Geneva-on-the-Lake is a village in Geneva Township, Ashtabula County, Ohio, United States, along the southern shore of Lake Erie. A small resort town, the population was 916 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Ashtabula micropolitan area, northeast of Cleveland.

History

thumb|left|Four Gable Place (1913)

Settlement of the original area known as the Connecticut Western Reserve started in the early 1800s, as investors, farmers, and frontiersmen from New England and the Mid-Atlantic began to farm in the area and capitalize on the natural resources of Lake Erie and its shoreline. Industry along the lake shore continued to develop, including a lime burning business along Cowles Creek on the west, and it grew to include nine adult and nine children's amusement park rides including The Fright Zone, one of three scary dark rides created by the Allen Herschel Co. The park closed in 2006, but the Ferris wheel and carousel are still in operation nearby. Starting in 1964 with the purchase of Chestnut Grove, portions of land which were to become the Geneva-on-the-Lake State Park continued to grow through 1974 to include cabins, campgrounds, and a swimming beach.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of , of which is land and is water.

Demographics

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 1,288 people, 589 households, and 326 families residing in the village. The population density was . There were 1,136 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the village was 95.9% White, 0.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 0.8% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.2% of the population.

There were 589 households, of which 24.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.8% were married couples living together, 15.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 44.7% were non-families. 34.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.80.

The median age in the village was 42.7 years. 19.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.4% were from 25 to 44; 32.7% were from 45 to 64; and 13.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 50.7% male and 49.3% female.

2000 census

As of the census

One of a number of seasonal events is the "Thunder on The Strip," an annual Biker Rally held the weekend after Labor Day. Started in 2007, "Thunder on The Strip" attracts thousands of motorcyclists from around the country and brings a boost to local business.

Education

The Geneva Area City School District provides K–12 education to students in Geneva-on-the-Lake. The district has three elementary schools (Geneva Platt R. Spencer Elementary, Cork Elementary and Austinburg Elementary), one middle school (Geneva Middle School) and one high school (Geneva High School). The elementary schools serve students in grades K–5, while the middle school and high schools serve students in grades 6–8 and 9–12 respectively. The district has an open enrollment policy, allowing students from the entire county, as well as Lake and Geauga Counties to enroll.

Notable people

  • Isaac Arthur, science communication, YouTuber and futurist
  • Sarah Fowler Arthur, member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 99th district
  • Ransom E. Olds, founder of the Oldsmobile car company

References

  • Official municipal website
  • Official tourism website