Central Ohio continues to be a source of population growth for the state, with most counties in the region gaining residents over the last five years.
Why it matters
Local planners expect this growth to continue for decades, even as Ohio’s overall population is predicted to decline in the coming years.
By the numbers
Union County saw the largest increase in Ohio, growing by 17.3% from 2019 to 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s five-year American Community Survey.
Other counties in the region also grew:
- Delaware County: +12.3%
- Fairfield County: +5.5%
- Licking County: +4.7%
- Franklin County: +3.6%
- Pickaway County: +3.5%
- Madison County: +0.3%
Statewide, Ohio experienced a 1.2% average population growth during the same period, the 11th lowest rate in the nation.
Nationally, the average population change was 3%, reflecting concerns about slowing growth.
Zoom out
Suburban counties across the state also saw increases:
- Warren County (near Cincinnati): +8.7%
- Miami County (near Dayton): +4.5%
- Medina County (near Cleveland): +3.3%
However, rural areas east and south of Columbus experienced declines:
- Athens County: -6.6%
- Morgan County: -6.4%
- Harrison County: -5.9%
Population growth has slowed or started to decline in some urban counties:
- Lucas County (Toledo): -0.8%
- Cuyahoga County (Cleveland): -0.3%
- Muskingum County (Zanesville): +0.4%
- Montgomery County (Dayton): +0.7%
Between the lines
The Census Bureau noted that international migration has been the main driver of recent population growth nationwide, accounting for 84% of the nation’s 3.3 million population increase between 2023 and 2024.
What’s next
Population trends could shift significantly depending on policy changes, including plans to mass-deport millions of people.
