United States >> Ohio

Ohio Petition Jobs

✅ Petition Referrals, LLC: Campaign Petition gatherer, Signature Gatherer Petitioner, Petition Signature Collector, Petition Circulator, Sales Canvasser, Outdoor Sales Representative

Ohio, nicknamed the Buckeye State, is located in the Midwestern United States. It was admitted to the Union as the 17th state on March 1, 1803. Ohio is bordered by Lake Erie to the north, Pennsylvania to the east, West Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the south, Indiana to the west, and Michigan to the northwest. It covers 44,825 square miles, making it the 34th largest state by area. As of 2023, Ohio has an estimated population of 11.8 million people, making it the 7th most populous U.S. state. The state's capital and largest city is Columbus.

History of Ohio

Evidence of Native American cultures dates back more than 15,000 years in Ohio. The Hopewell culture built impressive mounds and earthworks throughout the state. By the 18th century, the Shawnee, Delaware, Mingo, Wyandot, and Miami tribes inhabited the area. After the French and Indian War, France ceded the area to Great Britain, who prohibited colonization west of the Appalachian Mountains. However, after the Revolutionary War, Congress enacted the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 to establish the Northwest Territory, including what is now Ohio. As required by the ordinance, slavery was prohibited in Ohio. Ohio was the first territory west of the original 13 colonies admitted to the union. Its strategic location on major transportation routes contributed to its rapid growth. By the mid-19th century, Ohio emerged as a center of industry and commerce. It played an important role in the Underground Railroad, with thousands of runaway slaves crossing the Ohio River to escape to freedom. Ohio contributed over 320,000 troops during the Civil War. In the late 19th and 20th centuries, the state continued expanding its economy in manufacturing, agriculture, and services.

Ohio Geography and Climate

Ohio has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. From north to south, average temperatures range from the lows of 26°F in January to highs of 74°F in July in Cleveland, and from 25°F in January to 79°F in July in Cincinnati. Precipitation averages 38-40 inches per year statewide. The geography of Ohio consists of gentle rolling hills, fertile agricultural plains, and major rivers like the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers. The Eastern Ohio region spans Appalachian Plateau, while Western Ohio encompasses the Till Plains. Lake Erie forms 312 miles of natural boundary to the north. Notable landmarks include the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Maumee Bay State Park.

Ohio's Economy

Ohio has a diverse economy based on manufacturing, agriculture, and services. Key industries today include aerospace, automotive, healthcare, energy, polymers, metals, machinery, and logistics. Major corporations headquartered in Ohio include Progressive, Goodyear, Macy's, Kroger, Abercrombie & Fitch, Owens Corning, and Wendy's. Ohio's nickname "Farm Science Capital of the World" reflects its strong agriculture sector producing soybeans, corn, tomatoes, grapes, and eggs. Learn more details on Ohio's economy from the Ohio Department of Development.

Government and Politics

Ohio's capital and seat of government is Columbus. The state constitution provides for three branches of government - executive, legislative, and judicial. The governor serves as the chief executive. The bicameral state legislature consists of the Senate and House of Representatives. Ohio currently has 16 representatives in the U.S. House and two U.S. Senators. The state is divided into 88 counties. With over 3,000 governmental units, Ohio ranks 7th nationally in number of local governments. Politically, Ohio is considered a swing state closely divided between Democrats and Republicans. The state has voted for the presidential winner in every election since 1964, with the exceptions of 2004 and 2020. No Republican has ever won the presidency without Ohio's support.

Major Cities and Regions

Below are some of the major metropolitan areas and regions in Ohio:

Northeast Ohio - Contains Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown and surrounding suburbs. Home to over 4 million residents, it is the most populated area of the state.
Northwest Ohio - Centered around Toledo along Lake Erie. Key industries include automotive, agriculture, and glass manufacturing.
Central Ohio - Columbus and its rapidly growing suburbs contain over 2 million residents. The area is a center of education, technology, insurance, and state government activity.
Southwest Ohio - Cincinnati and Dayton are hubs of manufacturing, finance, and healthcare. The region is home to over 2 million people.
Southeast Ohio - Encompasses Appalachian Ohio with its forests, farmlands, and coal mining industry. Athens is home to Ohio University.

Transportation

Ohio is strategically located at the crossroads of America with extensive transportation infrastructure supporting commercial and passenger movement. There are approximately 124,000 miles of public roadways across the state. Ohio's system of interstate highways facilitates easy access across all regions. Major interstates include I-70, I-71, I-75, I-76, and I-80. Seven commercial airports offer connections worldwide, including international hubs in Cleveland and Cincinnati. Public transit is available through bus networks and rail lines in major cities. The state contains 554 miles of bike paths and walking trails such as the Ohio to Erie Trail. The Port of Cleveland provides shipping access via the Great Lakes.

