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Last Updated on: 24th April 2024, 06:17 pm
Visiting southwest Ohio or considering moving to Greater Cincinnati? Ohio’s Hamilton County, located on the Ohio River and bordering Indiana and Kentucky, is the center of the Cincinnati metro area and the greater Tri-State Area. Known for its outdoor recreation, breweries, excellent schools, and world-class museums and theme parks, Hamilton County, Ohio has so much to offer.
What cities are in Hamilton County, Ohio? How many people live here? This complete guide to cities in Hamilton County, OH covers everything you want to know about the 11 largest cities with info, demographics, and photos. This guide will primarily cover Hamilton County, Ohio cities, not villages or census-designated places. Cities in Ohio are incorporated municipalities with at least 5,000 residents.
Table of Contents
About Hamilton County, Ohio
Hamilton County is the third-largest county in Ohio by population. It’s the center of the Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN metropolitan area and home to Cincinnati, the county seat and third largest city in Ohio.
Where is Hamilton County, OH? The county is in southwest Ohio on the Ohio River bordering Clermont, Warren, and Butler counties in Ohio, Dearborn and Franklin counties in Indiana, and Campbell, Kenton, and Boone counties in Kentucky.
There are 19 cities in Hamilton County and 19 villages. The largest city is Cincinnati with more than 300,000 people, but no other city has even 50,000 residents. In the Hamilton County, OH map above, you can see villages and cities in gray and with townships colored.
Hamilton County experienced population growth of 3.5% between the 2010 and 2020 census. This was the first time the county grew since the 1960s. Hamilton County reached a peak population of 924,000 in 1970. That was up 19% from 1960 and it marked an even more substantial growth from just 724,000 in 1950. For the next 50 years, however, the population declined.
Hamilton County, OH Townships, Cities, & Villages – What’s the Difference?
What is the difference between a city and a village? In Ohio, villages and cities are both incorporated municipalities. The only difference is population based on the most recent federal census: cities have at least 5,000 residents. There are only two exceptions: a village can become a city with 5,000+ registered voters, but a municipality can be classified as a village if its population is less than 5,000 after subtracting prisoners and students from out-of-town.
What about townships? In Ohio, counties are further divided into townships. Some are very small while others are quite large and exceed the population of most Ohio cities. There are 12 townships in Hamilton County, Ohio.
- Anderson Township (pop. 43,400)
- Colerain Township (pop. 58,500) *Second-largest township in Ohio by population with only one city
- Columbia Township (pop. 4,500)
- Crosby Township (pop. 2,700)
- Delhi Township (pop. 29,500)
- Green Township (pop. 58,300) *Third-largest township in Ohio by population
- Harrison Township (pop. 13,900)
- Miami Township (pop. 15,700)
- Springfield Township (pop. 36,300)
- Sycamore Township (pop. 19,200)
- Symmes Township (pop. 14,600)
- Whitewater Township (pop. 5,500)
The entire area of a township is governed by a township government, sometimes with limited home rule powers. However, if a township’s boundaries become coterminous with a village or city, the township will essentially dissolve and no longer have its own government. It exists only on paper. This is common in southwest Ohio. For instance, Cincinnati in Hamilton County is coterminous with Cincinnati Township which was officially abolished in 1834. There are five such defunct townships in the county.
Hamilton County, OH Demographics
- Hamilton County population: 830,639
- Area: 405.4 square miles
- Population density: 2,016 people per square mile
- Median age: 36.7
- Hamilton County median household income: $60,198
- Median home price: $220,000
- Educational attainment: 92% high school grad or higher; 40% bachelor’s degree or higher
#1. Cincinnati
- Cincinnati population: 309,317
- Population growth: +4.0% from 2010 to 2020
- Area: 77.8 square miles
- Population density: 3,905 people per square mile
- Median age: 32.5
- Cincinnati median household income: $46,260
- Cincinnati median home price: $221,000
- Educational attainment: 90% high school grad or higher; 41% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Cincinnati map
Cincinnati is by far the largest of cities in Hamilton County by population, and the only city with more than 50,000 people. The 2020 census found that Cincinnati finally ended 70 years of population decline, adding more than 12,000 residents over a decade. This was the first time Cincinnati recorded a population increase since 1950 when Cincinnati’s population peaked at 504,000 compared to 309,000 today.
