Geauga County, Ohio | |
|---|---|
 Geauga County Courthouse | |
 Flag  Seal | |
 Location within the U.S. state ofOhio | |
| Coordinates:41°30′N81°10′W / 41.5°N 81.17°W /41.5; -81.17 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Ohio |
| Founded | March 1, 1806[1] |
| Named after | anIroquoian word for "raccoon" |
| Seat | Chardon |
| Largest city | Chardon |
| Area | |
• Total | 408 sq mi (1,060 km2) |
| • Land | 400 sq mi (1,000 km2) |
| • Water | 8.1 sq mi (21 km2) 2.0% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 95,397 |
• Estimate (2024)[2] | 95,362 |
| • Density | 238.4/sq mi (92.0/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 14th |
| Website | geauga |
Geauga County (/dʒiˈɔːɡə/jee-AW-gə) is acounty located in the northeast portion of theU.S. state ofOhio. As of the2020 census, the population was 95,397.[3] Thecounty seat and largest city isChardon.[4]
The county isnamed for anOnondaga orSeneca language word meaning "raccoon",[5] originally the name of theGrand River.
Geauga County is part of theCleveland, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area.
In 2008,Forbes magazine ranked Geauga County as the fourth best place in the United States to raise a family.[6]
About 20% of the counties area (Geauga, Trumbull, Ashtabula and Portage) population isAmish, as of 2017[update].[7]
Geauga County is named after theOnondaga wordjyo’ä·gak orSenecajo’ä·ka, both meaning 'raccoon' (originally the name of theGrand River).
After the discovery of theNew World, the land that became Geauga County was originally part of the French colony ofCanada (New France), which was ceded in 1763 toGreat Britain and renamedProvince of Quebec. In the late 18th century the land became part of theConnecticut Western Reserve in theNorthwest Territory, and then was purchased by theConnecticut Land Company in 1795.
Geauga County was founded on March 1, 1806, as the second county in the Connecticut Western Reserve, originating fromTrumbull County, Ohio. In 1808, the size of Geauga County was reduced by the creation ofAshtabula County,Cuyahoga County, andLake County.
The present-day boundaries were established in 1840 following the creation ofLake County. A disagreement about the location of the county seat began in 1808 when commissioners fromTrumbull County began the process of identifying the seat of justice.[8] Residents in the northern townships wanted the seat in Champion, renamedPainesville, Ohio in 1832.[9] Residents in southern townships desired a centrally located county seat and took advantage of a tract of land donated by Peter Chardon Brooks calledChardon, Ohio. Despite Chardon being selected in 1809, the argument was never really settled. Over the next two decades, population growth in the seven northern townships exceeded the remaining sixteen southern townships, further fueling the disagreement. On January 21, 1840, a petition to create Lake County from seven townships in northern Geauga County andWilloughby Township fromCuyahoga County were presented to the Ohio House of Representatives.[9]Seabury Ford presented petitions against its creation. Lake County was established in March 1840 by the Ohio Legislature. As the newly formed Lake County did not have sufficient territory to meet the requirements for a county, the northern border included submerged land beneath the waters ofLake Erie.
The first settlement in Geauga was atBurton, Ohio in the year 1798, when three families settled there fromConnecticut.[10]
According to theU.S. Census Bureau, the county has an area of 408 square miles (1,060 km2), of which 400 square miles (1,000 km2) is land and 8.1 square miles (21 km2) (2.0%) is water.[11]
Geauga County receives the most precipitation of any county in northern Ohio, with most of the county receiving over 42 inches annually in an average year, and some parts exceeding 44 inches.[12]
Thegeography of Geauga County was radically changed byIllinoian andWisconsinan glaciation, which is evident in the derangeddrainage system, landscape change, andglacial till. Theheadwaters of threewatercourses in theLake Eriebasin are in Geauga County. These include theCuyahoga River,Chagrin River, andGrand River. Portions of all three are designated Ohio Scenic Rivers.[13]
Point sources of the east branch of theCuyahoga River are inHambden Township,Claridon Township, andBurton Township.[14][15] The point source of the west branch of the Cuyahoga River is near the intersection of Pond and Rapids Roads inBurton Township.[16][17]
The point sources of the east branch of theChagrin River are atBass Lake inMunson Township and the southwest corner of the city ofChardon.[18][19] McFarland Creek inBainbridge Township, sometimes referred to as Chagrin Falls because of the postal zip code, is a tributary of theAurora branch of theChagrin River.[20]
Point sources of theGrand River are inParkman Township,Troy Township, and Swine Creek inMiddlefield Township.[21][22]
While the majority of waterways in Geauga County are part of theLake Eriewatershed, the Silver Creek inTroy Township is a tributary to the west branch of theMahoning River, part of theOhio River watershed, the largest tributary to theMississippi River.[23] There is another Silver Creek in Geauga County inRussell Township, which is a tributary to the east branch of theChagrin River.[24]
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1810 | 2,917 | — | |
| 1820 | 7,791 | 167.1% | |
| 1830 | 15,813 | 103.0% | |
| 1840 | 16,297 | 3.1% | |
| 1850 | 17,827 | 9.4% | |
| 1860 | 15,817 | −11.3% | |
| 1870 | 14,190 | −10.3% | |
