Demographics

As of 2022, Columbiana County, Ohio has a population of approximately 100,049. The median age is 44.4 years, with 51% female and 49% male residents. Racially, the county is predominantly White (93.7%), with smaller percentages of Black or African American (3.1%), Hispanic or Latino (2.1%), and other races (1.1%). The population has slightly declined in recent years, reflecting an aging demographic trend.

County Crime & Safety

Columbiana County, OH, has a crime rate below the national average, with recent FBI data (2022) indicating a violent crime rate of approximately 115 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crime around 1,200 per 100,000. Major crimes include theft and burglary, while violent crimes remain comparatively low. The county sheriff and local police regularly report and address crime via annual public safety statistics, emphasizing community engagement and prevention. Residents generally experience a moderate-to-high sense of safety, with proactive law enforcement efforts contributing to the county’s steady decline in crime rates over the past five years.

Education, Employment and Housing

Columbiana County, OH, hosts 11 public high schools and several private institutions, with a high school graduation rate of around 88%. About 16% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the national average. Key districts include Columbiana, East Liverpool, and Salem. School safety scores in most districts average 7/10, with incident rates lower than state averages. The county offers adult education through Kent State University’s Salem campus and career/tech programs. Educational initiatives emphasize STEM and vocational training, serving approximately 15,000 K-12 students countywide.

As of early 2024, Columbiana County, OH has an employment rate of approximately 57%. Major industries include manufacturing (19%), healthcare and social assistance (17%), and retail trade (12%). Occupations are largely production (14%), office/administrative support (13%), and sales (10%). The median commute time is about 24 minutes, with over 50% of residents commuting to jobs outside the county, primarily to Mahoning and Stark counties. Local employment centers include the cities of Salem and East Liverpool.

Columbiana County, OH, has a homeownership rate of about 74%, with renters making up 26% of households. The median home value is approximately $130,000, and values have risen around 4-5% year-over-year. Housing types include single-family homes, duplexes, and some apartment complexes, with popular neighborhoods like Salem, East Liverpool, and Columbiana. Median gross rent is roughly $730/month. Property tax rates average 1.36% of assessed value, among the lower rates in Ohio, making the area attractive for buyers seeking affordability and stable market trends.

Elections

Columbiana County, OH, has approximately 73,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, with recent turnout reaching about 52% in the 2022 general election. Results typically show a Republican majority; for example, in 2020, Donald Trump received 72% of the county’s votes. There are over 80 polling locations across the county, managed by the Columbiana County Board of Elections. Voters regularly address local issues, including levies and school funding. The two major parties, Republican and Democratic, field candidates at all levels, with Republican registration outpacing Democrats by a 2:1 ratio.