Ohio, the seventh most populous state in the United States, has witnessed substantial transformations in its population dynamics and makeup over the years. As per the most recent census data available, Ohio’s population stood at 11,780,017 in 2021, showing a marginal decrease of 0.1% compared to 2020. However, beneath this overarching trend, there are intricate regional and demographic variations occurring within the state.
Urbanization and Migration
A primary catalyst for Ohio’s population shifts is the process of urbanization, signifying the movement of people from rural to urban areas. Ohio boasts ten metropolitan regions with over 500,000 residents, collectively constituting around 75% of the state’s population. The largest among these is Columbus, with a population of 2,122,271 in 2020, reflecting an 11.9% increase since 2010. Other metropolitan areas experiencing substantial growth include Cincinnati, Cleveland, Akron, and Dayton.
Urbanization typically accompanies migration, encompassing both domestic (within the U.S.) and international (from other countries) movements. Census data indicates that Ohio saw a net loss of 97,000 people due to domestic migration between 2010 and 2020, indicating more departures from the state than arrivals.
Nevertheless, this loss was offset by a net gain of 152,000 people through international migration during the same period, with the majority of international migrants originating from Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
Aging and Diversity
Aging is another pivotal factor shaping Ohio’s changing population. This refers to the increasing proportion of elderly individuals within the population, attributed to declining birth rates and extended life expectancies. Census data reveals that Ohio’s median age in 2020 was 39.6 years, marking an increase from 38.8 years in 2010. The percentage of people aged 65 and older escalated from 14.3% in 2010 to 17.5% in 2020, while the share of individuals under 18 decreased from 23.6% in 2010 to 21.9% in 2020.
The aging phenomenon is closely linked to diversity, which reflects the presence of various racial and ethnic groups in the population, resulting from immigration and intermarriage. According to the census data, Ohio’s population in 2020 was composed of 79.8% white, 13.4% black, 4.2% Asian, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.5% multiracial.
The white population experienced a 4.1% decline from 2010 to 2020, while the black population increased by 3%, the Asian population surged by 36%, the Hispanic or Latino population grew by 19%, and the multiracial population expanded by 129%.
Conclusion
Ohio’s population has undergone profound changes in terms of size and composition during the past decade. The state has witnessed a surge in urbanization and migration, which has redefined its geographical and economic landscape. Simultaneously, Ohio has observed a shift towards an older demographic and increased diversity, impacting its social and cultural tapestry. These trends are expected to persist into the future, carrying implications for various aspects of life within Ohio.