Your Guide to Stark County, Ohio
Looking for trusted businesses, services and local resources in Stark County, Ohio? FindItOhio.com helps residents and visitors discover local companies, professionals and community information across Stark County, including Canton, the county seat.
Quick answer: Stark County is one of Ohio’s 88 counties. Its county seat is Canton, it was established in 1808, and it has an estimated 373,771 residents as of 2025.
At a Glance
- County seat: Canton
- Established: Feb 13, 1808
- Formed from: Columbiana County
- Named for: General John Stark (1728 to 1822), a Revolutionary War officer; known as the “Hero of Bennington” for his exemplary service at the Battle of Bennington in 1777
- Estimated population (2025): 373,771
- Total area: 576.14 sq mi
- FIPS code: 39151
About Stark County
Stark County is a county located in the northeastern part of U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 374,853, making it the eighth most populous county in Ohio. Its county seat is Canton. The county was created in 1808 and organized the next year. It is named for John Stark, an officer in the American Revolutionary War.
Stark County is included in the Canton Massillon, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Cleveland Akron Canton, OH Combined Statistical Area.
History of Stark County
Stark County was named in honor of American Revolutionary War General John Stark. John Stark (August 28, 1728, May 8, 1822) was a general who served in the American Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He became widely known as the “Hero of Bennington” for his exemplary service at the Battle of Bennington in 1777.
In the 1760s and 1770s Moravian missionaries from Pennsylvania came to preach the gospel to the native people, and also to lead and resettle already converted native people migrating away from whites encroaching on their land in Pennsylvania. The earliest of these were Christian Frederick Post and John Heckewelder. See also the history of neighboring Tuscarawas County, Ohio
The first permanent settlements were established in 1805, beginning with Canton. Possibly 80% of the early settlers were German speakers from Pennsylvania, although others came from Virginia, New York, and New England. Lumbering and sawmills were important early industries, to cater to the enormous demand for lumber from the incoming settlers. Stark County was originally part of Columbiana County, but was split off in 1807.
Cities and Villages in Stark County
Cities
Alliance, Canal Fulton, Canton †, Louisville, Massillon, North Canton
Villages
Beach City, Brewster, East Canton, East Sparta, Hartville, Hills and Dales, Magnolia, Meyers Lake, Minerva, Navarre, Waynesburg, Wilmot
Find Local Businesses in Stark County
Browse the FindItOhio.com business directory to find restaurants, contractors, professional services, shops and more serving Stark County. Own a business here? Add your free business listing so local customers can find you.
Background Checks, Process Serving and Private Investigations
Residents and employers in Stark County can get BCI and FBI LiveScan fingerprinting, FD-258 fingerprint cards, process serving and licensed private investigations from these Ohio providers:
- Ohio Security & Investigations, Youngstown: licensed private investigations and fingerprinting. Call (888) 341-6960 or visit ohioinvestigators.com.
- 10-8 Protective Services, Columbus: investigations, fingerprinting and process serving. Call (800) 949-8521 or visit 10-8protectiveservices.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the county seat of Stark County, Ohio?
Canton is the county seat of Stark County, Ohio.
When was Stark County established?
Stark County was established on Feb 13, 1808. It was formed from Columbiana County.
Who or what is Stark County named for?
Stark County is named for General John Stark (1728 to 1822), a Revolutionary War officer; known as the “Hero of Bennington” for his exemplary service at the Battle of Bennington in 1777.
How many people live in Stark County, Ohio?
Stark County has an estimated population of 373,771 as of 2025.
What cities are in Stark County, Ohio?
Cities in Stark County include Alliance, Canal Fulton, Canton †, Louisville, Massillon, North Canton.
Where can I find local businesses in Stark County?
Search the FindItOhio.com business directory to find local businesses and services in Stark County, Ohio.
How do I list my Stark County business on FindItOhio.com?
Visit the free business listing page on FindItOhio.com and submit your business name, address, phone number and website.
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County background adapted from the Wikipedia article Stark County, Ohio, available under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.0 license.