Stark County, Ohio

Infobox U.S. County
county = Stark County
state = Ohio


seallink =
founded date = February 13
founded year = 1808cite web|url = http://www.odod.state.oh.us/research/FILES/S0/Stark.pdf |title = Ohio County Profiles: Stark County |accessdate = 2007-04-28 |publisher = Ohio Department of Development | format = PDF]
seat wl = Canton
largest city = Canton
area_total_sq_mi = 581
area_total_km2 = 1505
area_land_sq_mi = 576
area_land_km2 = 1492
area_water_sq_mi = 5
area_water_km2 = 12
area percentage = 0.82
census yr = 2000
pop = 378098
density_sq_mi = 656
density_km2 = 253
time zone = Eastern
UTC offset = -5
DST offset= -4
footnotes =
web = www.co.stark.oh.us
named for = John Stark|

Stark County is a county located in the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2000 census, the population was 378,098. It is included in the Canton-Massillon, Ohio Metropolitan Statistical Area.

It is named for John Stark, an officer in the American Revolutionary War.cite web|url = http://www.osuedc.org/profiles/profile_entrance.php?fips=39151&sid=0 |title = Stark County data |accessdate = 2007-04-28 |publisher = Ohio State University Extension Data Center ] Its county seat is CantonGR|6.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 581 square miles (1,505 km²).576 square miles (1,492 km²) of it is land and 5 square miles (12 km²) of it (0.82%) is water.

Adjacent counties

*Portage County (north)
*Mahoning County (northeast)
*Columbiana County (east)
*Carroll County (southeast)
*Tuscarawas County (south)
*Holmes County (southwest)
*Wayne County (west)
*Summit County (northwest)

Stark County, Ohio, is one of the few counties in the United States to border as many as 8 counties.

National protected area

* First Ladies National Historic Site

History

Stark County was named in honor of American Revolutionary War General John Stark. John Stark (August 28, 1728 – May 8, 1822) was a general who served in the American Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He became widely known as the "Hero of Bennington" for his exemplary service at the Battle of Bennington in 1777.

In the later 20th century, Stark County's voting record swung from one party to another, closely tracking the winner of the U.S. Presidential election. Even within the swing state of Ohio, Stark County is regarded as a quintessential bellwether, and thus presidential candidates have typically made multiple visits to the region. Major media outlets typically pay close attention to the election results in the county. The "New York Times" in particular has covered the county's citizens and their voting concerns in a series of features each election cycle for over a decade.

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 378,098 people, 148,316 households, and 102,782 families residing in the county. The population density was 656 people per square mile (253/km²). There were 157,024 housing units at an average density of 272 per square mile (105/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 90.28% White, 7.20% Black or African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.29% from other races, and 1.43% from two or more races. 0.92% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 148,316 households out of which 31.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.20% were married couples living together, 11.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.70% were non-families. 26.10% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the county, the population was spread out with 24.80% under the age of 18, 8.30% from 18 to 24, 27.80% from 25 to 44, 24.00% from 45 to 64, and 15.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 92.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $39,824, and the median income for a family was $47,747. Males had a median income of $37,065 versus $23,875 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,417. About 6.80% of families and 9.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.90% of those under age 18 and 6.60% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Elected Officials [ [http://www.co.stark.oh.us/internet/docs/boe/eol.pdf|Stark County Elected Officials] ]

*Auditor: Kim R. Perez
*Clerk of Courts: Nancy Reinbold
*Commissioners: Todd Bosley, Tom Harmon, Jane Vignos
*Common Pleas Court: Hon. Charles E. Brown Jr., Hon. John G. Haas, Hon. Taryn L. Heath, Hon. Richard D. Reinbold, Hon Lee Sinclair
*Coroner: P.S. Murthy M.D.
*Engineer: Michael J. Rehfus
*Family Court: Hon. David E. Stucki, Hon Jim D. James, Hon Michael L. Howard
*Probate Court: Hon. Dixie Park
*Prosecutor: John D. Ferraro
*Recorder: Rick Campbell
*Sheriff: Timothy Swanson
*Treasurer: Gary D. Zeigler

Localities

Cities

Census-designated places

Other localities

References

External links

* [http://www.co.stark.oh.us/ Stark County official website]
* [http://www.sheriff.co.stark.oh.us/ Stark County Sheriff's Office official website]
* [http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/ohioeriecanal/ Ohio and Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor, a National Park Service Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary]