Key Facts
- Per Capita Real GDP
- $34,040 Rank: 33/50 (2007)
- Population
- 11,485,900 Rank: 7/50 (2008)
- Per Capita Personal Income
- $33,338 Rank: 29/50 (2006)
- Unemployment Rate
- 5.50% Rank: 39/50 (2008)
- Business Tax Climate Index
- Rank: 46/50 (2008)
State Map
Navigation
Ohio: Introduction
The Midwestern state of Ohio was admitted to the Union in 1803. Ohio shares its borders with five other states, and Canada on the Lake Erie boundary. Perhaps best known as the birthplace of aviation, Ohio has played a major role in the history of flight. The Wright brothers, who were responsible for the world’s first successful airplane flight, hailed from Ohio and conducted numerous experiments in the state. Many prominent astronauts also claim Ohio to be their home, including Neil Armstrong, the first man to step foot on the moon, and John Glenn, who became the oldest person ever to enter space at age 77. Ohio has also produced eight U.S. presidents, giving rise to the state’s unofficial nickname, the “Mother of Presidents”.
As a part of the grain belt, agriculture has always played a significant role in Ohio’s economy. Soybeans, corn, dairy products and hogs are currently among the top of the state’s agricultural outputs. The agriculture industry also spawned the growth of the manufacturing sector, which got its start in Ohio through the production of farm tools and machinery. Ohio is a leading producer of automobiles and automotive parts. Despite the historic strength of manufacturing to the state, its relative size in the state economy has been steadily shrinking. As the manufacture of durable goods slowed, increases in the service sector have helped to diversify the state economy. Finance, insurance and real estate are now among the state’s top service-sector industries.
