Stark County, Ohio Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Stark County is located in Ohio with a total population of 373,764. It is the 8th most populous county out of 88 in Ohio. The county encompasses 5 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Stark County is 41.9 years. This is 6% higher than the state median of 39.6 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Stark County is $65,740. This is 6% lower than the state median of $69,680. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 16% lower. The poverty rate stands at 12.7%. This is 4% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 3.9%. This is 20% lower than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $177,700. Housing costs are 11% lower than the state median of $199,200. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, Stark County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 68.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 2% higher than the state average of 67.0%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Stark County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 84.3% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 7.4%. The Asian population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 2.4%.

Education

25.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 19% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 92.8%.