Fairfield County, Ohio | |
|---|---|
_Courhouse.jpg) Fairfield County Courthouse | |
 Seal | |
 Location within the U.S. state ofOhio | |
 Ohio's location within theU.S. | |
| Coordinates:39°45′N82°38′W / 39.75°N 82.63°W /39.75; -82.63 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Ohio |
| Founded | December 9, 1800[1] |
| Named after | the Fairfield area ofLancaster, Lancashire,UK |
| Seat | Lancaster |
| Largest city | Lancaster |
| Area | |
• Total | 509 sq mi (1,320 km2) |
| • Land | 504 sq mi (1,310 km2) |
| • Water | 4.2 sq mi (11 km2) 0.8% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 158,921 |
| • Density | 310/sq mi (120/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 12th |
| Website | www |
Fairfield County is located in theU.S. state ofOhio. As of the2020 census, the population was 158,921.[2] Itscounty seat and largest city isLancaster.[3] Itsname is a reference to the Fairfield area of the originalLancaster. Fairfield County is part of theColumbus, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Fairfield County originally encompassed all or parts of present day[update]Knox, Hocking, Licking, Perry, and Pickaway Counties.[4] Fairfield is a descriptive name referring to the beauty of their fields.[5]
According to theU.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 509 square miles (1,320 km2), of which 504 square miles (1,310 km2) is land and 4.2 square miles (11 km2) (0.8%) is water.[6]
Fairfield County sits just on the edge of Ohio'sAppalachian region. While the once-glaciated northern portion of the county is fairly flat, as one travels south alongU.S. 33 one can easily recognize the foothills of a mountainous region beginning around the village ofCarroll. Although not officially part of the state or federaldefinition of Appalachia, certain areas of Fairfield County—particularly those south ofU.S. 22—bear a distinctly Appalachian feel in both physical geography and demographics.
The scenicHocking Hills region lies immediately to the south, mostly in neighboringHocking County. A large portion ofBuckeye Lake is located in northeastern Fairfield County.
Mudhouse Mansion, an allegedlyhaunted house, was located in the county.
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1810 | 11,361 | — | |
| 1820 | 16,633 | 46.4% | |
| 1830 | 24,786 | 49.0% | |
| 1840 | 31,924 | 28.8% | |
| 1850 | 30,264 | −5.2% | |
| 1860 | 30,538 | 0.9% | |
| 1870 | 31,138 | 2.0% | |
| 1880 | 34,284 | 10.1% | |
| 1890 | 33,939 | −1.0% | |
| 1900 | 34,259 | 0.9% | |
| 1910 | 39,201 | 14.4% | |
| 1920 | 40,484 | 3.3% | |
| 1930 | 44,010 | 8.7% | |
| 1940 | 48,490 | 10.2% | |
| 1950 | 52,130 | 7.5% | |
| 1960 | 63,912 | 22.6% | |
| 1970 | 73,301 | 14.7% | |
| 1980 | 93,678 | 27.8% | |
| 1990 | 103,461 | 10.4% | |
| 2000 | 122,759 | 18.7% | |
| 2010 | 146,156 | 19.1% | |
| 2020 | 158,921 | 8.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[7] 1790-1960[8] 1900-1990[9] 1990-2000[10] 2020[2] | |||
| Race / Ethnicity(NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 1980[11] | Pop 1990[12] | Pop 2000[13] | Pop 2010[14] | Pop 2020[15] | % 1980 | % 1990 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 92,598 | 101,269 | 116,201 | 130,377 | 130,664 | 98.85% | 97.88% | 94.66% | 89.20% | 82.22% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 318 | 1,125 | 3,245 | 8,609 | 13,302 | 0.34% | 1.09% | 2.64% | 5.89% | 8.37% |
| Native American orAlaska Native alone (NH) | 81 | 182 | 219 | 278 | 287 | 0.09% | 0.18% | 0.18% | 0.19% | 0.18% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 217 | 374 | 878 | 1,626 | 3,063 | 0.23% | 0.36% | 0.72% | 1.11% | 1.93% |
| Native Hawaiian orPacific Islander alone (NH) | x[16] | x[17] | 26 | 39 | 31 | x | x | 0.02% | 0.03% | 0.02% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 65 | 22 | 73 | 190 | 515 | 0.07% | 0.02% | 0.06% | 0.13% | 0.32% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | x[18] | x[19] | 1,124 | 2,527 | 7,038 | x | x | 0.92% | 1.73% | 4.43% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 399 | 489 | 993 | 2,510 | 4,021 | 0.43% | 0.47% | 0.81% | 1.72% | 2.53% |
