REYNOLDSBURG, OH

Reynoldsburg is a city in Fairfield, Franklin, and Licking counties in the U.S. state of Ohio. It is a suburban community in the Columbus, Ohio metropolitan area. The population was 41,076 at the 2020 census.

History

Reynoldsburg was originally called Frenchtown, and under the latter name was platted in 1831 by John French, and named for him. The present name is for John C. Reynolds, a local merchant. A post office called Reynoldsburg was established in 1833, and the name was changed to Reynoldsburg in 1893.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which is land and is water. Blacklick Creek flows through Reynoldsburg.

Demographics

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 35,893 people, 14,387 households, and 9,551 families living in the city. The population density was . There were 15,611 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 69.7% White or European American, 23.3% African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.3% from other races, and 3.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.4% of the population.

There were 14,387 households, of which 35.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.8% were married couples living together, 15.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.6% were non-families. 28.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.06.

The median age in the city was 37.3 years. 26.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.8% were from 25 to 44; 27.3% were from 45 to 64; and 11.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.4% male and 52.6% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 32,069 people, 12,849 households, and 8,801 families living in the city. The population density was 3,030.0 people per square mile (1,170.3/km). There were 13,434 housing units at an average density of 1,269.3 per square mile (490.3/km). The racial makeup of the city was 85.01% White, 10.44% African American, 1.07% Native American, 1.69% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.74% from other races, and 1.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.80% of the population.

There were 11,109 households, out of which 34.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.8% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 25.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.6% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 31.9% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $51,108, and the median income for a family was $60,183. Males had a median income of $40,608 versus $30,448 for females. The per capita income for the city was $23,388. About 4.4% of families and 5.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.9% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.

Public services and culture

The city currently has six elementary schools, four middle/junior high schools and two high schools, Reynoldsburg High School. The high school and junior high schools' mascot is Rocky Raider (a pirate) and its colors are purple and gold.

The City Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for 275 acres of parkland including 9 major parks. Established in 1948 the first Franklin County Metro Park opened in Reynoldsburg, Blacklick Woods and Blacklick Woods Golf Course; a 643-acre park with Golf, several multi purpose trails, one of the oldest Beech-maple forest in central Ohio, a winter sledding hill, a Nature Center and the Walter A. Tucker State Nature Preserve located inside Blacklick Woods.

The Reynoldsburg Division of Police, with a total of 70 sworn officers, 21 civilians, and 12 reserve police officers, is located next to City Hall. According to the city's Annual Report, the City tallied six murders in 2016, one in 2017, three in 2018, and two in 2019. All of these cases have been solved. Curtis Baker serves as the current Chief of the Division. Chief Baker holds a Juris Doctor degree from Capital University, making him one of a very few police chiefs in the country with a law degree. Chief Baker and prior chief David Plesich are credited with creating a professional police force that has developed a visible presence in community policing leading to a significant reduction in crime rates. The agency currently has a Motor Unit (with four cycles), a Canine Unit (with two dogs), a Special Investigations Unit, a Criminal Investigations Unit, School Resource Officers (two), Community Resource Officers (two located at sub-stations), bicycle officers, a Dispatch Center, and fields a joint SWAT team with Whitehall Police. RPD has been an innovator in central Ohio. The agency's primary community outreach program is its Illumination Project, borrowed from the Charleston, SC Police. Each month, RPD opens its doors to welcome the community in for Q and A sessions with the Chief or information sharing. RPD was the first agency in central Ohio to begin a security camera registration program, allowing RPD detectives to quickly ascertain potential leads (video that may have captured crime). The agency is also one of a very few that has published a five-year strategic plan, which is posted on the agency's website. Other changes implemented in 2019 include a cold case review, body worn cameras, a bias analysis, and a lateral hiring program.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture, the Ohio Fire Academy and the State Fire Marshal's offices are also located in Reynoldsburg.

Reynoldsburg is known as "The Birthplace of the Tomato", claiming the first commercial variety of tomato was bred there in the 19th century. and the Tomato Festival has been held every year since 1965. Every year there is a Tomato Festival Queen. The Tomato Festival takes place in August.

Economy

L Brands is the largest employer in Reynoldsburg. Subsequently, its subsidiaries Bath & Body Works and Victoria's Secret are headquartered in Reynoldsburg.

Top employers

According to the city's 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:

Notable people