Allen County, Ohio is located in the northwestern part of the state and borders five other counties. To the north, Allen County is bordered by Putnam County. To the east lies Van Wert County, to the south Auglaize County, and to the west Mercer County. The fifth bordering county is Hardin to the northwest. See Countryaah – Counties in Ohio.
Allen County covers an area of approximately 426 square miles and is home to over 106,000 people. The county seat is Lima and its largest city is also Lima. Other major cities in Allen County include Delphos, Spencerville, Bluffton, and Beaverdam.
The terrain of Allen County is mostly flat with some rolling hills in certain areas. The soil consists mostly of clay with some sandstone deposits scattered throughout the county. There are also several rivers that run through Allen County including the Auglaize River which runs along its eastern border with Van Wert County as well as St Marys River which flows through Lima before emptying into Lake Erie in Canada.
The climate in Allen County can be quite varied depending on location but generally it experiences hot summers and cold winters with occasional snowfall during winter months. The average temperature for summer months ranges from 68-85 degrees Fahrenheit while winter temperatures range from 25-40 degrees Fahrenheit on average.
Demographics of Allen County, Ohio
Allen County, Ohio is home to a diverse range of individuals from different backgrounds. According to the 2010 United States Census, the population of Allen County was 106,331 with a gender ratio of 50.3% male and 49.7% female. The racial makeup of Allen County was 87.9% White, 8.9% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.6% Asian and 1.2% from other races. The Hispanic or Latino population accounted for 2.2%.
The median age in Allen County is 40 years old with 23.8% aged 19 or under while 16.1% are 65 years and older. The median income for households in Allen County is $48,836 with 11.4% living below the poverty line according to the US Census Bureau’s 2018 estimates for poverty level in the county
The largest employers in Allen County are Lima Memorial Health System which employs 4500 people followed by Honda which employs 4200 people and then Ford Motor Company which employs 2000 people according to the 2019 estimates from Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Other major employers include Lima City Schools (1800 employees) and Lima Area Technical College (400 employees).
In terms of education attainment levels, 25 percent of adults have a Bachelor’s Degree or higher while 13 percent have an Associate Degree or some college education according to ODJFS estimates for 2019 as well as US Census Bureau data from 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5 year estimates.
Allen County is home to a diverse range of people, businesses and industries that contribute to the local economy. The county offers its residents a great quality of life with plenty of activities and opportunities for all ages.
Places of Interest in Allen County, Ohio
Allen County, Ohio is home to a variety of places of interest that offer plenty of activities and entertainment for visitors and locals alike. The Allen County Fairgrounds is a popular destination for those looking to get involved in the local agricultural scene with events such as livestock shows, tractor pulls, and other family-friendly activities.
The Lima Civic Center is a multi-purpose venue that hosts concerts, conventions, and other events throughout the year. It also features an indoor pool and ice skating rink for those looking to stay active during their visit.
The Rhodes State Office Tower is the tallest building in the state of Ohio and offers a great view from the observation deck located on the 33rd floor. The tower can be easily seen from many parts of Lima and has become a recognizable landmark in the cityscape.
The Allen County Museum offers visitors an opportunity to explore the county’s history through its collection of artifacts. From Native American remains to early settler artifacts, this museum provides insight into how Allen County has evolved over time.
The Bluffton University Nature Preserve offers visitors an opportunity to experience nature at its finest with over 500 acres of forest, wetlands, prairies and streams filled with wildlife. This preserve provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, fishing and more.
For those looking for something more modern there are plenty of shopping opportunities in Allen County including The Shops at Stadium Park which features stores such as Target, Best Buy, JCPenney’s as well as several restaurants. Whether you’re looking for some fun activities or just want to explore what Allen County has to offer there’s something here for everyone.
Notable People of Allen County, Ohio
Allen County, Ohio has been home to a number of notable people throughout its history. One of the most well-known figures from Allen County is astronaut Neil Armstrong, who was born and raised in the area. Armstrong is renowned for being the first person to walk on the moon and his legacy continues to inspire generations of space exploration enthusiasts.
Another notable figure from Allen County is U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown who served as a representative for Ohio’s 13th Congressional District from 1993-2007 before becoming a senator in 2007. Brown has championed many progressive causes during his time in office and continues to be an advocate for working families and environmental justice.
Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president of the United States, was born in Point Pleasant which is located just outside of Lima in Allen County. Grant served as president from 1869-1877 and played a major role in ending slavery during the Civil War as well as expanding civil rights for African Americans during Reconstruction.
The Pulitzer Prize winning author Toni Morrison was also born in Allen County and spent much of her childhood living with her family near Loramie Creek which runs through western Allen County. Morrison was known for her unique writing style which explored themes such as race, gender, history, memory and more.
Other notable people from Allen County include musician John Mellencamp who was born near LaFayette; film director Steven Spielberg who attended school at Limaland Elementary; singer/songwriter/producer Pharrell Williams who attended Bluffton University; and former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner who attended Cedarville University just outside of Lima.
Allen County has been home to many influential people throughout its history and continues to produce talented individuals today.