| Total | 93,678 | 103,461 | 122,759 | 146,156 | 158,921 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the2010 United States census, there were 146,156 people, 54,310 households, and 39,846 families living in the county.[20] The population density was 289.8 inhabitants per square mile (111.9/km2). There were 58,687 housing units at an average density of 116.3 units per square mile (44.9 units/km2).[21] The racial makeup of the county was 90.2% white, 6.0% black or African American, 1.1% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 0.6% from other races, and 1.9% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.7% of the population.[20] In terms of ancestry, 31.2% wereGerman, 16.2% wereIrish, 11.7% wereEnglish, 8.6% wereAmerican, and 5.2% wereItalian.[22]
Of the 54,310 households, 37.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.3% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 26.6% were non-families, and 21.9% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.07. The median age was 38.2 years.[20]
The median income for a household in the county was $56,796 and the median income for a family was $65,835. Males had a median income of $49,314 versus $37,209 for females. The per capita income for the county was $26,130. About 7.5% of families and 10.4% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 14.7% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.[23]
As of thecensus[24] of 2010, there were 146,156 people, 54,310 households, and 39,846 families living in the county. The population density was 289 inhabitants per square mile (112/km2). There were 58,678 housing units at an average density of 116 units per square mile (45/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 90.02%White, 6.00%Black orAfrican American, 0.20%Native American, 1.10%Asian, 0.00%Pacific Islander, 0.23% fromother races, and 1.90% from two or more races. 1.70% of the population wereHispanic orLatino of any race.
There were 54,310 households, out of which 34.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.30% weremarried couples living together, 11.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.60% were non-families. 21.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.07.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.30% under the age of 18, 8.00% from 18 to 24, 30.20% from 25 to 44, 23.90% from 45 to 64, and 12.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $47,962, and the median income for a family was $55,539. Males had a median income of $39,566 versus $27,353 for females. Theper capita income for the county was $21,671. About 4.50% of families and 5.90% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 7.40% of those under age 18 and 6.20% of those age 65 or over.
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 51,999 | 61.57% | 31,695 | 37.53% | 763 | 0.90% |
| 2020 | 50,797 | 60.97% | 31,224 | 37.48% | 1,290 | 1.55% |
| 2016 | 44,314 | 60.25% | 24,881 | 33.83% | 4,359 | 5.93% |
| 2012 | 41,034 | 56.82% | 29,890 | 41.39% | 1,296 | 1.79% |
| 2008 | 41,580 | 57.63% | 29,250 | 40.54% | 1,317 | 1.83% |
| 2004 | 42,715 | 62.93% | 24,783 | 36.51% | 384 | 0.57% |
| 2000 | 33,523 | 61.97% | 19,065 | 35.24% | 1,506 | 2.78% |
| 1996 | 26,850 | 52.98% | 18,821 | 37.13% | 5,013 | 9.89% |
| 1992 | 24,125 | 47.50% | 14,249 | 28.06% | 12,415 | 24.44% |
| 1988 | 29,208 | 69.46% | 12,504 | 29.74% | 339 | 0.81% |
| 1984 | 30,843 | 75.17% | 9,817 | 23.92% | 373 | 0.91% |
| 1980 | 24,096 | 60.98% | 13,144 | 33.26% | 2,275 | 5.76% |
| 1976 | 19,098 | 57.73% | 13,361 | 40.39% | 620 | 1.87% |
| 1972 | 21,909 | 71.67% | 7,746 | 25.34% | 913 | 2.99% |
| 1968 | 14,810 | 52.03% | 9,533 | 33.49% | 4,124 | 14.49% |
