thumb|right|Lexington Municipal Building

Lexington is a village along the Clear Fork River in Troy Township and Washington Township in Richland County in the U.S. state of Ohio. It is part of the Mansfield metropolitan area. The population was 4,848 at the 2020 census.

The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is located just outside Lexington in Troy Township. This venue hosted an annual round of the CART series from 1990 to 2003, has hosted the IndyCar Series since 2007, previously hosted the NASCAR Xfinity Series, hosts Honda Super Bikes, and Vintage Bikes in addition to a few other annual high-profile events.

History

Lexington was founded by Amariah Watson Jr. in 1812, a land speculator who had purchased wide lands locally in order to sell to other settlers. During the 1800s, Lexington had many taverns, hotels, and grist mills—most of which at one time or another burned to the ground. In the 19th century, leading members of the community were William Cockley Thad and Martin Kell, Les Griebling, Erwin Castor, Sgt. Patrick Gass, and Jacob Cook. The first road constructed through town was what is now State Route 97, and the second was what is now Lexington-Ontario Road.

The first tavern was built in 1815 by Jacob Cook. It was called "Cook's Tavern" and the first grocery store was built in 1825 by William Damsell. It was in 1839 that Lexington was recognized as a village by the federal government. In 1850 the railroad made its path through Lexington and this contributed to much of the business activity and travel for the settlers. In 2023 another long-time council member, Robert "Bob" Jarvis, ran for mayor unopposed and won. He began his 4-year term on January 1, 2024.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of , all land.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, Lexington had a population of 4,848. The median age was 40.6 years. 23.8% of residents were under the age of 18 and 20.8% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 89.7 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 87.6 males age 18 and over.

95.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 5.0% lived in rural areas.

There were 2,042 households in Lexington, of which 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 47.7% were married-couple households, 17.0% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 29.6% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 29.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. of 2010, there were 4,822 people, 1,970 households, and 1,366 families living in the village. The population density was . There were 2,092 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the village was 96.3% White, 1.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population.

There were 1,970 households, of which 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.5% were married couples living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.7% were non-families. 26.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.91.

The median age in the village was 39.9 years. 25% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24% were from 25 to 44; 27.9% were from 45 to 64; and 14.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 47.6% male and 52.4% female.

2000 census

As of the census

<br>

As of the 2022-2023 school year, the new consolidated High School and Junior High building opened for grades 7-12. The former buildings were subsequently demolished. Future plans call for the demolition of the 3 elementary schools after a brand new, consolidated K-6 grade school is built.

Lexington has a public library, a branch of the Mansfield–Richland County Public Library.

Notable people

<!--- Please add people in alphabetical order --->

  • John Peter Altgeld, a governor of Illinois
  • Olive San Louie Anderson, scholar and author
  • R. C. Chambers (1832–1901),19th-century businessman, and silver mine supervisor
  • Creed Brothers, WWE tag team, assigned to Monday Night Raw brand.
  • Jamie Feick, player in the NBA
  • Candice Millard, writer, journalist
  • Hannah Stevens: 2017 United States National Champion swimmer
  • Cade Stover, Ohio Mr. Football, 2018 As of 2025, a member of the NFL Houston Texans football team.

References

  • Village website