Cuyahoga County, found in northeastern Ohio, is home to about 1.24 million people in 2023. It is the second most populated county in Ohio, right after Franklin County, and includes Cleveland, one of the biggest cities in the state.
The population of Cuyahoga County has changed over the years due to different economic and social factors.
A Short History of Cuyahoga County’s Population
To understand how the population in Cuyahoga County has changed, let’s look at its history.
Growth in the 20th Century
During the first half of the 1900s, Cuyahoga County grew fast due to the rise of factories and manufacturing jobs. From 1900 to 1950, the population almost quadrupled as Cleveland became a center for jobs in factories and transportation. Many people moved here from Europe and other parts of the U.S. looking for work.
By 1970, over 1.7 million people lived in the county. But as manufacturing jobs started disappearing, people left Cleveland for the suburbs or other states, causing the population to drop.
Decline in Recent Years
Since the 1970s, Cuyahoga County has lost people. Cleveland grew quickly before, but when factories closed and people moved to the suburbs, fewer people stayed. Between 2000 and 2020, the population dropped by about 5%.
Recently, however, efforts to improve Cleveland and the surrounding areas are helping to keep the population steady. New roads, a strong healthcare sector, and public projects have brought in new people.
Current Population Trends
In 2023, Cuyahoga County has around 1.24 million people. While the population is smaller than it was in the past, it has stayed more stable compared to the sharp drops in earlier decades.
City vs. Suburbs
Cleveland is still the largest city in Cuyahoga County, but its population has shrunk over time. In 2023, around 367,000 people live in Cleveland. Meanwhile, some suburbs in Cuyahoga County, like Lakewood, Parma, and Beachwood, have grown.
These areas offer a mix of city features and quieter suburban living, making them popular for families and businesses.
Reasons for Population Changes
Economic Changes
One of the main reasons people left Cuyahoga County was the loss of factory jobs in the mid-1900s. But with the rise of new industries, especially healthcare, the population has started to balance out. Big employers like the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals have helped bring in new people.
People Moving In and Out
In the past, many people left the county to find better jobs elsewhere. Now, younger people are moving into Cleveland because of its affordable housing, cool places to visit, and growing industries like technology and healthcare.
Birth Rates and Aging
Like much of Ohio, Cuyahoga County has fewer births and more older adults. Many residents are over 65, and this affects population growth because there aren’t enough new births to replace the older generation.
Who Lives in Cuyahoga County?
Let’s take a closer look at the people who live in Cuyahoga County.
| Demographic Group | Percentage of Population (2023) |
|---|---|
| White | 60% |
| Black or African American | 30% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 5% |
| Asian | 3% |
| Other Races | 2% |
Age Groups
People of all ages live in Cuyahoga County, but many of them are older adults.
| Age Group | Percentage of Population |
|---|---|
| Under 18 | 20% |
| 18-34 | 25% |
| 35-54 | 30% |
| 55-64 | 12% |
| 65 and older | 13% |
Education
Many people in Cuyahoga County have good education, especially in the suburbs where schools are better.
- High School Diploma or Higher: 88%
- Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 34%
Income Levels
There is a wide range of incomes in Cuyahoga County. The average household earns about $52,000 a year. However, people living in cities like Cleveland usually earn less than those in wealthier suburbs like Shaker Heights and Bay Village.
Population Predictions
Looking forward, experts think that the population in Cuyahoga County will stay about the same or go down a little. By 2030, it might drop to around 1.2 million people due to more older adults and fewer births.
But, efforts to bring in new businesses, younger workers, and immigrants may help the population stay stable.
Ways to Grow the Population
Several plans are in place to bring more people to Cuyahoga County. These include improving life in the area and offering better jobs and living spaces.
Reviving Downtown Cleveland
Downtown Cleveland has seen a lot of changes recently, with new homes, restaurants, entertainment, and parks. These improvements have helped bring young professionals into the city, reversing some of the population loss from past years.
Boosting Healthcare and Education
Cuyahoga County has famous hospitals, like the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, which have brought jobs and new residents. Schools like Case Western Reserve University have also helped keep people in the area.
Better Infrastructure
Improvements in public transportation, roads, and parks have made Cuyahoga County more attractive. Projects like the Cleveland Metroparks system have increased the quality of life and helped draw people to the area.
Concluded Key Points
Cuyahoga County, home to 1.24 million people, has faced ups and downs in its population. Changes in jobs, where people live, and the number of births have all shaped the county.
However, ongoing efforts to bring in new industries, improve living conditions, and revitalize urban areas may lead to a more stable future.
Whether you live in Cleveland or the suburbs, Cuyahoga County offers a mix of city and suburban life, making it a unique place to live.