A Small City with a Big Heart and a Proud Industrial Legacy

Located in northeastern Mahoning County just five miles from the Pennsylvania border, Campbell, Ohio is a city built on grit, heritage, and community pride. With a population of approximately 7,745 residents as of 2025, Campbell blends its steel-town roots with a renewed focus on civic engagement, recreation, and neighborhood revitalization. Known affectionately as Soup City, Campbell remains a resilient and close-knit community with a story worth telling.

Historical Legacy and Founding

Campbell’s origins date back to 1902 when the Youngstown Iron, Sheet and Tube Company established operations along the Mahoning River in Coitsville Township. The influx of European immigrants—particularly from Poland, Slovakia, and Italy—transformed the area into a booming industrial village. Originally known as East Youngstown, the city was renamed Campbell in 1926 in honor of industrialist James Anson Campbell, who played a pivotal role in the region’s steel development.

The city’s character was shaped by its working-class families, ethnic neighborhoods, and the steel mills that defined life for generations. Today, Campbell honors that legacy through its historical society, cultural events, and preservation of landmarks like the Iron Soup row houses on Jackson Street.

Population and Demographics

Campbell spans 3.75 square miles and maintains a population density of approximately 2,112 residents per square mile. The median age is 41.3, with a balanced gender ratio and a diverse racial composition. As of 2025, the city’s population includes approximately 55 percent White, 20 percent Black or African American, and 25 percent Hispanic residents. The average household income is 60,481 dollars, and the poverty rate is approximately 30 percent, reflecting ongoing economic challenges and opportunities for growth.

Parks and Recreation

Campbell’s Roosevelt Park serves as the city’s central recreational hub. It offers walking trails, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, baseball fields, and five rentable pavilions with grills and restrooms. The park hosts youth leagues including Little League, Pony League, and Girls Fastpitch, as well as community events and seasonal festivals.

The Campbell Community Center, located near the park, provides indoor space for gatherings, fundraisers, and educational programs. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department, led by Superintendent Gary Bednarik, oversees maintenance, programming, and pavilion rentals.

Public Safety and Services

Campbell Police Department
Address: 351 Tenney Avenue, Campbell, Ohio 44405
Phone: 330 755 1411
Chief: Sferra
Website: www.campbellohio.gov/police.html

The department includes full-time and part-time patrol officers, detectives, and administrative staff. It operates under a community policing model focused on crime prevention, transparency, and public trust.

Campbell Fire Department
Also located at 351 Tenney Avenue, the fire department provides emergency response, fire suppression, and public safety education. The department offers residential lock box programs and collaborates with regional agencies for mutual aid.

Education and Civic Life

Campbell City Schools serve students from kindergarten through grade 12, including Campbell Memorial High School. The district emphasizes academic achievement, athletics, and career readiness. The school system is supported by active booster clubs, alumni associations, and community partnerships.

The Campbell Historical Society, housed in the historic Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church built in 1912, preserves the city’s heritage through exhibits, lectures, and cultural programming. The society’s collection includes artifacts, photographs, and documents related to Campbell’s industrial development and ethnic communities.

Community Events and Local Culture

Campbell hosts a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year including

Sunday Farmers Market along East Campbell Avenue
Boogie Festival in May
Oktoberfest in October
Floating Pumpkin Patch at the Community Center
Fall Pottery Paint Nite and seasonal craft workshops
Veterans Day ceremonies and holiday tree lighting
Live music, food truck rallies, and vendor markets
Church festivals, sports banquets, and civic award presentations

These events reflect Campbell’s commitment to civic engagement, cultural celebration, and neighborhood revitalization.

Housing and Real Estate

Campbell’s housing market is affordable and accessible. The median property value is approximately 77,400 dollars, with a mix of single-family homes, duplexes, and historic row houses. Neighborhoods like Iron Soup and Tenney Avenue offer unique architectural character and redevelopment potential. The city continues to invest in infrastructure improvements, blight removal, and housing rehabilitation programs.

Why Campbell Matters

Campbell is a city that honors its past while building toward a more inclusive and vibrant future. It offers a strong sense of identity, resilient neighborhoods, and opportunities for civic renewal. Whether you are a resident, visitor, or regional developer, Campbell provides a compelling narrative rooted in heritage, diversity, and community pride. It is a small city with a big heart—and a story that continues to unfold.