Cincinnati is famous for its Cincinnati chili, low cost of living, excellent parks and museums, strong art scene, and iconic architecture – particularly Victorian and Art Deco buildings like the Cincinnati Music Hall and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. It’s also home to one of the country’s top-rated children’s hospitals with an economy based on finance, education, and healthcare.
With the Cincinnati Zoo (one of the country’s highest-rated and oldest zoos), Newport Aquarium, the Cincinnati Observatory (one of the oldest working telescopes in the world), and the nearby Kings Island (an award-winning amusem*nt park known for its coasters), you’ll never run out of things to do in Cincinnati!
You can learn more about living in Cincinnati with our complete guide to the Queen City.
#2. Fairfield
- Fairfield population: 44,907
- Population growth: +5.6% from 2010 to 2020
- Area: 20.8 square miles
- Population density: 2,046 people per square mile
- Median age: 37.7
- Fairfield median household income: $60,340
- Fairfield median home price: $245,000
- Educational attainment: 90% high school grad or higher; 29% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Fairfield, OH map
After Cincinnati, Fairfield is the largest of Hamilton County cities. However, the city is mostly in Butler County – the small portion of Fairfield extending into Hamilton County has no population.
Located about 25 miles north of Cincinnati along the Great Miami River, Fairfield is a major employment center for the region and boasts its own tourism thanks to Jungle Jim’s. There are over 500 acres of parks in Fairfield including William Harbin Park which hosts the annual Cincinnati Cyclocross. Residents enjoy the Community Arts Center with a senior center, an aquatics center, and two municipal golf courses. The Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy in Fairfield is one of the country’s most prestigious elite gymnastics programs.
Fairfield’s most famous attraction is Jungle Jim’s international Market, a massive international grocery store called a theme park for food with 500,000 square feet of space, thousands of products representing 70+ countries (many with their own sections), and a large wine market. There are always fun things to spot whether it’s an entire alligator in the meat display, unfamiliar fruits and vegetables, or regular events like the international wine festival, beer bash, Big Cheese Festival, or Weekend of Fire. People have been known to drive for hours just to visit!
You can learn more about living in Fairfield, OH with our complete guide!
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#3. Norwood
- Norwood population: 19,043
- Population growth: -0.85% from 2010 to 2020
- Area: 3.1 square miles
- Population density: 6,326 people per square mile
- Median age: 31.8
- Norwood median household income: $45,581
- Norwood median home price: $195,000
- Educational attainment: 87% high school grad or higher; 32% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Norwood, OH map
Excluding Fairfield, which does not actually have any people in the city limits living in Hamilton County, Norwood is the second largest city in Hamilton County, Ohio. Norwood is less than 8 miles northeast of downtown Cincinnati, perfect for commuters and families who want the safety and green space of the suburbs without giving up the big city amenities. In fact, it’s actually an enclave of Cincinnati which means the city is entirely enclosed by the City of Cincinnati.
Norwood is one of the oldest Cincinnati suburbs and known for its wooded space, tree-lined streets, and older homes. For decades, Norwood was home to the Sears factory that manufactured Sears Catalog Homes. It’s also been home to the U.S. Playing Card Company factory, the world’s largest manufacturer of playing cards, which is set to return to its former headquarters thanks to a redevelopment of its old factory.
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#4. Forest Park
- Forest Park population: 29,189
- Population growth: +55.9% from 2010 to 2020
- Area: 6.4 square miles
- Population density: 2,893 people per square mile
- Median age: 32.7
- Forest Park median household income: $55,694
- Forest Park median home price: $176,000
- Educational attainment: 90% high school grad or higher; 27% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Forest Park, OH map
Forest Park is the third largest Hamilton County, OH city excluding Fairfield. This master-planned community was founded in 1956 and adopted the concept of being an “open city” once it incorporated in 1968. The city passed ordinances and resolutions to welcome new residents regardless of national origin, race, or creed with a Quality of Integrated Life resolution passed in 1982 to reinforce the city’s view that diversity is its strength.
Forest Park is popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s served by Winton Woods City Schools which recently unveiled two new campuses serving Forest Park students with expanded music and arts facilities and project-based learning environments. Forest Park is adjacent to Winton Woods, one of the largest and most popular parks in Hamilton County, OH. The 2,500+ acre park features camping, golfing, horseback riding at the Winton Woods Riding Center, fishing, hiking trails, disc golf, and Parky’s Farm, an educational and operational farm in the park with pony rides, live animals, and playgrounds.
Find out more about living in Forest Park, OH with our complete guide!
#5. Sharonville
- Sharonville population: 14,117
- Population growth: +4.1% from 2010 to 2020
- Area: 9.8 square miles
- Population density: 1,441 people per square mile
- Median age: 39.9
- Sharonville median household income: $61,378
- Sharonville median home price: $203,000
- Educational attainment: 93% high school grad or higher; 39% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Sharonville map
Sharonville is one of the largest cities in Hamilton County, OH, but a small corner of the city is in Butler County. Of the 14,000 residents, around 2,500 are within Butler County.
Sharonville is known for the Sharonville Convention Center and Heritage Village Museum, historic buildings from the 1800s relocated from many areas of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio. Its most famous attraction is Sharon Woods, a 730-acre park with an Adventure Station, an indoor playground with two levels. The park also offers boating, hiking paths, and golf.
Learn more about living in Sharonville and what else the city has to offer with our complete guide!
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#6. Loveland
- Loveland, OH population: 13,307
- Population growth: +10.1% from 2010 to 2020
- Area: 5.1 square miles
- Population density: 2,663 people per square mile
- Median age: 39.1
- Loveland median household income: $71,405
- Loveland median home price: $307,000
- Educational attainment: 97% high school grad or higher; 48% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Loveland, OH map
Loveland is a popular Cincinnati suburb for families. Located in Clermont, Warren, and Hamilton counties, the city is just 15 miles northeast of Cincinnati along the Little Miami River. Loveland is largely residential – although its downtown area surrounding the Loveland Bike Trail is becoming a hip destination with a record shop, outdoor dining, a brewery, and bars with frequent live music.
Loveland is an affluent city with one of the best school districts in Greater Cincinnati, although home prices are high, as expected. Residents enjoy Castle Skateland, an indoor skating rink, canoeing from the long-running Loveland Canoe & Kayak, and trips to the historic Loveland Castle.
Find out if you’ll love living in Loveland, OH with our guide!
#7. Blue Ash
- Blue Ash population: 13,394
- Population growth: +10.5% from 2010 to 2020
- Area: 7.6 square miles
- Population density: 1,616 people per square mile
- Median age: 40.1
- Blue Ash median household income: $91,563
- Blue Ash median home price: $328,000
- Educational attainment: 97% high school grad or higher; 57% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Blue Ash map
Just 20 minutes outside Cincinnati is the charming city of Blue Ash, known for its excellent schools, outdoor recreation, and employment opportunities. Blue Ash isn’t just one of the largest cities in Hamilton County, OH by population, it’s one of the best places to live, play, and work. During weekdays, Blue Ash has a daytime population of 55,000+ thanks to more than 2,000 businesses in the city.
What is there to do in Blue Ash? The Blue Ash Golf Course was recently ranked among the 25 most beloved municipal golf courses! The city is also known for the Red, White & Blue Ash 4th of July festival held every year at Summit Park, a 130-acre park with year-round events and activities plus an observation tower with 360-degree views of the Tri-State. Red, White & Blue Ash is a big-budget celebration that features free performances from internationally famous headliners including Peter Frampton, Kansas, REO Speedwagon, and Styx.
Find out if Blue Ash is right for you with our complete guide to living in Blue Ash, Ohio.
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#8. Harrison
- Harrison population: 12,563
- Population growth: +26.9% from 2010 to 2020
- Area: 5.3 square miles
- Population density: 2,270 people per square mile
- Median age: 35.9
- Harrison median household income: $61,731
- Harrison median home price: $210,000
- Educational attainment: 93% high school grad or higher; 22% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Harrison map
Harrison is one of the most underappreciated cities in Hamilton County, Ohio, in part because it’s located in the northwest. Just 22 miles outside downtown Cincinnati, Harrison is a gateway to Indiana within the Cincinnati metro area.
One of the top attractions in Harrison is The Rook Cincy, now part of Divrsion Arcade. Once a staple of downtown Cincinnati’s OTR, this board game parlor features more than 1,000 board games and a large selection of shared plates, co*cktails, and beer. Harrison is also home to the Miami Whitewater Forest, the largest park within the Great Parks of Hamilton County system. Explore more than 4,300 acres with trails and a gorgeous harbor area overlooking a large lake while enjoying stand-up paddleboarding, golfing, disc golf, and the dog agility park.
#9. Springdale
- Springdale population: 11,007
- Population growth: -1.9% from 2010 to 2020
- Area: 5 square miles
- Population density: 2,254 people per square mile
- Median age: 41.2
- Springdale median household income: $56,789
- Springdale median home price: $224,000
- Educational attainment: 88% high school grad or higher; 32% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Springdale map
Located 19 miles north of Cincinnati and 40 miles outside Dayton is the small city of Springdale. Popular with commuters thanks to its central location, the city also offers great amenities for residents. Springdale’s 72,000-square-foot community center operated by Springdale Parks & Recreation boasts gymnasiums, a fitness studio, game rooms, senior programs, and youth sports. The retail area is anchored by the Tri-County Mall and offers 4 million square feet of shopping!
#10. Montgomery
- Montgomery, OH population: 10,853
- Population growth: +5.9% from 2010 to 2020
- Area: 5.3 square miles
- Population density: 2,032 people per square mile
- Median age: 44.9
- Montgomery median household income: $131,111
- Montgomery median home price: $548,000
- Educational attainment: 98% high school grad or higher; 71.5% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Montgomery, OH map
Sandwiched between U.S. 22, I-71, and I-275, Montgomery is one of the most desirable Hamilton County, OH cities. Its location is perfect for commuters to Blue Ash, Cincinnati, and even Dayton, plus it boasts a great quality of life. Montgomery is one of the wealthiest cities in Hamilton County, OH and one of the most educated.
Residents enjoy some of the best parks in the suburbs including Swaim Park with a duck pond and sports courts plus the top-rated Montgomery Community Pool.
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#11. Reading
- Reading population: 10,600
- Population growth: +2.0% from 2010 to 2020
- Area: 2.9 square miles
- Population density: 3,583 people per square mile
- Median age: 38.7
- Reading median household income: $56,137
- Reading median home price: $215,000
- Educational attainment: 88% high school grad or higher; 22% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Reading, OH map
Considering how close Montgomery and Reading are in population, this list of cities in Hamilton County couldn’t end at ten! Located less than 13 miles northeast of Cincinnati, the city of Reading is famous for its Bridal District, one of America’s most well-known destinations for wedding-related shopping which has earned Reading the nickname of Bridal Boutique Capital of the Midwest.
List of Cities in Hamilton County(Table)
Here is a complete list of cities in HamiltonCounty, sorted first by population, then other metrics from the US Census. Education Level is the % of the population that has finished high school. The Population Growth is from 2010 to 2019. If they exist, under Type, we have included cities, towns, villages, census designated places and more.
OH Hamilton County
Map of Cities in Hamilton County, OH
List of Cities in Hamilton County, Ohio
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Hamilton County Cities FAQ
How many people live in Hamilton County, OH?
The population of Hamilton County, Ohio is 830,639. About 309,000 people live in Cincinnati; the rest live in 17 cities, 19 villages, and several townships and unincorporated areas.
What is the most populous city in Hamilton County?
The most populous city and county seat is Cincinnati with a population of 309,000.
What cities are in Hamilton County, OH?
Hamilton County, Ohio is home to Cincinnati, the county seat and one of the largest cities in Ohio. It’s also home to Fairfield (in part), Norwood, Sharonville, Blue Ash, Forest Park, and other suburbs.
How many cities are in Hamilton County, Ohio?
There are 19 cities in Hamilton County, OH and 19 villages. Only one city, Cincinnati, has more than 50,000 people.
Which of These Hamilton County Cities Is Right for You?
Have you settled on a Hamilton County, OH city to call home? Cincinnati isn’t all that the county has to offer with several beautiful suburbs home to gorgeous parks, excellent schools, and recreation.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, call Bell Moving & Storage for the dependable moving services and top-notch customer support you need. We’ll help with a stress-free moving experience so you can start enjoying everything that Hamilton County has to offer!
