Obetz is a city located in
Franklin County, Ohio
Franklin County is a County (United States), county in the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, the population was 1,323,807, making it the List of counties in Ohio, most populous county in Ohio. Most of its la ...
, United States. As of the
2020 United States census, the population was 5,489.
History
The community (originally Obetz Junction, in honor of settler Charles Obetz) was formed in 1838 as a stagecoach junction, and incorporated in 1928. Nearby Reese Station served as the railroad station for the immediate area, while other adjacent communities such as
Groveport,
Lockbourne and
Canal Winchester were part of the
Ohio and Erie Canal
The Ohio and Erie Canal was a canal constructed during the 1820s and early 1830s in Ohio. It connected Akron, Ohio, Akron with the Cuyahoga River near its outlet on Lake Erie in Cleveland, Ohio, Cleveland, and a few years later, with the Ohio ...
canal and lock system. The close proximity of Obetz Junction to these towns transformed the area into a hub of commerce, travel and trade in the mid-19th century.
Geography
According to the
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau, officially the Bureau of the Census, is a principal agency of the Federal statistical system, U.S. federal statistical system, responsible for producing data about the American people and American economy, econ ...
, the village has a total area of , of which is land and is water.
Demographics
2010 census
As of the
census
A census (from Latin ''censere'', 'to assess') is the procedure of systematically acquiring, recording, and calculating population information about the members of a given Statistical population, population, usually displayed in the form of stati ...
of 2010, there were 4,532 people, 1,667 households, and 1,214 families residing in the village. The
population density
Population density (in agriculture: Standing stock (disambiguation), standing stock or plant density) is a measurement of population per unit land area. It is mostly applied to humans, but sometimes to other living organisms too. It is a key geog ...
was . There were 1,807 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the village was 85.8%
White
White is the lightest color and is achromatic (having no chroma). It is the color of objects such as snow, chalk, and milk, and is the opposite of black. White objects fully (or almost fully) reflect and scatter all the visible wa ...
, 7.7%
African American
African Americans, also known as Black Americans and formerly also called Afro-Americans, are an Race and ethnicity in the United States, American racial and ethnic group that consists of Americans who have total or partial ancestry from an ...
, 0.5%
Native American, 2.1%
Asian, 1.6% from
other races, and 2.4% from two or more races.
Hispanic
The term Hispanic () are people, Spanish culture, cultures, or countries related to Spain, the Spanish language, or broadly. In some contexts, Hispanic and Latino Americans, especially within the United States, "Hispanic" is used as an Ethnici ...
or
Latino of any race were 2.8% of the population.
There were 1,667 households, of which 40.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.6% were
married couples
Marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock, is a culturally and often legally recognised union between people called spouses. It establishes rights and obligations between them, as well as between them and their children (if any), and b ...
living together, 16.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 27.2% were non-families. 22.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.17.
The median age in the village was 35.9 years. 27.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.8% were from 25 to 44; 25.2% were from 45 to 64; and 10% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.
2000 census
As of the
census
A census (from Latin ''censere'', 'to assess') is the procedure of systematically acquiring, recording, and calculating population information about the members of a given Statistical population, population, usually displayed in the form of stati ...
of 2000, there were 3,977 people, 1,488 households, and 1,104 families residing in the village. The population density was . There were 1,561 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the village was 93.71%
White
White is the lightest color and is achromatic (having no chroma). It is the color of objects such as snow, chalk, and milk, and is the opposite of black. White objects fully (or almost fully) reflect and scatter all the visible wa ...
, 2.89%
African American
African Americans, also known as Black Americans and formerly also called Afro-Americans, are an Race and ethnicity in the United States, American racial and ethnic group that consists of Americans who have total or partial ancestry from an ...
, 0.70%
Native American, 0.15%
Asian, 0.03%
Pacific Islander
Pacific Islanders, Pasifika, Pasefika, Pacificans, or rarely Pacificers are the peoples of the list of islands in the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Islands. As an ethnic group, ethnic/race (human categorization), racial term, it is used to describe th ...
, 0.58% from
other races, and 1.94% from two or more races.
Hispanic
The term Hispanic () are people, Spanish culture, cultures, or countries related to Spain, the Spanish language, or broadly. In some contexts, Hispanic and Latino Americans, especially within the United States, "Hispanic" is used as an Ethnici ...
or
Latino of any race were 1.48% of the population.
There were 1,488 households, out of which 37.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.4% were
married couples
Marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock, is a culturally and often legally recognised union between people called spouses. It establishes rights and obligations between them, as well as between them and their children (if any), and b ...
living together, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.8% were non-families. 20.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.07.
In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.9% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 33.8% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 8.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.4 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $45,000, and the median income for a family was $47,271. Males had a median income of $35,342 versus $25,342 for females. The
per capita income
Per capita income (PCI) or average income measures the average income earned per person in a given area (city, region, country, etc.) in a specified year.
In many countries, per capita income is determined using regular population surveys, such ...
for the village was $17,385. About 5.9% of families and 6.4% of the population were below the
poverty line
The poverty threshold, poverty limit, poverty line, or breadline is the minimum level of income deemed adequate in a particular country. The poverty line is usually calculated by estimating the total cost of one year's worth of necessities for ...
, including 5.9% of those under age 18 and 14.9% of those age 65 or over.
Government
The Village of Obetz’ charter was approved by voters on November 3, 2009, and went into effect on January 1, 2010. This established a Mayor-Council Plan form of government.
Economy
Top Employers
According to the Village's 2014 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in Obetz are:
Sports
The
Ohio Aviators were based in Obetz, Ohio and played in the inaugural
2016 PRO Rugby season.
Obetz is home to the EAS Training Center, the former training ground of the Columbus Crew Soccer Club. The complex includes locker rooms, meeting rooms, classrooms, athletic training and treatment rooms, weight training equipment, and multiple practice fields of varying sizes to support not only the
first team that participates in
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer (MLS) is a professional Association football, soccer league in North America and the highest level of the United States soccer league system. It comprises 30 teams, with 27 in the United States and 3 in Canada, and is sanc ...
, but also the various levels of academies under the club as well.
Obetz was also home to the
Ohio Machine of
Major League Lacrosse
Major League Lacrosse (MLL) was a men's field lacrosse league in the United States. The league's inaugural season was in 2001 Major League Lacrosse season, 2001. Teams played anywhere from ten to 16 games in a summertime regular season. This w ...
. They played their home games at
Fortress Obetz
Fortress Obetz is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex in Obetz, Ohio. Its bleacher system holds 6,500 people. Including standing room for events such as concerts, Fortress Obetz can hold nearly 20,000 people. It opened in 2017 on t ...
. The Ohio Machine were the 2017 Major League Lacrosse National Champions.
Education
Primary and secondary schools
The Village of Obetz is home to Hamilton Local Schools and Groveport Madison Schools. The majority of Obetz is located in the Hamilton Local School District, and a much smaller portion of Obetz is located in the Groveport Madison School District. Both Hamilton Local Schools and Groveport Madison Schools have rich histories dating back to the mid-1800s.
The Hamilton Local School District includes
Hamilton Township High School
Hamilton Township High School is a public high school located at 1105 Rathmell Road, near Columbus, Ohio, which serves Hamilton Township, Obetz, Lockbourne, Reese, Shadeville, and parts of south Columbus.
Ohio High School Athletic Association ...
, Hamilton Middle School, Hamilton Intermediate School, Hamilton Elementary School, Hamilton Preschool, and Hamilton Alternative Academy. Hamilton Local Schools counts its enrollment at more than 3,300 students. This total does not include nearly 170 children that are enrolled in the Hamilton Preschool facility. The Hamilton Alternative Academy, which is a separate school district sponsored by the Hamilton Local School District, currently delivers services to more than 100 students. The Hamilton Local School District has 201 certified staff members, 94 classified employees, eight district administrators, and eight building administrators. Children from the communities of Obetz, Reese, Hamilton Township, Lockbourne, and Shadeville are educated in the Hamilton Local School District. In 2015, Hamilton Township High School earned the nation's highest school honor. On September 29, the
United States Secretary of Education
The United States secretary of education is the head of the United States Department of Education. The secretary serves as the principal advisor to the president of the United States, and the federal government, on policies, programs, and activi ...
, Arne Duncan announced that Hamilton earned the premiere designation of National Blue Ribbon School for 2015. Hamilton Local School District was recently named one of central Ohio's Top Workplaces for the third consecutive year by Columbus CEO magazine. The district is rated as one of the area's best midsize workplaces after an independent study found evidence of strength in leadership, company direction, innovation, and workplace environment.
Groveport Madison School District has one high school (
Groveport Madison High School
Groveport-Madison High School is a high school in Groveport, Ohio, United States. The school's mascot is the Cruiser, a horse tamed by John Solomon Rarey.
Cruiser Football
The current coach for the 2021-2022 season is Mitch Westcamp.
Eas ...
), three middle schools, six elementary schools, and Cruiser Academy Community School. There are special needs Pre-K programs in four of the six elementary buildings, and one elementary has a Head-Start Program for preschoolers. The district also has an Extended Day Program that is offered before and after school. The Groveport Madison School District has 416 certified staff members, 189 classified staff members, and 5,811 students. The district covers approximately 42 square miles.
Parks and recreation
Parks
There are seven public parks within the Village of Obetz: Dixon Quarry, Memorial Park, Bridlewood Park, McFadyen Park, Lancaster Park, Veterans Park, and Community Center Park, for a total of 136 acres. From fishing to archery or basketball to bocce ball, these parks have a lot to offer. Obetz works to enhance the quality of life for its residents through outgoing efforts toward the preservation/development of indoor and outdoor facilities.

Memorial Park stretches between the Obetz Government Center and the Street Department building, which is at the western end of Orchard Lane. The Obetz Athletic Club is located in Memorial Park, and it's also the location of the village's annual Zucchinifest. Memorial Park is also where the
Ohio Aviators played their home games.
Veterans Park is a small half-acre park located along Groveport Road next to Lancaster Park. It contains a gazebo and benches. It also has several memorials to Obetz veterans.
The Community Center Park is a three-acre park located at 1650 Obetz Avenue, next to the Community Center. The park contains a tennis court, two basketball courts, playground equipment, spring toys, and swing set. The park also has a shelter house with picnic tables and grills. There is a small paved walking path and benches in the park as well as paved parking area.
Dixon Quarry includes a six-acre lake for recreational fishing, an archery range, walking paths, park shelters, fitness trails, and a bike path that connects to the Alum Creek Greenway/Olentangy-Scioto Bike Trail that runs all through central Ohio. The pond has been stocked with Largemouth Bass, Bluegill/Sunfish, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, White Amurs, and Rainbow Trout.
Obetz Athletic Club
The 16,000 square foot Obetz Athletic Club is located in Memorial Park next to the football and baseball fields. In addition to the circuit training, strength training, flexibility training, and cardiovascular training equipment, the OAC offers two golf simulators. Personal fitness training is also available at this facility.
Community Center and Conference Center
The Community Center is located at 1650 Obetz Avenue. It contains two multi-purpose rooms, a small gymnasium, and a lounge. A park with a shelter and playground equipment is adjacent to the Community Center.
The new 7,300 square foot Obetz Conference Center is located directly next to the Community Center at 1650 Obetz Avenue. The Obetz Conference Center is a multi-purpose space complete with audio visual equipment and a catering kitchen. The facility accommodates up to 250 people.
Zucchinifest
Obetz is home to the Zucchinifest. The festival is a four-day, family festival held in Memorial Park. Historically, the annual festival occurred on the Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before Labor Day weekend. Starting in 2018, the Festival was moved to Labor Day Weekend. There are rides, food, games, and entertainment. The entertainment includes things like concerts, a beer garden, a pageant, a parade, and a car and motorcycle show. Admission to the festival, parking, and concerts are free.
Fortress Obetz
Fortress Obetz
Fortress Obetz is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex in Obetz, Ohio. Its bleacher system holds 6,500 people. Including standing room for events such as concerts, Fortress Obetz can hold nearly 20,000 people. It opened in 2017 on t ...
is a 6,500 seat stadium on the site of the former
Columbus Motor Speedway.
In September 2016, Obetz purchased the Speedway, and has since developed it into a community asset to host concerts, farmers’ markets, trade shows, sporting events, festivals, and other community activities. In its inaugural year (2017), it held events such as the annual Zucchinifest and the 2017 Fashion Meets Music Festival.
This , $15 million project was completed in the fall of 2017. The stadium also serves as the new home for the
Ohio Machine of
Major League Lacrosse
Major League Lacrosse (MLL) was a men's field lacrosse league in the United States. The league's inaugural season was in 2001 Major League Lacrosse season, 2001. Teams played anywhere from ten to 16 games in a summertime regular season. This w ...
. The stadium's first event was held on May 6, 2017, for the first home game of the Machine, against the
Rochester Rattlers
Rochester may refer to:
Places Settlements England
*Rochester, Kent
* Rochester, Northumberland
United States
* Rochester, Illinois
* Rochester, Indiana
* Rochester Township, Cedar County, Iowa
** Rochester, Iowa, an unincorporated co ...
.
References
External links
Village website
{{Authority control
Villages in Franklin County, Ohio
Villages in Ohio
Populated places established in 1838
1838 establishments in Ohio