| 1880 | 14,251 | 0.4% | |
| 1890 | 13,489 | −5.3% | |
| 1900 | 14,744 | 9.3% | |
| 1910 | 14,670 | −0.5% | |
| 1920 | 15,036 | 2.5% | |
| 1930 | 15,414 | 2.5% | |
| 1940 | 19,430 | 26.1% | |
| 1950 | 26,646 | 37.1% | |
| 1960 | 47,573 | 78.5% | |
| 1970 | 62,977 | 32.4% | |
| 1980 | 74,474 | 18.3% | |
| 1990 | 81,129 | 8.9% | |
| 2000 | 90,895 | 12.0% | |
| 2010 | 93,389 | 2.7% | |
| 2020 | 95,397 | 2.2% | |
| 2024 (est.) | 95,362 | 0.0% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[25] 1790-1960[26] 1900-1990[27] 1990-2000[28] 2020[3] 2024[2] | |||
As of the2020 census, the county had a population of 95,397. The median age was 45.8 years, 22.5% of residents were under the age of 18, and 22.3% were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 97.7 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 95.6 males age 18 and over.[29][30]
The racial makeup of the county was 93.7%White, 1.1%Black or African American, 0.1%American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Asian, <0.1%Native Hawaiian andPacific Islander, 0.6% from some other race, and 3.8% fromtwo or more races.Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 1.7% of the population.[30]
21.4% of residents lived in urban areas, while 78.6% lived in rural areas.[31]
There were 35,460 households in the county, of which 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 61.7% were married-couple households, 14.6% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 19.2% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 22.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[29]
There were 37,419 housing units, of which 5.2% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 86.6% were owner-occupied and 13.4% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.0% and the rental vacancy rate was 7.0%.[29]
| Race / ethnicity(NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 1980[32] | Pop 1990[33] | Pop 2000[34] | Pop 2010[35] | Pop 2020[36] | % 1980 | % 1990 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 72,877 | 79,379 | 88,161 | 89,766 | 88,958 | 97.86% | 97.84% | 96.99% | 96.12% | 93.25% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 980 | 1,056 | 1,104 | 1,187 | 1,075 | 1.32% | 1.30% | 1.21% | 1.27% | 1.13% |
| Native American orAlaska Native alone (NH) | 34 | 79 | 60 | 61 | 36 | 0.05% | 0.10% | 0.07% | 0.07% | 0.04% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 239 | 306 | 382 | 552 | 666 | 0.32% | 0.38% | 0.42% | 0.59% | 0.70% |
| Native Hawaiian orPacific Islander alone (NH) | x[37] | x[38] | 10 | 11 | 8 | x | x | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 39 | 15 | 45 | 78 | 220 | 0.05% | 0.02% | 0.05% | 0.08% | 0.23% |
| Mixed-race or multiracial (NH) | x[39] | x[40] | 595 | 733 | 2,770 | x | x | 0.65% | 0.78% | 2.90% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 305 | 294 | 538 | 1,001 | 1,664 | 0.41% | 0.36% | 0.59% | 1.07% | 1.74% |
| Total | 74,474 | 81,129 | 90,895 | 93,389 | 95,397 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the2010 United States census, there were 93,389 people, 34,264 households, and 25,654 families residing in the county.[41] The population density was 233.4 inhabitants per square mile (90.1/km2). There were 36,574 housing units at an average density of 91.4 units per square mile (35.3 units/km2).[42] The racial makeup of the county was 96.9% white, 1.3% black or African American, 0.6% Asian, 0.1% American Indian, 0.3% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.1% of the population.[41] In terms of ancestry, 27.4% wereGerman, 17.1% wereIrish, 13.8% wereItalian, 13.8% wereEnglish, 8.3% werePolish, 5.5% wereHungarian, and 3.6% wereAmerican.[43]
Of the 34,264 households, 33.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.8% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 25.1% were non-families, and 21.2% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.16. The median age was 43.3 years.[41]
The median income for a household in the county was $89,663 and the median income for a family was $101,780. Males had a median income of $94,863 versus $40,565 for females. The per capita income for the county was $32,735. About 5.0% of families and 7.6% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 10.8% of those under age 18 and 6.4% of those age 65 or over.[44]
As of thecensus of 2010,[45] there were 93,389 people, 34,264 households, and 25,654 families residing in the county. The population density was 231.1 inhabitants per square mile (89.2/km2). There were 34,264 occupied housing units at an average density of 84.8 units per square mile (32.7 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 97.0%White, 1.4%Black orAfrican American, 0.1%Native American, 0.6%Asian, 0.001%Pacific Islander, 0.3% fromother races, and 0.8% from two or more races. 88.1% spokeEnglish, 4.6%German, 1.2%Spanish, and 3.3% spoke otherWest Germanic languages.[46]
There were 34,264 households, out of which 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.8% weremarried couples living together, 7.70% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.50% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.10% were non-families. 25.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.16.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.0% under the age of 18, 6.60% from 18 to 24, 20.1% from 25 to 44, 31.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.3 years. For every 100 females there were 96.85 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.72 males.
