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Akron, OH


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Akron, Ohio

Introduction to Akron, Ohio

Akron is located in Summit County in the northeastern portion of Ohio, situated along the Cuyahoga River. The city was established in 1825. After the prosperous heavy manufacturing in the city experienced a significant decline, Akron's economy has been bolstered by research, high technology and financial businesses.

History

During the early years, the growth of the city was primarily due to being situated at the summit of the Ohio and Erie Canal. Akron experienced another spurt in population growth between 1860 and 1870 which can be attributed to a thriving coal industry, a major railroad as well as various manufacturing businesses that were flourishing during the Civil War.

The arrival of the rubber industry brought enormous expansion to the city of Akron. People were migrating from vast distances, including from Europe to find employment in the rubber factories. B.F. Goodrich established the first rubber company in Akron in 1869. General Tire and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company also established their companies in the city. Akron became known as "The Rubber Capital of the World." Due to competition with the superior European radial tires the rubber industry in Akron experienced a significant decline. During the early portion of the 1990's all the tire companies except for Goodyear had relocated their headquarters out of the city.

Transportation

The METRO RTA system provides bus and trolley service for the city as well as offering commuter bus service to downtown Cleveland. The town is served by the Akron-Canton Regional Airport and the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Attractions

  • Soap Box Derby
  • Akron Art Museum
  • Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
  • Goodyear World of Rubber Museum
  • The Archives of the History of American Psychology
  • National Inventors Hall of Fame
  • American Marble and Toy Museum
  • Harry London Chocolate Factory
  • Quaker Square
  • Simon Perkins Mansion

Activities

  • Akron State Park
  • Day in the Valley - Cuyahoga Valley National Park
  • Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
  • Carriage Trade Farm - Northfield, Ohio
  • Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area

Higher Education

The city is home to the University of Akron. The college is recognized as one of the leaders in the world in polymer research and has noteworthy graduate programs in engineering. The college provides an opportunity for students to participate in a combined B.S./M.D. program which is affiliated with the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine.

High Points

Akron strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Ohio):

CategoryTrophy
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)		Top 5%trophyAkron Racial Diversity
Public Transportation Use
(vs. State)		Top 6%Akron Public Transportation Use
Affordability of Rents
(vs. Peers)		Top 14%Akron Affordability of Rents

Comparative Profile of Akron, OH

Comparing Akron to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Ohio (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Senior Citizens95
Female Share of the Population86
Age of the Population83
Children Under 5 Years Old67
Well-Paid Single Women46
Well-Paid Single Men45
Male Share of the Population35
Racial Diversity110

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Portion of People Married31
Average Household Size33

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
People in Middle Class or Better43
People Above Poverty42
Median Family Income33
College Educated Adults28

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Short Commute Times76
Public Transportation Use610
Working at Home35
Walking and Biking to Work27

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Affordability of Rents95
People Living Alone89
Affordability of Property Taxes85
Seasonal and Vacation Housing34
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals39
Housing Recently Built24

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime71
Low Property Crime52

Detailed pages on related topics: Akron colleges • Akron travel • Akron mortgage and property.

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Additional Details

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