Changing Demographics Are Creating a New Central Ohio

Long regarded as one of the most statistically average cities in America – including in terms of its population growth – Columbus, Ohio has stepped on the accelerator in the last decade.

The city’s growth continues to gain steam: in the last ten years, 90% of Ohio’s entire population growth occurred in Columbus and its suburbs. From 2010 to 2020, Columbus saw the largest population growth in its history, with a growth rate of 15.1%, higher than Houston (9.7%), Phoenix (11.2%), or even Nashville (14.7%).

As of 2020, every Columbus community reported growth, regardless of location relative to downtown. On average, Franklin County gains 37 residents a day; every year, Columbus adds the equivalent in population of a new Bexley.

There aren’t just more people in Columbus, either – there are more people plus greater diversity, too. All the net growth in both Columbus and Franklin County was due to people of color; in fact, Franklin County’s white population fell 0.4% from 2010 to 2020 despite the County’s unprecedented population growth. Nearly every Franklin County census tract became more diverse, although Columbus’ growing diversity isn’t occurring evenly between communities.

On April 6, CMC will unpack Columbus’ dramatic population growth and its growing diversity over the last decade – along with its implications and opportunities for businesses and organizations – with the help of Michael Wilkos, Senior Vice President of Community Impact with The United Way of Central Ohio, who will share lessons learned through extensive research based on the 2020 census, and host Autumn Glover, Senior Director, Community Health Partnerships, OhioHealth.

JOIN US IN THE ROOM for this discussion on April 6th, in person audience seating is available. Please make reservations by Tuesday, April 5th. We cannot accommodate walk ins.

You can also still join us on the CMC YouTube Channel to view and participate in the community conversation during this livestream event. We encourage you to register and support CMC by purchasing a virtual seat – different levels of support are available when you register! When you register, you can submit questions in advance.

We also ask you to consider making donations to CMC to support our mission of Connecting People and Ideas Through Community Conversation, even if you are unable to join us for this particular forum.