Quick Facts & Statistics

This Northeast Ohio community, the seat of Portage County, has a population of 11,724 and is located approximately 18 miles northeast of Akron, and 35 miles southeast of Cleveland and 35 miles west of Youngstown. Within 15 miles, the total population is approximately 445,000.

Travel & Commerce

Proximity to the Akron and Cleveland areas and an excellent highway system provide exceptional access to major markets and suppliers. The transportation network contributes to the diverse industrial base of the area.

While a number of Ravenna residents commute to jobs in Akron and Cleveland, many are also employed by local manufacturers that produce items ranging from rubber and plastic products to foundries and building supplies.

State highway routes 14, 44, 59, 5 and 88 serve Ravenna directly, and I-76, I-77, I-80 and I-480 are all within 15 miles. Rail service is available from Norfolk Southern, CSX Transportation, and Portage County’s short line railroad operated by the Akron Barberton Cluster Railway.

Commercial air service is convenient to area residents at either Akron-Canton Airport (27 miles) or Cleveland Hopkins Airport (40 miles). Private and corporate aircraft make use of Portage County Airport’s 3,500-foot hard-surfaced runway, just two miles from town. The excellent transportation facilities also promote considerable economic interaction between Ravenna and surrounding areas.

Shopping & Entertainment

In addition to wide-ranging employment opportunities, Ravenna residents enjoy diverse recreational and cultural opportunities. Local retail stores are supplemented by regional malls and shopping districts in neighboring towns. These include the offerings in nearby Cleveland and Akron, as well as summer theatre, amusement parks and outdoor concerts.

Parks

Ravenna has 350 acres of parkland itself and is within 15 minutes of West Branch State Park, an 8,000-acre facility that includes a 2,650-acre reservoir.

Local Events

Each September, the Ravenna Balloon-A-Fair climaxes the end of summer with a two-day community sponsored festival that includes downtown booths, local and national entertainment, and hot air balloon lift-offs from just outside the city limits. Merchants, industry and the entire community contribute to this event.

Schools

The local public school system includes four grade schools, one middle school and one high school. Maplewood Career Center, located just 1-1/2 miles north of downtown Ravenna, offers eleventh and twelfth grade students training in many career opportunities. Advanced education of all types is available at numerous schools within easy driving distance.

Housing

Along with the rapid growth of population, single-family units and apartments have been constructed at a fast pace. There are wide selections of all types of housing available in the area. The City of Ravenna works with a variety of Civic organizations to maintain a good business climate in the community and assure adequate space for new and expanding industry.

City of Ravenna Statistics

Population

City of Ravenna: 11,724
Portage County: 162,277

Governmental Services

Form of Government – Charter, Mayor, City Council
Police – Ravenna Police Department
Fire – Ravenna Fire Department

Elementary

Middle School

High School

Career Center

Public Library

Health Services

University Hospitals Portage Medical Center, Beds: 302

Level III Trauma Emergency Department, two urgent care facilities, comprehensive imaging facility, a network of physician practices and out-patient centers and medical facilities throughout Portage County.

Transportation

State Highways: Routes 5, 44, 14 (I480), 88, and 59.
Interstate Highways: I-76, 3 miles South of Ravenna; Ohio Turnpike I-80 (Exit 13A) 5 miles North of Ravenna
Trucking: 35 companies franchised; 3 terminals
Rail: Norfolk Southern, CSX Transportation, and Portage County/Akron Barberton Cluster Railway (ABCR)
Air:
- Akron-Canton Regional Airport – 27 miles.
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport – 40 miles.
- Portage Co. Airport – 2 miles.
Water: Lake Erie, 4 ports within one hour drive.

Utilities

Water: City of Ravenna
Sanitary System: City of Ravenna
Electricity: Ohio Edison Co. / Energy Harbor
Gas: Dominion Energy / Constellation
Telephone: AT&T

Communications

TV and Internet Service: Spectrum Cable, AT&T
Television (Regional Channels): 16
Radio Stations: 5
Daily Newspapers: 3
Local: Record Courier
Regional: Cleveland Plain Dealer & Akron Beacon Journal

Principal Industries

Top 5 Industries:

Health Services
Manufacturing
Government
Trade & Transportation
Light Industry

Labor Force: Portage County avg. as of 3/2015 – 87,300

Unemployment Rate: P.C. average as of 3/2015 – 5.6%

Local Taxes

Local Real Property assessed at 35% of market value.
Net effective millage per $1000 tax valuation 2018:
- Residential & Agriculture: 56.405598
- All other classes: 64.748900
Local Tangible Personal Property assessed at 0%.
New Manufacturing equipment accessed at 0%
Total millage per $1000 tax valuation 2018: 93.69
Local Income Tax: 2.50%
Local Sales/Use Tax: 1.50%

State Taxes

Sales/Use Tax: 5.75%
Total Sales/Use Tax (Local/State): 7.25%

Attractions / Recreation / Shopping

Options abound within Portage County and neighboring communities. A partial list includes: Aurora Premium Outlets, Kent State University Fashion Museum, the Portage County Historical Society Museum and Zip City.

State Parks: West Branch, Nelson-Kennedy Ledges, Tinkers Creek and Eagle Creek State Nature Preserve. Visitors and residents alike enjoy a wide array of community parks, private campgrounds and 10 public golf courses.

Additional options within a one-hour drive include:

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center, Pro Football Hall of Fame, Cleveland Indians, Browns, & Cavaliers, Akron Rubber Ducks, Mahoning Valley Scrappers, Lake Erie Captains, Lake Erie Monsters and Cleveland Gladiators.

For more information, contact:

City of Ravenna
(330)-296-3864
Frank Seman, Mayor
Email: frank.seman@ravennaoh.gov