Lucas County, Ohio
Lucas County, Ohio
Lucas County is a county located in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Ohio. It is bordered to the east by Lake Erie, and to the southeast by the Maumee River, which runs to the lake. As of the 2020 census, the population was 431,279. Its county seat and largest city is Toledo, located at the mouth of the Maumee River on the lake. The county was named for Robert Lucas, 12th governor of Ohio, in 1835 during his second term. Lucas County is the central county of the Toledo Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
The area now known as Lucas County has a rich history dating back to pre-colonial times. On August 20, 1794, near the present-day town of Maumee, American forces led by General Anthony Wayne won a decisive victory over allied Indian forces at the Battle of Fallen Timbers after years of conflict in what was known as the Northwest Indian War. This defeat opened the entire Northwest Territory for white settlement.
Lucas County was established in 1835 during a period of border dispute between Ohio and Michigan Territory, known as the Toledo War. The county's creation was part of Ohio's claim to the disputed 468-square-mile (1,210 km²) region along the border. This conflict was eventually resolved in Ohio's favor, solidifying Lucas County's position within the state.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Lucas County has a total area of 596 square miles (1,540 km²), of which 341 square miles (880 km²) is land and 255 square miles (660 km²) (43%) is water. It is the fourth-smallest county in Ohio by land area. Much of the county lies within what was at the time of its establishment, a vast network of forests, wetlands, and grasslands known as the Great Black Swamp.
Rivers
- Maumee River
- Ottawa River
Adjacent counties
- Monroe County, Michigan (north)
- Essex County, Ontario (northeast)
- Ottawa County (southeast)
- Wood County (south)
- Henry County (southwest)
- Fulton County (west)
- Lenawee County, Michigan (northwest)
National protected areas
- Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge
- Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (part)
- West Sister Island National Wildlife Refuge
Demographics
2020 census
As of the 2020 census, there were 431,279 people residing in Lucas County.
2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 441,815 people, 180,267 households, and 111,016 families living in the county. The population density was 1,296.2 inhabitants per square mile (500.5/km²). The racial makeup of the county was:
- 74.0% White
- 19.0% Black or African American
- 1.5% Asian
- 0.3% American Indian
- 2.0% from other races
- 3.1% from two or more races
- 6.1% Hispanic or Latino of any race
The median income for a household in the county was $42,072, and the median income for a family was $54,855. About 14.0% of families and 18.0% of the population were below the poverty line.
Economy
According to the county's 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in Lucas County were:
| No. | Employer | No. of employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Promedica Health Services | 11,517 |
| 2 | University of Toledo | 8,502 |
| 3 | Fiat Chrysler - Toledo North Plant; Toledo South Plant | 6,759 |
| 4 | Mercy Health Partners | 5,880 |
| 5 | Toledo Public Schools | 3,193 |
| 6 | Lucas County | 2,821 |
| 7 | City of Toledo | 2,748 |
| 8 | Kroger | 2,300 |
| 9 | Walmart | 1,954 |
| 10 | General Motors - Powertrain | 1,778 |
Politics
Lucas County is a Democratic stronghold in presidential elections. The only Republicans to win a majority or plurality in the county since 1932 have been Thomas E. Dewey in 1944, Dwight D. Eisenhower in both 1952 and 1956, and Ronald Reagan in 1980 (plurality) and 1984. In the last five presidential elections, the Democratic candidate's margin of victory has ranged from 16% in 2020 to 30.5% for Barack Obama.
The entirety of Lucas County, including Toledo, lies in Ohio's 9th congressional district, and it is represented by Marcy Kaptur, who is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Government
Lucas County operates under the standard structure of county government in Ohio, with three county commissioners and several other elected officials:
| Office | Name | Party |
|---|---|---|
| Commissioner | Lisa Sobecki | Democratic |
| Commissioner | Peter L. Gerken | Democratic |
| Commissioner | Tina Skeldon Wozniak | Democratic |
| Prosecutor | Julia R. Bates | Democratic |
| Sheriff | Mike Navarre | Democratic |
| Clerk of Courts | J. Bernie Quilter | Democratic |
| Recorder | Michael Ashford | Democratic |
| Treasurer | Lindsay Webb | Democratic |
| Engineer | Mike Pniewski | Democratic |
| Coroner | Diane Scala-Barnett | Democratic |
| Auditor | Anita L. Lopez | Democratic |
Communities
Cities
Villages
- Berkey
- Harbor View
- Holland
- Ottawa Hills
- Swanton (mostly in Fulton County)
- Whitehouse
Townships
Lucas County contains 11 townships:
- Harding
- Jerusalem
- Monclova
- Providence
- Richfield
- Spencer
- Springfield
- Swanton
- Sylvania
- Washington
- Waterville
Census-designated places
- Curtice
- Neapolis
- Reno Beach
Unincorporated communities
- Bono
- Frankfort
- Monclova
- Providence
- Richfield Center
- Shoreland
- Yondota
Ghost towns
- Marengo
- Providence
Education
Lucas County is served by several educational institutions, including the University of Toledo and various public school districts. The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library system provides library services throughout the county.
Transportation
Lucas County is served by several major highways, including:
- I-75
- I-80 / I-90 / Ohio Turnpike
- I-280
- I-475
- US 20
- US 23
- US 24
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Lucas County, Ohio
- Parochial and technology Schools in Lucas County, Ohio
References
External links
- Official Lucas County website
- Lucas County Fair site
- Lucas County SkyWarn website