Before European colonization, several Native American tribes inhabited northeastern Ohio.[7]
After Europeans first crossed into the Americas, the land that became Medina County was colonized by the French, becoming part of the colony of Canada (New France). It was ceded in 1763 to Great Britain and renamed Province of Quebec. In the late 18th century the land became part of the Connecticut Western Reserve in the Northwest Territory, then was purchased by the Connecticut Land Company in 1795. Parts of Medina County and neighbouring Lorain became home to the Black River Colony founded in 1852, a religious community centered on the pious lifestyle of the German Baptist Brethren.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 423 square miles (1,096 km2), of which 421.3 square miles (1,091 km2) is land and 1.7 square miles (4 km2) (0.4%) is water.[8]
U.S. Decennial Census[11] 1790-1960[12] 1900-1990[13] 1990-2000[14] 2010-2020[2]
2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 151,095 people, 54,542 households, and 42,215 families living in the county. The population density was 358 inhabitants per square mile (138/km2). There were 56,793 housing units at an average density of 135 units per square mile (52 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 97.26% White, 0.88% Black or African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.64% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.25% from other races, and 0.80% from two or more races. 0.93% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 26.8% were of German, 11.5% Irish, 8.6% Italian, 8.4% English, 8.4% Polish and 7.8% American ancestry according to Census 2000. 95.3% spoke English, 1.2% Spanish and 1.0% German as their first language.
There were 54,542 households, of which 37.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.50% were married couples living together, 7.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.60% were non-families. 18.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.15.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 27.50% under the age of 18, 7.00% from 18 to 24, 30.60% from 25 to 44, 24.40% from 45 to 64, and 10.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 97.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $55,811, and the median income for a family was $62,489. Males had a median income of $44,600 versus $27,513 for females. The per capita income for the county was $24,251. About 3.50% of families and 4.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.90% of those under age 18 and 4.80% of those age 65 or over.
2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 172,332 people, 65,143 households, and 48,214 families living in the county.[15] The population density was 409.0 inhabitants per square mile (157.9/km2). There were 69,181 housing units at an average density of 164.2 units per square mile (63.4 units/km2).[16] The racial makeup of the county was 96.1% white, 1.2% black or African American, 1.0% Asian, 0.1% American Indian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.6% of the population.[15] In terms of ancestry, 32.7% were German, 18.3% were Irish, 11.6% were English, 10.7% were Italian, 10.4% were Polish, and 7.4% were American.[17]
Of the 65,143 households, 35.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.5% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 26.0% were non-families, and 21.6% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.07. The median age was 40.4 years.[15]
The median income for a household in the county was $66,193 and the median income for a family was $76,699. Males had a median income of $56,523 versus $38,163 for females. The per capita income for the county was $29,986. About 4.4% of families and 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.6% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those age 65 or over.[18]
Economy
According to the county's comprehensive annual financial reports, the top employers by number of employees in the county are the following. ("NR" indicates the employer was not ranked among the top ten employers that year.)
Medina County is a Republican stronghold in presidential elections. It has only backed Democratic nominees 3 times in its history, in 1916, 1936, and 1964.
United States presidential election results for Medina County, Ohio[21]