As of thecensus[47] of 2000, 0.59% of the population wereHispanic orLatino of any race, 26.8% were ofGerman, 15.3%Irish, 14.3%English, 10.8%Italian 7.5%Polish and 5.2%American ancestry. According toCensus 2000, 89.4% spokeEnglish, 5.1%German, 1.5%Pennsylvania Dutch and 1.0%Spanish as their first language.
As of thecensus[47] of 2000, the median income for a household in the county was $60,200, and the median income for a family was $67,427. Males had a median income of $48,443 versus $30,567 for females. Theper capita income for the county was $27,944. About 2.80% of families and 4.60% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 6.10% of those under age 18 and 5.10% of those age 65 or over. The median household income and per capita income werethe second highest among Ohio counties after Delaware, and 74th and 79th in the country, respectively.
| Religion | 2010 | 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | % | Number | % | |
| Christianity | 52,788 | 56.5 | 67,801 | 71.6 |
| — Anabaptist churches | 8,870 | 9.5 | 9,803 | 10.3 |
| — Other Evangelical churches | 4,865 | 5.2 | 18,533 | 19.9 |
| — Catholic Church | 30,880 | 33,1 | 32,469 | 34.0 |
| — Mainline Protestant churches | 7,738 | 8.3 | 6,564 | 6.9 |
-Black Protestant churches | 185 | 0.2 | 432 | 0.5 |
| Other religions | 250 | 0.3 | 1,417 | 1.5 |
| None* | 40,601 | 43,5 | 27,596 | 28.9 |
| Total population | 93,389 | 95,397 | ||
| *"None" is an unclear category.[50][51] It is a heterogenous group of the not religious and intermittently religious.[52] Researchers argue that most of the "Nones" should be considered "unchurched", rather than objectively nonreligious,[51][53][54][55] especially since most "Nones" do hold some religious-spiritual beliefs and a notable amount participate in religious behaviors.[51][53][56][57] For example, 72% of American "Nones" believe in God or a higher power.[58] | ||||
Geauga County is a Republican stronghold, having voted Democratic for president only once since 1856, inLyndon B. Johnson's 1964 landslide, butFranklin D. Roosevelt came within just 220 votes in 1936.
