RANK #26 / 996 · POP 125,008 · OH
PROJECTED GROWTH: +3.9%
Richland County, Ohio, is often recognized for the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, a historic landmark and filming location for "The Shawshank Redemption." Located in north-central Ohio, roughly equidistant from Cleveland and Columbus, the county offers a blend of small-town living and access to larger metropolitan areas, with commutes to these cities typically around an hour. The community maintains a relaxed pace, with numerous parks, trails, and lakes providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and camping.
Life in Richland County is characterized by a lower cost of living compared to major metros, with a notable percentage of residents owning their homes. The public school districts in the county are generally considered above average. The local economy, historically rooted in manufacturing, has diversified into sectors like sensor and plastics industries, and specialized manufacturing for energy transmission. Recent economic development efforts focus on attracting new businesses and supporting existing ones, with investments in downtown revitalization and infrastructure.
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.8x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Milliron - Brookside 138 kV II Battery Project
Undisclosed (Cleanview)
|
$252M | Planned |
|
I-71 Resurfacing
Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
US 42 Minor Rehabilitation (Lexington)
Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
SR 13 Resurfacing
Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Richland County has a Boom Town Index score of 98/100, ranking #26 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.9% and a median household income of $56,557, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Richland County is $140,500 with median rent at $768/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.4025, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.9%. Home values changed +7.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.98% of Richland County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.