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Tiffin

city

Tiffin, Ohio, is a city located in Seneca County, serving as its county seat. Situated along the Sandusky River, it lies approximately 55 miles southeast of Toledo. The city blends a rich history with its role as an educational hub, hosting both Heidelberg University and Tiffin University. Once known for its glass and porcelain manufacturing, Tiffin has received recognition as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The local economy is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, education, and healthcare. Tiffin has been recognized for its economic development success, attracting new investments and creating jobs. The city benefits from a collaborative approach to business growth, with various organizations working together to support economic development, workforce initiatives, and downtown revitalization. Tiffin's distinctive character is rooted in its history and architecture. The city is named after Edward Tiffin, Ohio's first governor. St. Paul's United Methodist Church holds the distinction of being the first public building in the world to be wired for electricity. Tiffin offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities, making it a welcoming community for residents and visitors alike.

Tiffin, Ohio

Overview
Classification
City
FIPS Code
39-76778
Country
United States
County
Seneca County
Geography
Region
North-central Ohio
Elevation
722 ft
Total Area
7.37 sq mi
Land Area
7.23 sq mi
Water Area
0.14 sq mi
Latitude
41.12444
Longitude
-83.17639
Climate
Tiffin has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The average temperature in the summer is in the mid-70s Fahrenheit, while the winter temperatures typically average around the mid-20s.
Notable Features
Sandusky River
Neighboring Areas
Toledo · Cleveland · Columbus
Demographics
Population (2020)
17,953
Est. Population (2026)
17,576
Median Age
34.1
Median Income
$56,198
Poverty Rate
14.75%
Family Households
51.4%
Owner-Occupied
58.9%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
The racial composition of Tiffin includes 89.02% White, 3.72% Black or African American, and smaller percentages for other race, Asian, Native American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and multiracial populations.
Governance
Government Type
Mayor-Council
Governing Body
City Council
Body Size
8 members
School District
Tiffin City School District
Municipal Services
Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library
Economy
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
Economic Profile
Residential · Commercial · Industrial
Employment Sectors
Manufacturing · Education · Healthcare
Education
Schools
6
Students
2,850
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
School Districts
Tiffin City School District
Colleges & Universities
Heidelberg University · Tiffin University · Terra State Community College
Infrastructure
Transportation
Major highways · Seneca County Airport · Cab service · Senior and national bus line
Utilities
Municipal water
Major Facilities
Mercy Hospital of Tiffin · Seneca County Airport
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Hedges-Boyer Park · Tiffin Bark Park
Parks & Trails
18 parks encompassing roughly 200 acres of parkland · Recreational trails
History
Founded
1821
Incorporated
1835
Named After
Edward Tiffin, first governor of Ohio
Historical Significance
Tiffin played a significant role in the early development of Seneca County and Northwest Ohio, evolving from a military outpost and agricultural center to a manufacturing and educational hub.
Key Events
Fort Ball established in 1813 as a military depot during the War of 1812 · Josiah Hedges founded a settlement on the south bank of the Sandusky River in 1821 and named it Tiffin · Tiffin was designated as the county seat of Seneca County in 1824 · Tiffin officially incorporated on March 7, 1835 · Fort Ball absorbed by Tiffin in 1850