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Bellefontaine, OH


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Bellefontaine, Ohio

Introduction to Bellefontaine, Ohio

Bellefontaine, Ohio, in Logan county, is 30 miles N of Springfield, Ohio (center to center) and 48 miles NW of Columbus, Ohio. The city has a population of 13,069.

Bellefontaine History

The Miami American Indians were among the original inhabitants of this region. In the mid-1700s, this area was dominated by the Shawnee Nation whose settlement was known as "Blue Jacket's Town". White settlers arrived in the 1800s, and the community of Bellefontaine was officially laid out in 1820. According to records, the name "Bellefontaine" is derived from a French word meaning "beautiful spring". The place was named because of the presence of springs in the region. The first concrete road in the nation was built in Bellefontaine in 1801. The city was officially incorporated in 1835. In the 1890s, the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and St. Louis Railroad established a terminal in Bellefontaine, and constructed its largest roundhouse between St. Louis and New York in this city.

Bellefontaine and Nearby Attractions

  • Ohio State Capitol
  • Organette House Mechanical Music Museum
  • Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
  • Indian Lake State Park
  • Neil Armstrong Air & Space Museum
  • Columbus Topiary Garden

Things To Do In Bellefontaine

Campbell Hill, which is a popular destination in Bellefontaine, marks the highest point in elevation in Ohio. Organette House Mechanical Music Museum showcases collections of organettes and mechanical musical instruments. The Neil Armstrong Air & Space Museum, Springfield Museum of Art, Piqua Historical Area, Fort Amanda, and the Ohio State Capitol are other historic sites and museums in the area. Opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and camping are available at the Kiser Lake State Park, and Indian Lake State Park. The city is also home to a number of parks including the Mary Rutan Park, Blue Jacket Park, Fred Carter Park, and Southview Park. The other attractions near Bellefontaine are the Columbus Topiary Garden, Six Flags Wyandot Lake, Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, and Cox Arboretum & Gardens Metropark. Residents also host the Logan County Fair every July.

Bellefontaine Transportation

Bellefontaine Regional Airport is located in the city.

Bellefontaine Higher Education

Ohio State University, and Urbana University operate satellite campuses in Bellefontaine. Other colleges nearby include the Ohio Northern University, Wittenberg University, and Cedarville University.

High Points

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

CategoryTrophy
Short Commute Times
(vs. State)
Top 11%Bellefontaine Short Commute Times
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)
Top 19%Bellefontaine Racial Diversity

Comparative Profile of Bellefontaine, OH

Comparing Bellefontaine 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
Children Under 5 Years Old910
Female Share of the Population76
Well-Paid Single Women66
Well-Paid Single Men56
Racial Diversity59
Senior Citizens44
Male Share of the Population45
Age of the Population32

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Average Household Size44
Portion of People Married33

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
People in Middle Class or Better44
Median Family Income44
People Above Poverty33
College Educated Adults36

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Short Commute Times89
Walking and Biking to Work78
Working at Home45
Public Transportation Use24

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals89
Affordability of Property Taxes76
People Living Alone77
Affordability of Rents75
Housing Recently Built35
Seasonal and Vacation Housing33

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Property Crime43
Low Violent Crime11
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