A Report on the Status of Ohio
Bulletin 881
December 1999
Introduction
Ohio is mainstream America. Beginning in 1803 with its inception, Ohio emerged as an agricultural power then moved to an industrial power. By the last quarter of the 20th century, Ohio was know as being a part of the "rust belt" in addition to the Corn Belt. Politically, economically, and socially, Ohio is at once North and South as well as East and West. The state is both rural and urban and like most of the Midwestern states, it is both agricultural and industrial. Ohio has 13 metropolitan areas-more than any other midwestern state. The shift from industrial jobs to service-oriented jobs along with the decline in high paying jobs have contributed to slower population growth with serious economic and political consequences. New forms of science and technology may need to be introduced in order to sustain Ohio's agricultural- and industrial-based economies.
This report provides up-to-date information on the state's population growth. Included is information on employment trends and the status of children and families in Ohio. Because Ohio is both rural and urban, this report also highlights related issues and provides pertinent information about Ohio's metropolitan areas and population. The report looks at Ohio's gross state product and the role of agriculture in the state's economy. Finally, the report looks at housing and health care.