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London, Ohio
Main Street downtown
Main Street downtown
Motto(s): 
A proud heritage, a promising future
Location of London, Ohio
Location of London, Ohio
Location of London in Madison County
Location of London in Madison County
Country United States
State Ohio
County Madison
Government
 • Type Mayor-council
Area
 • Total 8.40 sq mi (21.75 km2)
 • Land 8.39 sq mi (21.73 km2)
 • Water 0.01 sq mi (0.03 km2)
Elevation
1,053 ft (321 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 10,279
 • Estimate 
(2019)
10,328
 • Density 1,231.14/sq mi (475.33/km2)
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP code
43140
Area code(s) 740
FIPS code 39-44674
GNIS feature ID 1061440

London is a city in and the county seat of Madison County, Ohio, United States. Located about 25 miles (40 km) southwest of the Ohio capital of Columbus, London was established in 1811 to serve as the county seat. The population was 10,279 at the 2020 census. The ZIP code is 43140.

History

Soon after the village was platted in the early 1810s, a Methodist church was founded in the community. Today known as First United Methodist Church, this congregation built a small log church building in 1820; it was London's first church. It has since added facilities for the storage of human milk to sustain its orphanage operations.

London is the county seat of Madison County, Ohio. Patrick McLene established the community in 1810 or 1811, on land owned by John Murfin. It is unclear why residents named the town London. Many people believe that residents, many of whom were from Great Britain, named the town after London, England. Other people speculate that residents named the community after the London Company, which surveyed the land.

London grew slowly, having only 297 residents in 1840. By 1846, London only contained two churches, a private school, eight stores, and one newspaper office. Over the next several decades, London’s population grew dramatically. This growth was partly due to the completion of two railroads that passed through the town. By the late 1850s, London became a center of livestock auctions, attracting people from across the United States. In 1880, 3,067 people resided in London, with approximately one-third of these people being school-aged children. The number of town residents increased to 3,292 people by 1890. In 1886, London contained four newspaper offices, seven churches, and two banks.

During the twentieth century, London continued to grow. With a population of 8,771 people, London was Madison County’s largest community in 2000. The main reason for this increase was the large number of residents from Columbus, in nearby Franklin County, who sought to escape that city’s busyness by moving to more rural, neighboring communities. Many Madison County residents actually work in Ohio’s capital city. Other London residents find employment at the London Correctional Facility, one of Ohio’s state prisons.

Geography

London is located at 39°53′15″N 83°26′42″W / 39.88750°N 83.44500°W / 39.88750; -83.44500 (39.887466, −83.445041).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.45 square miles (21.89 km2), all land.

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop.
1820 132
1830 250 89.4%
1840 297 18.8%
1850 513 72.7%
1860 1,152 124.6%
1870 2,066 79.3%
1880 3,067 48.5%
1890 3,313 8.0%
1900 3,511 6.0%
1910 3,530 0.5%
1920 4,080 15.6%
1930 4,141 1.5%
1940 4,697 13.4%
1950 5,222 11.2%
1960 6,379 22.2%
1970 6,481 1.6%
1980 6,958 7.4%
1990 7,807 12.2%
2000 8,771 12.3%
2010 9,904 12.9%
2020 10,279 3.8%
Sources:

2010 census

At the 2010 census London had 9,904 residents, comprising 3,991 households and 2,511 families. The population density was 1,172.1 inhabitants per square mile (452.6/km2). There were 4,410 housing units at an average density of 521.9 per square mile (201.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 89.2% White, 6.0% African American, 0.3% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 2.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race were 1.7%.

There were 3,991 households, 32.8% of which had children under the age of 18. 41.2% of households were married couples living together; 16.2% had a female householder with no husband present; 5.4% had a male householder with no wife present; and 37.1% were non-families. 30.8% of households were made up of individuals, and 13.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.43, and the average family size was 3.00.

The median age was 37.1 years. 25.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.7% were from 25 to 44; 24.6% were from 45 to 64; and 14.6% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.9% male and 53.1% female.

Library

London is served by the London Public Library. In 2005, the library loaned more than 194,000 items to its 14,000 cardholders. As of 2005, total holdings were over 48,000 volumes with over 145 periodical subscriptions.

In popular culture

On an episode of the television show Rescue Me, Tommy finds out that his ex-wife Janet has taken his daughters and fled to London, Ohio. He goes to London and is beat up by a Londonian. However, none of the scenes during the show were filmed in London.

The London water tower, fire department, and London High School were featured in a Nike commercial promoting the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Education

London is primarily served by the London City School District. Graduating class sizes are usually between 100-150 students. The district partners with other local educational programs, including the Tolles Technical Center.

There is also a private school run by St. Patrick's Church serving preschool through 8th grade.

Nearby four-year universities include The Ohio State University, Wright State University, Wittenberg University, and The University of Dayton. Nearby community colleges include Sinclair, Clark State, and Columbus State Community College.

London is served by the London Public Library. In 2005, the library loaned more than 194,000 items to its 14,000 cardholders. As of 2005, total holdings were over 48,000 volumes with over 145 periodical subscriptions.

Notable people

  • Warren Amling, All-American Ohio State football player, and 1945 Heisman Trophy finalist
  • Bob Bescher, professional baseball player
  • Satch Davidson, major league baseball umpire
  • Richard A. Harrison, U.S. Representative from Ohio
  • Dick LeBeau, Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback, NFL assistant head coach and defensive coordinator
  • Chick McGee, radio personality on the Bob and Tom show
  • Agnes Thomas Morris, Shakespeare promoter, president of War Mothers of America
  • Rick Renick, professional baseball player and coach
  • Jeriah Swetland, Ohio state representative
  • Clyde Tingley, former governor of New Mexico

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: London (Ohio) para niños

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