Richland County, Ohio

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,296 km² (500 mi²). 1,287 km² (497 mi²) of it is land and 9 km² (3 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.69% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 128,852 people, 49,534 households, and 34,277 families residing in the county. The population density is 100/km² (259/mi²). There are 53,062 housing units at an average density of 41/km² (107/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 88.16% White, 9.43% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.51% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.38% from other races, and 1.28% from two or more races. 0.93% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 49,534 households out of which 30.90% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.30% are married couples living together, 11.40% have a female householder with no husband present, and 30.80% are non-families. 26.50% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.90% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.47 and the average family size is 2.98.

In the county, the population is spread out with 24.80% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 28.60% from 25 to 44, 24.10% from 45 to 64, and 14.20% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 101.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 99.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $37,397, and the median income for a family is $45,036. Males have a median income of $35,425 versus $22,859 for females. The per capita income for the county is $18,582. 10.60% of the population and 8.20% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 15.30% are under the age of 18 and 7.70% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Bellville
• Butler
• Lexington
• Lucas
• Mansfield
• Ontario
• Shelby
• Shiloh