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 1856 | 2,694 | 80.97% | 575 | 17.28% | 58 | 1.74% |
| 1860 | 2,877 | 79.70% | 677 | 18.75% | 56 | 1.55% |
| 1864 | 2,974 | 85.73% | 495 | 14.27% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1868 | 2,892 | 81.88% | 640 | 18.12% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1872 | 2,711 | 81.66% | 600 | 18.07% | 9 | 0.27% |
| 1876 | 3,004 | 78.62% | 808 | 21.15% | 9 | 0.24% |
| 1880 | 3,053 | 77.72% | 815 | 20.75% | 60 | 1.53% |
| 1884 | 2,960 | 74.60% | 824 | 20.77% | 184 | 4.64% |
| 1888 | 2,712 | 71.80% | 843 | 22.32% | 222 | 5.88% |
| 1892 | 2,267 | 68.80% | 758 | 23.00% | 270 | 8.19% |
| 1896 | 2,807 | 68.20% | 1,260 | 30.61% | 49 | 1.19% |
| 1900 | 2,816 | 69.77% | 1,117 | 27.68% | 103 | 2.55% |
| 1904 | 2,762 | 81.24% | 544 | 16.00% | 94 | 2.76% |
| 1908 | 2,596 | 71.20% | 982 | 26.93% | 68 | 1.87% |
| 1912 | 579 | 18.22% | 873 | 27.47% | 1,726 | 54.31% |
| 1916 | 1,806 | 56.12% | 1,345 | 41.80% | 67 | 2.08% |
| 1920 | 3,722 | 76.69% | 1,081 | 22.27% | 50 | 1.03% |
| 1924 | 3,375 | 72.39% | 635 | 13.62% | 652 | 13.99% |
| 1928 | 4,161 | 77.37% | 1,180 | 21.94% | 37 | 0.69% |
| 1932 | 3,836 | 59.44% | 2,396 | 37.12% | 222 | 3.44% |
| 1936 | 3,620 | 49.49% | 3,400 | 46.49% | 294 | 4.02% |
| 1940 | 5,371 | 61.81% | 3,318 | 38.19% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1944 | 5,295 | 61.86% | 3,264 | 38.14% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1948 | 5,535 | 64.20% | 2,960 | 34.33% | 127 | 1.47% |
| 1952 | 8,975 | 68.09% | 4,207 | 31.91% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1956 | 10,971 | 69.49% | 4,818 | 30.51% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1960 | 12,491 | 59.44% | 8,522 | 40.56% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1964 | 9,423 | 43.55% | 12,212 | 56.45% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1968 | 11,857 | 51.76% | 7,825 | 34.16% | 3,226 | 14.08% |
| 1972 | 15,624 | 66.27% | 7,329 | 31.09% | 624 | 2.65% |
| 1976 | 15,004 | 57.12% | 10,449 | 39.78% | 816 | 3.11% |
| 1980 | 17,762 | 58.81% | 9,542 | 31.59% | 2,900 | 9.60% |
| 1984 | 22,369 | 68.29% | 9,954 | 30.39% | 431 | 1.32% |
| 1988 | 22,339 | 64.55% | 11,874 | 34.31% | 395 | 1.14% |
| 1992 | 18,200 | 44.92% | 11,466 | 28.30% | 10,852 | 26.78% |
| 1996 | 19,662 | 50.30% | 14,143 | 36.18% | 5,284 | 13.52% |
| 2000 | 25,417 | 59.66% | 15,327 | 35.98% | 1,856 | 4.36% |
| 2004 | 30,370 | 60.21% | 19,850 | 39.35% | 222 | 0.44% |
| 2008 | 29,096 | 56.78% | 21,250 | 41.47% | 899 | 1.75% |
| 2012 | 30,589 | 59.85% | 19,659 | 38.46% | 865 | 1.69% |
| 2016 | 30,227 | 59.66% | 17,569 | 34.68% | 2,866 | 5.66% |
| 2020 | 34,143 | 60.95% | 21,201 | 37.84% | 677 | 1.21% |
| 2024 | 33,844 | 61.32% | 20,604 | 37.33% | 741 | 1.34% |
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 30,987 | 56.72% | 22,315 | 40.85% | 1,330 | 2.43% |
| Party | Name | Position | |
|---|---|---|---|
| R | Ralph Spidalieri | Commissioner | |
| R | Tim Lennon | Commissioner | |
| R | James Dvorak | Commissioner | |
| R | Charles Walder | Auditor | |
| R | Sheila Bevington | Clerk of courts | |
| R | Dr. John Urbancic | Coroner | |
| R | Joseph Cattell | Engineer | |
| R | James Flaiz | Prosecuting attorney | |
| R | Celesta Mullins | Recorder | |
| R | Scott A. Hildenbrand | Sheriff | |
| R | Christopher P. Hitchcock | Treasurer | |
U.S. Route 6Grand Army of the Republic Highway honoringAmerican Civil War Veterans
U.S. Route 322
U.S. Route 422An officialGeauga County road map
The mostly rural nature of Geauga County limits the feasibility of a fixed-route transit system. Instead,Geauga County Transit offers a demand-responsive door-to-door transit system within the county, with some out-of-county service. As of 2015[update], one-way fares for door-to-door service were $6.00, with 50% discounts for the elderly, disabled, or children 6 years to 17 years old. Children 5 years and younger are free. Out-of-county fares are two times the posted in-county fares. Service is provided 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Friday. Reservations are suggested with at least three days notice, but can be made up to one week in advance.[62]
Geauga County is home to onepublic airport inMiddlefield, Ohio.[63] The Geauga County Airport call sign is 7G8. It is home to Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 5.[64]
The Geauga County Airport sits on 41 acres purchased by the Middlefield Chamber of Commerce and donated to Geauga County. Ground was broken August 31, 1967, and it was officially opened September 29, 1968. The airport has one 3500' long by 65' wide runway. Runway numbers are 11 on the west end and 29 on the east end. There are two T-hangars, one private hangar, two community hangars, a pilot lounge and restroom facility.[63][65]
Geauga County is home to six public school districts as illustrated inthis list of school districts in Ohio.
