Mahoning Valley


The Youngstown–Warren–Boardman, OH–PA Metropolitan Statistical Area, typically known as the Mahoning Valley or the Steel Valley, is a metropolitan area in Northeast Ohio in the United States, with the city of Youngstown, Ohio, at its center. According to the US Census Bureau, the metropolitan statistical area includes Mahoning and Trumbull counties in Ohio and Mercer County in Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the MSA had a population of 565,773.
This area also has a strong commuter interchange with Cleveland and Pittsburgh and their metropolitan areas. It is located in the Rust Belt, which stretches from Minneapolis in the west to Johnstown and Altoona in the east.

Steel industry history

Although steel has been produced in the Mahoning Valley since the mid-1800s, after the Civil War, the valley was primarily known for its iron production. Conversion to steel manufacturing began during the economic depression of the 1890s. The Mahoning Valley is suitable for steel manufacture because of "its proximity to the Lake Erie ports that receive iron ore…the coal fields of Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia; and to limestone deposits." The "25-mile stretch of steel mills and related industries" along the Mahoning River is similar to the Ruhr Valley in Germany." Historically, it was the largest steel producing region in the world.
The local steel industry declined during the 1970s steel crisis. A notable plant closure occurred on September 19, 1977, when Youngstown Sheet and Tube abruptly closed its Campbell Works and furloughed 5,000 workers. Today the area produces little steel, and is home to many scrap metal yards and aluminum plants. A 2009 documentary titled "Steel Valley: Meltdown" describes "the past, present and future of the Mahoning Valley" through the eyes of local experts, including one local organizer who stated, "We are the first generation completely removed from the days when steel mills were active."
The Mahoning Valley Economic Development Corporation, founded in 1979, is active in economic revitalization and diversification. It owns two industrial parks, and has purchased local rail lines, including the Youngstown and Austintown Railroad and the Warren and Trumbull Railroad.

Municipalities

Largest municipalities

Cities, villages, and boroughs

Mahoning County
Trumbull County
Columbiana County
Mercer County
Mahoning County
Trumbull County
Columbiana County
Mercer County
As of the census of 2000, there were 602,978 people, 238,319 households, and 162,896 families residing within the MSA. The racial makeup of the MSA was 86.88% White, 10.78% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.55% from other races, and 1.17% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.70% of the population.
The median income for a household in the MSA was $36,071, and the median income for a family was $44,055. Males had a median income of $35,626 versus $23,186 for females. The per capita income for the MSA was $18,547.

Sports

ClubSportLeague VenueLocation
Mahoning Valley ScrappersBaseballNew York–Penn LeagueEastwood FieldNiles
Youngstown PhantomsIce hockeyUnited States Hockey LeagueCovelli CentreYoungstown
Youngstown NighthawksIndoor soccerPremier Arena Soccer LeagueFarmer Jim's Sports ComplexCortland
Youngstown State University PenguinsvariousNCAA various, including Stambaugh StadiumYoungstown

College sports

NCAA Division I sports are played in the region, with Youngstown State University fielding eight men's and ten women's teams.

Combined statistical area

The Youngstown–Warren combined statistical area is made up of four counties – three in northeast Ohio and one in western Pennsylvania. The statistical area includes one metropolitan area and one micropolitan area. The Youngstown-Warren media market serves all three counties in the CSA, as well as the New Castle, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area.