| 1964 | 11,480 | 42.38% | 15,611 | 57.62% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1960 | 17,743 | 66.03% | 9,128 | 33.97% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1956 | 15,647 | 65.24% | 8,337 | 34.76% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1952 | 15,027 | 62.18% | 9,140 | 37.82% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1948 | 9,471 | 50.09% | 9,375 | 49.58% | 61 | 0.32% |
| 1944 | 11,135 | 56.89% | 8,439 | 43.11% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1940 | 10,813 | 48.90% | 11,298 | 51.10% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1936 | 8,062 | 38.70% | 12,322 | 59.16% | 446 | 2.14% |
| 1932 | 8,050 | 43.04% | 10,410 | 55.66% | 244 | 1.30% |
| 1928 | 12,072 | 67.87% | 5,619 | 31.59% | 97 | 0.55% |
| 1924 | 8,281 | 53.80% | 5,890 | 38.26% | 1,222 | 7.94% |
| 1920 | 7,572 | 46.46% | 8,610 | 52.83% | 116 | 0.71% |
| 1916 | 3,380 | 34.69% | 6,172 | 63.34% | 192 | 1.97% |
| 1912 | 1,672 | 18.83% | 5,101 | 57.45% | 2,106 | 23.72% |
| 1908 | 4,023 | 40.24% | 5,821 | 58.22% | 154 | 1.54% |
| 1904 | 4,084 | 45.26% | 4,632 | 51.33% | 308 | 3.41% |
| 1900 | 3,738 | 40.14% | 5,431 | 58.32% | 144 | 1.55% |
| 1896 | 3,432 | 39.20% | 5,250 | 59.96% | 74 | 0.85% |
| 1892 | 3,004 | 37.83% | 4,650 | 58.56% | 287 | 3.61% |
| 1888 | 3,058 | 37.64% | 4,846 | 59.65% | 220 | 2.71% |
| 1884 | 3,210 | 38.94% | 4,922 | 59.70% | 112 | 1.36% |
| 1880 | 3,103 | 38.91% | 4,842 | 60.72% | 29 | 0.36% |
| 1876 | 2,770 | 37.57% | 4,597 | 62.36% | 5 | 0.07% |
| 1872 | 2,540 | 39.40% | 3,888 | 60.31% | 19 | 0.29% |
| 1868 | 2,439 | 37.44% | 4,076 | 62.56% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1864 | 2,427 | 40.87% | 3,512 | 59.13% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1860 | 2,178 | 37.66% | 3,249 | 56.18% | 356 | 6.16% |
| 1856 | 1,700 | 30.12% | 3,233 | 57.28% | 711 | 12.60% |
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 47,342 | 56.45% | 33,697 | 40.18% | 2,819 | 3.36% |
Prior to 1944, Fairfield County was Democratic in presidential elections, only voting for Republicans twice from 1856 to 1940. Starting with the 1944 election, the county has become a Republican stronghold in presidential elections, withLyndon B. Johnson being the only Democrat to win since then, butHarry S. Truman came within 96 votes of winning it in 1948.
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_Auditor.svg)
| Office | Officeholder | Party |
|---|---|---|
| Fairfield County Commissioner | David L. Levacy | Republican |
| Fairfield County Commissioner | Steve Davis | Republican |
| Fairfield County Commissioner | Jeffrey Fix | Republican |
| Auditor | Carri Brown, PhD | Republican |
| Clerk of Courts | Branden Meyer | Republican |
| Coroner | Dr. L. Brian Varney, M.D. | Republican |
| Engineer | Jeremiah Upp | Republican |
| Prosecutor | Kyle Witt | Republican |
| Recorder | Lisa R. McKenzie | Republican |
| Sheriff | Alex Lape | Republican |
| Treasurer | James Bahnsen | Republican |
| District | Representative | Party |
|---|---|---|
| 69 | Kevin Miller | Republican |
| 73 | Jeff LaRe | Republican |
| District | Senator | Party |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | Tim Schaffer | Republican |
| District | Representative | Party |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | Troy Balderson | Republican |
| 15 | Mike Carey | Republican |
| Senator | Party |
|---|---|
| Bernie Moreno | Republican |
| Jon Husted | Republican |
School districts include:[27]
Source:[28]
Places adjacent to Fairfield County, Ohio | ||||||||||||||||
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Municipalities and communities ofFairfield County, Ohio,United States | ||
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| Townships | ||
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| Unincorporated communities | ||
| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
| International | |
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| National | |
| Geographic | |
| Other | |