Education

The education system in Ohio consists of over 700 public school districts, as well as private and charter schools. Notable K-12 districts include Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, and Dayton public schools. The state has over 400 higher education institutions, with the largest universities being Ohio State, Cincinnati, Ohio University, Miami University, Bowling Green State, and Kent State. There are also many notable county library systems throughout the state. The Cuyahoga County Public Library, headquartered in downtown Cleveland, operates 28 branches serving 47 communities. It holds more than 10 million items and circulates over 17 million materials annually.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

Ohio is filled with world-class museums and cultural institutions. The state's extensive art scene is led by the Cleveland Museum of Art, renowned for its collections of Asian and Egyptian art. Other top art museums are found in Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Dayton, and Youngstown. History buffs will enjoy the Ohio History Connection network of historical sites and museums across the state. Popular history and science museums include COSI Columbus, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

Sports Teams

Ohio is passionate about sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. The state is home to nine major league franchises:

Ohio also boasts an array of top-level college athletics programs, most notably The Ohio State Buckeyes. Other major programs include the Cincinnati Bearcats, Dayton Flyers, Xavier Musketeers, Akron Zips, and Kent State Golden Flashes.

Famous Ohioans

Ohio is the home state of many notable Americans, including:

Neil Armstrong - First man to walk on the moon
The Wright Brothers - Aviation pioneers
John Glenn - Astronaut, first American to orbit Earth
Ulysses S. Grant - Civil War general and 18th U.S. President
Wilbur and Orville Wright - Inventors of powered flight
LeBron James - NBA superstar
Jack Nicklaus - Golf legend
Steven Spielberg - Film director
The Dave Matthews Band - Rock group

Tourism

Major tourist destinations in Ohio include:

Cedar Point in Sandusky - Renowned amusement park with 17 world-class roller coasters
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland - Showcases rock history and music memorabilia
Cincinnati Museum Center - Features a science museum, history museum, and Omnimax theater
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - Home to over 10,000 animals
Hocking Hills State Park - Offers hiking, scenery, and waterfalls
Put-in-Bay - Popular Lake Erie island destination with entertainment, boating, and nightlife
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park - Chronicles Ohio's history of innovation in flight

Discover more top places to visit at Ohio.org, the state's official tourism site.

Ohio Counties

Ohio consists of 88 counties. The most populated county is Franklin County with over 1.3 million residents, home to the capital Columbus. Other major counties include Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Summit, and Montgomery. Get more details on each Ohio county from the Ohio County Profiles. Ohio is located within the 6th Federal Judicial Circuit along with Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee. There are separate federal district courts for both the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio.

Fun Facts About Ohio

Ohio adopted the nickname "Buckeye State" because buckeye trees are prevalent around the state.
Ohio is the 34th largest U.S. state by area.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is located in Canton, Ohio.
Ohio has produced the most U.S. presidents - 8 in total.
Neil Armstrong took his famous first steps on the moon wearing a spacesuit made in Ohio.
The hot dog was invented in Ohio in the late 19th century.
Ohio designated the tomato as the official state fruit.
Over 116 million people visit Ohio attractions each year.

Major Ohio Cities and Population

Columbus - 905,748
Cleveland - 372,624
Cincinnati - 309,317
Toledo - 270,871
Akron - 198,006
Dayton - 140,407
Parma - 78,603
Canton - 71,273
Youngstown - 64,358

Ohio Landmarks

Here are the addresses and GPS coordinates for 3 famous landmarks in Ohio:

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - 1100 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44114 (41.5058° N, 81.6934° W)
Ohio Stadium - 411 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus, OH 43210 (40.0010° N, 83.0131° W)
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park - 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd, Hamilton, OH 45013 (39.3772° N, 84.7194° W)

Map of Ohio - View Larger Map

Ohio Resources

Discover more about Ohio's people, places, and government using the following resources:

Official Ohio Government Website
Ohio Facebook Page
Ohio Wikipedia Page
Ohio History Central - Ohio historical resources
Ohio Tourism Website
Ohio Department of Development

Ohio Business Gateway - Resources for companies
Thrive in Ohio - Business relocation and expansion
Ohio Means Business
Economic Development Directory - Partners and contacts

Job and workforce resources:

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
OhioMeansJobs - Career resources
Ohio Job Source

Health and social services:

Top 10 Most Populated Cities in Ohio

Columbus

With a population of 905,748, Columbus is the most populated city in Ohio and the state capital. Columbus is the county seat of Franklin County and is located in central Ohio. It has the largest metropolitan area in the state with over 2 million residents. Major industries in Columbus include education, insurance, banking, defense, aviation, food processing, steel, energy, medical research, health care, hospitality, retail, and technology. Columbus City Government Website: https://www.columbus.gov/ Columbus Tourism Website: https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/ Columbus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CityofColumbus/

Cleveland

Cleveland is Ohio's second most populated city with 381,009 residents. Located in northeast Ohio along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is the county seat of Cuyahoga County. Cleveland is known for its arts, culture, and major league sports teams. Key industries in Cleveland include manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, biomedicals, and higher education. Cleveland City Government Website: https://www.clevelandohio.gov/ Cleveland Tourism Website: https://www.thisiscleveland.com/ Cleveland Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/cityofcleveland/

Cincinnati

With a population of 309,317, Cincinnati is the third largest city in Ohio. It is the county seat of Hamilton County and is located in southwest Ohio along the Ohio River. Cincinnati is known for its historic architecture, museums, cultural attractions, and major sports teams. Key industries include healthcare, higher education, consumer goods, banking, logistics, and energy. Cincinnati City Government Website: https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/ Cincinnati Tourism Website: https://www.cincinnatiusa.com/ Cincinnati Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CityOfCincinnati/

Toledo

With 273,078 residents, Toledo is the fourth most populated city in Ohio. Located in northwest Ohio along the western end of Lake Erie, Toledo is the county seat of Lucas County. Major industries include automotive, green energy, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and technology. Toledo is known for its art community, museums, metroparks, and zoo. Toledo City Government Website: https://toledo.oh.gov/ Toledo Tourism Website: https://www.visittoledo.org/ Toledo Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/cityoftoledo/

Akron

Akron has a population of 198,006 residents. Located in northeast Ohio along the Cuyahoga River, it is the county seat of Summit County. Akron is known as the "Rubber Capital of the World" due to its history in the rubber industry. Today, healthcare, higher education, advanced manufacturing, and biomedical research are major industries. Akron City Government Website: https://www.akronohio.gov/ Akron Tourism Website: https://www.visitakron-summit.org/ Akron Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CityofAkron/

Dayton

Dayton has a population of 141,643 residents. Located in southwest Ohio along the Great Miami River, it is the county seat of Montgomery County. For over 100 years, Dayton was a hub of innovation and manufacturing. Today, industries include aerospace, defense, healthcare, information technology, and manufacturing. The city is known for its culture, arts, and aviation heritage. Dayton City Government Website: https://www.daytonohio.gov/ Dayton Tourism Website: https://www.daytoncvb.com/ Dayton Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CityofDaytonOhio/

Parma

Parma has a population of 79,220 residents. Located in Cuyahoga County as a suburb of Cleveland, Parma was once home to GM, Fisher Body, and other manufacturing plants. Today, it is a residential and shopping community with diverse populations and affordable housing. The city has over 175 parks and green spaces. Parma City Government Website: https://www.cityofparma-oh.gov/ Parma Tourism Website: https://www.visitparmaohio.com/ Parma Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CityofParmaOhio/

Canton

Canton has a population of 71,273 residents. Located in northeast Ohio, it is the county seat of Stark County. Canton is known as the Hall of Fame City for being the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Industries include manufacturing, education, healthcare, retail, and financial services. Cultural attractions include the Canton Museum of Art, Canton Symphony Orchestra, and the Palace Theatre. Canton City Government Website: https://www.cantonohio.gov/ Canton Tourism Website: https://visitcanton.com/ Canton Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CantonOhio/

Youngstown

Youngstown has a population of 64,358 residents. Located in northeast Ohio along the Mahoning River, it is the county seat of Mahoning County. Once a national hub of steel production, Youngstown has diversified into education, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Cultural attractions include the Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, and Mill Creek MetroParks. Youngstown City Government Website: https://youngstownohio.gov/ Youngstown Tourism Website: https://www.youngstownlive.com/ Youngstown Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Youngstown.Ohio/

Lorain

Lorain has a population of 63,707 residents. Located along Lake Erie in northeast Ohio, it is the largest city in Lorain County. Once home to a thriving steel industry and Ford plant, the city today has diversified into manufacturing, healthcare, education and retail. The city has Lake Erie beaches, marinas, museums, and cultural festivals. Lorain City Government Website: https://www.cityoflorain.org/ Lorain Tourism Website: https://www.visitloraincounty.com/ Lorain Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CityofLorainOhio/