Executive Summary: Central Ohio Population Trends in 2023

This briefing document dives into the population anomalies across 15 counties in Central Ohio based on 2023 data. The total population for the region is 2.46 million, marking an increase of 18,500 people, or 0.76%, compared to the 3-year moving median of 2.43 million. This growth trend is a positive sign, surpassing recent historical averages!

Regional Population Overview

The data for the 15-county Central Ohio region shows a positive population deviation in 2023 when compared to the 3-year moving median. This indicates a boost in regional population growth.

• Total 2023 Population: 2,460,000

• Total 3-Year Moving Median: 2,430,000

• Total Difference in Population: +18,500

• Total Percentage Difference: +0.76%

  
  

County-Level Population Analysis

The deviation from the 3-year moving median varies significantly among individual counties. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the 2023 population data, the 3-year moving median, and the calculated difference for each of the 15 counties analyzed. The counties are presented in descending order based on the absolute population difference.

| County | 2023 Population | 3-Year Moving Median | Difference | % Difference |

|------------------|----------------|-----------------------|------------|--------------|

| Delaware County | 231,636 | 220,991 | 10,645 | 2.3% |

| Franklin County | 1,326,063 | 1,321,172 | 4,891 | 0.3% |

| Union County | 69,637 | 65,022 | 4,615 | 4.1% |

| Fairfield County | 165,360 | 161,204 | 4,156 | 1.5% |

| Madison County | 44,602 | 43,953 | 649 | 2.3% |

| Licking County | 183,201 | 180,190 | 3,011 | 0.8% |

| Pickaway County | 61,086 | 59,143 | 1,943 | 1.8% |

| Knox County | 63,320 | 62,847 | 473 | 0.2% |

| Morrow County | 35,595 | 35,174 | 421 | 0.7% |

| Perry County | 35,551 | 35,460 | 91 | 0.2% |

| Logan County | 46,057 | 46,112 | -55 | 0.0% |

| Fayette County | 28,817 | 28,914 | -97 | -0.1% |

| Ross County | 76,501 | 76,686 | -185 | 0.0% |

| Marion County | 64,851 | 65,102 | -251 | 0.4% |

| Hocking County | 27,540 | 27,986 | -446 | -1.0% |

Key Insights and Observations

High-Growth Anomaly Counties

Several counties show population figures significantly above their recent trends, indicating accelerated growth!

• Delaware County: This county has the largest absolute deviation, with a population increase of 10,645 over its 3-year median, resulting in a +2.3% difference.

• Union County: It displays the most substantial growth anomaly in percentage terms, with its population exceeding the 3-year median by +4.1% (+4,615 people).

• Franklin County: As the most populous county, its absolute increase of +4,891 is significant, though this represents a more modest +0.3% difference due to its large base population of over 1.3 million.

• Fairfield and Madison Counties: These counties also show notable growth, with Fairfield adding 4,156 people (+1.5%) and Madison showing a +2.3% difference.

  
  

Counties with Negative Deviation

A smaller subset of counties registered populations below their 3-year moving median, suggesting a recent stall or slight decline in population.

• Hocking County: This county experienced the largest negative anomaly, with a population 446 below its median, representing a -1.0% difference.

• Other Counties: Marion, Ross, Fayette, and Logan counties also recorded minor negative deviations. Their percentage differences are minimal (between 0.0% and -0.1%, with Marion at 0.4% appearing as an anomaly in the provided data table).

  
  

Conclusion

The population trends in Central Ohio for 2023 reveal a dynamic landscape. While some counties are thriving and experiencing significant growth, others are facing challenges with slight declines. Understanding these trends can help us make smarter decisions moving forward.

Data Source

• Data Provider: Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC)

• Visualization Credit: Pioneer Data Analytics, LLC

  
  

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