COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio’s townships play a far larger role in the state’s economy than many realize, according to a new economic impact analysis showing that businesses located in townships generate $413.64 billion in economic activity and support more than 1.8 million jobs statewide.

The study, The Economic Contribution of Ohio Townships, commissioned by the Ohio Township Association Service Corp. and conducted by Silverlode Consulting, finds that businesses located in Ohio’s 1,308 townships account for nearly 25 percent of the state’s total economic output and jobs, underscoring the central role township communities play in Ohio’s economy.

“This study shows that townships are a driving force behind Ohio’s overall economy,” said Kyle A. Brooks, director of governmental affairs for the Ohio Township Association. “From manufacturing and logistics to health care, construction and small business growth, township communities are powering jobs and opportunity across the Buckeye State.”

Key findings include:

  • Township businesses create $210.4 billion in value added through wages, profits and taxes.
  • Townships have an unemployment rate of 2.4%, significantly lower than the 3.6% rate in municipal areas.
  • Workforce participation and occupational mix closely mirror those of cities and villages across the state.
  • Township households demonstrate strong consumer activity, spending about 18% more than municipal households.

Townships, like their municipal government counterparts, provide services such as police and fire protection, road maintenance and snow removal to local residents. However, townships deliver these essential services while collecting far less in local tax revenue than Ohio’s municipal governments. The study found that:

  • Local taxes collected per capita in townships are 57% lower than in municipalities.
  • On average, township households pay about $1,116 less annually in local taxes.
  • Residential property tax millage rates are about 17% lower than those found in municipalities.
  • Commercial tax rates are about 21% lower than those in municipalities. 

Townships also do not levy income taxes, which contributes to the lower overall tax burden.

The study found that township economies span a wide range of industries. The largest sectors by employment include retail trade, health care, social assistance, manufacturing, real estate, rental services, accommodation and food services and construction.

These industries collectively employ hundreds of thousands of Ohioans and help sustain local and regional supply chains.