About our Community
Ravenna, the County Seat of Portage County and Ravenna Township have a combined population of slightly over 20,000. Ravenna is located approximately 18 miles northeast of Akron, and 35 miles southeast of Cleveland. Within 15 miles, the total population is approximately 445,000.
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.
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.
Local retail stores are supplemented by regional malls and shopping districts in neighboring towns. While many Ravenna residents travel to jobs in Akron and Cleveland industries, many are also employed by local manufacturers that produce items ranging from rubber and plastic products to foundries and building supplies.
In addition to wide-ranging employment opportunities, Ravenna residents enjoy diverse recreational and cultural opportunities. These include the offerings in nearby Cleveland and Akron, as well as summer theatre, amusement parks and outdoor concerts.
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.
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.
The local public school system includes five 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.
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 Chamber of Commerce and local government are continually working to maintain a good business climate in the community and assure adequate space for new and expanding industry.
Facts and Figures:
| Population (Ravenna) | 11,771 |
| Population (Ravenna) | 152,061 |
| Government | |
| Form of Government | Charter, Mayor, City Council |
| Police | 23 full and part time |
| Fire | 19 full time |
| Education | |
| Elementary Schools | 5 |
| Middle School | 1 |
| High School | 1 |
| Non-public School(s) | 2 |
| Career Center(s) | 1 |
| Post-Secondary Education (in Portage County) | Kent State University, Hiram College, Northeast Ohio Universitis College of Medicine |
| Post-Secondary within Ravenna | Boheckers Business College |
| Public Libraries | 1 |
| Health Care Facilities | |
| Robinson Memorial Hospital | 280 bed facility |
| Principal Employers | # of Employees |
| G.E. Lighting Co. | 366 |
| Parker Hannifin Corp. | 345 |
| G.E. Distribution Center | 160 |
| Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. | 142 |
| Allen Aircraft Products | 175 |
| Paris Industries | 122 |