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Canton, OH

Frequently asked questions

Canton, OH

Canton is a city in and the county seat of Stark County, Ohio, United States. It is located approximately 60 miles (97 km) south of Cleveland and 20 miles (32 km) south of Akron in Northeast Ohio on the edge of Ohio's Amish Country. As of the 2020 census, the population of Canton was 70,872, making Canton eighth among Ohio cities in population. It is the largest municipality in the Canton–Massillon metropolitan area, which includes all of Stark and Carroll counties, and was home to 401,574 residents in 2020.

Founded in 1805 alongside the Middle and West Branches of Nimishillen Creek, Canton became a heavy manufacturing center because of its numerous railroad lines. However, its status in that regard began to decline during the late 20th century, as shifts in the manufacturing industry led to the relocation or downsizing of many factories and workers. After this decline, the city's industry diversified into the service economy, including retailing, education, finance, and healthcare.

Canton is chiefly notable for being the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the birthplace of the National Football League. 25th U.S. President William McKinley conducted the famed front porch campaign, which won him the presidency of the United States in the 1896 election, from his home in Canton. The McKinley National Memorial and the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum commemorate his life and presidency. Canton was also chosen as the site of the First Ladies National Historic Site largely in honor of his wife, Ida Saxton McKinley.

Starting in the mid-2010s, Canton began experiencing an urban renaissance, anchored by a growing arts district centrally located in the downtown area. Several historic buildings have been rehabilitated and converted into upscale lofts, attracting hundreds of new downtown residents into the city. Furthering this downtown development, in June 2016, Canton became one of the first cities in Ohio to allow the open consumption of alcoholic beverages in a "designated outdoor refreshment area" under a state law enacted in 2015

Canton is located at an elevation of 1,060 feet (323 m). Nimishillen Creek and its East, Middle, and West Branches flow through the city. Canton is bordered by Plain Township and North Canton to the north, Meyers Lake and Perry Township to the west, Canton Township to the South, and Nimishillen Township, Osnaburg Township and East Canton to the east. Annexations were approved in December 2006 extending Canton's eastern boundary to East Canton's border. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 25.48 square miles (65.99 km²), of which 25.46 square miles (65.94 km²) is land and 0.02 square miles (0.05 km²) is water.

Canton was founded in 1805, incorporated as a village in 1822, and reincorporated as a city in 1838. The plat of Canton was recorded at New Lisbon, Ohio, on November 15, 1805, by Bezaleel Wells, a surveyor and devout Episcopalian from Maryland born January 28, 1763. Canton was likely named as a memorial to Captain John O'Donnell, an Irish merchant marine with the British East India Company whom Wells admired. O'Donnell named his estate in Maryland after Canton, China as he had been the first person to transport goods from there to Baltimore. The name selected by Wells may also have been influenced by the Huguenot use of the word "canton," which meant a division of a district containing several communes. Through Wells' efforts and promotion, Canton was designated the county seat of Stark County upon its division from Columbiana County on January 1, 1809.

Canton prioritizes health and wellness, with various facilities and initiatives dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle. Maxim Healthcare, a leading healthcare provider in the region, offers comprehensive medical services, including specialized care and wellness programs. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Canton Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Canton, such as the Middle Branch Trail and Petros Lake Full Loop. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top Sites in Canton, OH are The National First Ladies Library and Museum, Pro Football Hall of Fame, and McKinley Presidential Library and Museum.

Population: 69,197 (2023). ZIP codes: 44701–44711, 44714, 44718, 44720–44721, 44730, 44735, 44750, 44767, 44799. Area codes: 330, 234. Elevation: 1,060 ft (323 m). Area: 26.41 sq mi (68.41 km²).

FAQs

Why is Canton, OH famous?

Canton is chiefly notable for being the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the birthplace of the National Football League. 25th U.S. President William McKinley conducted the famed front porch campaign, which won him the presidency of the United States in the 1896 election, from his home in Canton. The McKinley National Memorial and the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum commemorate his life and presidency.

What is the crime rate in Canton, OH?

With a crime rate of 68 per one thousand residents, Canton has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 15. By collaborating with law enforcement and implementing community-oriented strategies, Canton can work towards reducing crime rates and fostering a safer environment for all.

What is the ethnic makeup of Canton, OH?

Canton, OH is home to a population of 70.6k people, of which 98.5% are citizens. As of 2022, 2.52% of Canton, OH residents were born outside of the country (1.78k people). In 2022, there were 2.45 times more White (non-Hispanic) residents (42.9k people) in Canton, OH than any other race or ethnicity. There were 17.5k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 5.96k Two+ (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Canton, OH

Maxim Healthcare

Canton Parks and Recreation Department 

Anytime Fitness 

Planet Fitness

Middle Branch Trail 

Petros Lake Full Loop

The National First Ladies Library and Museum 

Pro Football Hall of Fame

McKinley Presidential Library and Museum

Neighborhood Scout

Data USA

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