Ohio State Population

Ohio's nearly 11.9 million residents.

Ohio's population journey reflects a dynamic history of growth, industrialization, and subsequent demographic shifts. After experiencing explosive growth throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, fueled by westward expansion, canal building, and its emergence as a manufacturing powerhouse in the "Rust Belt," the state's population growth slowed considerably in the latter half of the 20th century, even witnessing periods of slight decline as deindustrialization led to job losses and outward migration. Currently, Ohio, which remains the 7th most populous U.S. state, exhibits modest and often stagnant population growth, characterized by an aging demographic, lower birth rates, and fluctuating net migration; while some urban centers like Columbus continue to attract new residents and experience revitalization, many rural and smaller industrial areas still grapple with population retention and economic challenges.

Data Source: US Census Bureau