The Plains, Ohio

The Plains, Ohio
Location of The Plains, Ohio
Location of The Plains, Ohio
Coordinates: 39°22′13″N 82°07′56″W / 39.37028°N 82.13222°W / 39.37028; -82.13222
CountryUnited States
StateOhio
CountyAthens
Area
 • Total
2.29 sq mi (5.92 km2)
 • Land2.28 sq mi (5.90 km2)
 • Water0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2)
Elevation719 ft (219 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
3,140
 • Density1,377.19/sq mi (531.79/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
45780
Area code740
FIPS code39-76568[3]
GNIS feature ID2393256[2]

The Plains is a census-designated place (CDP) in Athens County, Ohio, United States. The population was 3,140 at the 2020 census.

History

"The Plains" originally referred to the local region where the Mound Builders lived and built their signature Indian mounds.[4] A post office called The Plains has been in operation since 1908.[5]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.3 square miles (5.9 km2), of which 0.0077 square miles (0.02 km2), or 0.28%, is water.[6]

Open space

A nature preserve was created in The Plains recently by the Athens Conservancy.[7][8] An extension of the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is planned to traverse the preserve and provide bikeway access for the community.[9][10]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
20002,931
20103,0805.1%
20203,1401.9%
U.S. Decennial Census[11]

At the 2000 census there were 2,931 people, 1,224 households, and 714 families in the CDP. The population density was 1,275.8 inhabitants per square mile (492.6/km2). There were 1,344 housing units at an average density of 585.0 per square mile (225.9/km2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 94.13% White, 2.42% African American, 0.31% Native American, 1.09% Asian, 0.27% from other races, and 1.77% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.82%.[3]

Of the 1,224 households 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.0% were married couples living together, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.6% were non-families. 33.9% of households were one person and 11.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.88.

The age distribution was 23.5% under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 18.5% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 72.5 males.

The median household income was $30,102 and the median family income was $44,761. Males had a median income of $26,687 versus $25,106 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $17,164. About 13.3% of families and 17.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.9% of those under age 18 and 14.8% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

The Plains is known for its history of Native American burial mounds and ceremonial circles. Nearly 25 mounds were identified here, and the complex has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These are collectively known as the Wolf Plains Mound Group. The Archaeological Conservancy has been buying the sites of the mounds to protect them from development.

Education

Public schools

The residents of The Plains are served by the Athens City School District and Athens High School.

Public libraries

The Plains has a public library, a branch of the Athens County Public Libraries.[12]

Notable resident

Joe Burrow, football player for the Cincinnati Bengals, went to Athens High School and his family moved to The Plains when he was nine years old.[13]

References

  1. ^ "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  2. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: The Plains, Ohio
  3. ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  4. ^ Martzolff, Clement Luther (1916). A Brief History of Athens County, Ohio. The author. p. 7.
  5. ^ "Athens County". Jim Forte Postal History. Retrieved December 31, 2015.
  6. ^ "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): The Plains CDP, Ohio". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved July 10, 2013.
  7. ^ "Conservancy Creates New Preserve in The Plains, Will Connect to Bike Path". Retrieved March 5, 2011.
  8. ^ "The Plains nature preserve grows by 8 acres". Retrieved March 5, 2011.
  9. ^ "New Spur to Extend Bikeway". Retrieved March 6, 2011.
  10. ^ "Bike Path Spur Gets Green Light". Retrieved March 6, 2011.
  11. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2016.
  12. ^ "Athens County Library Branches". Athens County Public Libraries. Retrieved February 25, 2018.
  13. ^ "The Pride of The Plains: Hometown hero Joe Burrow and his legendary basketball career". FanSided. April 20, 2020. Retrieved April 24, 2020.