofErie County, Ohio,United States | ||
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| Cities |  | |
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| Other communities | ||
| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
| International | |
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| National | |
| Other | |