The Geauga County Educational Service Center provides collaborative programs and services for the seven local school districts in Geauga County, leveraging resources to reduce overall costs to each district. The ESC has formed a P-16 bridge initiative whosemission is to create workforce readiness in our youth and adults through substantive partnerships between educators, businesses, community organizations, parents focusing on important transitions experienced at each level. Geauga County P-16 will develop a sustainable process and program to insure its continued success.[66]
| District | Location | Communities served |
|---|---|---|
| Berkshire Local School District | Burton, Ohio | Burton Township, Burton Village, most of Claridon Township, Troy Township, Welshfield, Montville and Thompson Townships |
| Cardinal Local School District | Middlefield, Ohio | Huntsburg Township, Middlefield Township, Middlefield Village, Parkman Township, small part of Mespotamia (Trumbull County) |
| Chardon Local School District | Chardon, Ohio | Chardon City, Chardon Township, part of Claridon Township, Hambden Township, most of Munson Township, very small part of Concord Township (Lake County) |
| Kenston Local School District | Bainbridge Township, Ohio | Auburn Township, most of Bainbridge Township |
| West Geauga County Local School District | Chester Township, Ohio | Chester Township, Chesterland,Newbury Township, a small part of Hunting Valley, a part of Munson Township, and an unincorporated part of Russell Township |
In addition, there are five neighboring public school districts that serve portions of Geauga County.
| District | Location | Communities served in Geauga County |
|---|---|---|
| Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District | Chagrin Falls, Ohio andSouth Russell, Ohio | South Russell Village; small parts of Bainbridge and Russell Townships |
| Kirtland Local School District | Kirtland, Ohio | small part of Chardon Township |
| Madison Local School District | Madison, Ohio | small part of Thompson Township |
| Mentor Exempted Village School District | Mentor, Ohio | small part of Chardon Township |
| Riverside Local School District | Painesville, Ohio | small part of Chardon Township |
Taxpayers in six of the seven school districts in Geauga County support a Joint Vocational School District (JVSD) at the Auburn Career Center inConcord Township, Ohio. The career center offers a variety of programs in health, education, and hands-on technology.
Geauga County is home to eight private, parochial, and/or specialized schools.
| District | Location | Communities served |
|---|---|---|
| Agape Christian Academy | Burton Township, Ohio andTroy Township, Ohio | Accepts applications prior to the start of each school year |
| Hawken School | Gates Mills, Ohio | College preparatory day school: online application, site visit and testing |
| Hershey Montessori School | Huntsburg Township, Ohio | Co-ed school and boarding community serving students in 7th-12th grade. Chartered byOhio Department of Education. New applications accepted year round. |
| Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin | Munson Township, Ohio | Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland: open to 8th grade students who have attended a Catholic elementary school and others who have not |
| Solon/Bainbridge Montessori School of Languages | Bainbridge Township, Ohio | nonsectarianMontessori School: quarterly enrollment periods |
| Saint Anselm School | Chester Township, Ohio | Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland K - 8th grade; preschool |
| Saint Helen's School | Newbury, Ohio | Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland K - 8th grade; parishioners and non-parishioners |
| Saint Mary's School | Chardon, Ohio | Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland preschool - 8th grade; parishioners and non-parishioners |
| Laurel School Butler Campus | Russell Township, Ohio | Private, K-12, girls-only, college preparatory |
Geauga County has one institution of higher learning:
Ohio's 14th Congressional District
76thOhio House District 99thOhio House District
18thOhio Senate District 32ndOhio Senate District
U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals
Ohio 11th District Courts of Appeals
Places adjacent to Geauga County, Ohio | |
|---|---|
Municipalities and communities ofGeauga County, Ohio,United States | ||
|---|---|---|
| City |  | |
| Villages | ||
| Townships | ||
| CDPs | ||
| Unincorporated communities | ||
| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
41°30′N81°10′W / 41.50°N 81.17°W /41.50; -81.17
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
