Canton, Ohio

Canton, Ohio
Nickname: 
Hall of Fame City
Interactive map of Canton, Ohio
Canton
Canton
Coordinates: 40°48′28″N 81°22′02″W / 40.807650°N 81.367228°W / 40.807650; -81.367228
CountryUnited States
StateOhio
CountyStark
Founded1805
Incorporated (village)1822
Incorporated (city)1838
Named afterGuangzhou (Canton), China
Government
 • TypeMayor–Council
 • MayorWilliam V. Sherer II
 • City Council PresidentKristen Bates Aylward
 • At LargeCrystal Smith
 • Majority leaderJohn Mariol II
 • CouncilmembersDarren Mayle
Brenda Kimbrough
Jason Scaglione
Chris Smith
Robert Fisher
J. Nate Cooks
Richard Sacco
Frank Morris
Area
 • City
26.327 sq mi (68.187 km2)
 • Land26.309 sq mi (68.139 km2)
 • Water0.017 sq mi (0.045 km2)  0.07%
Elevation
1,066 ft (325 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • City
70,872
 • Estimate 
(2024)
69,211
 • RankUS: 563rd
OH: 8th
 • Density2,693.9/sq mi (1,040.1/km2)
 • Urban
295,319 (US: 137th)
 • Urban density1,639/sq mi (632.8/km2)
 • Metro
400,551 (US: 139th)
 • Combined
3,750,887 (US: 18th)
DemonymCantonian
Time zoneUTC–5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC–4 (EDT)
ZIP Codes
44701–44711, 44714, 44718, 44720–44721, 44730, 44735, 44750, 44767, 44799
Area codes330 and 234
FIPS code39-12000
GNIS feature ID1086974
Websitecantonohio.gov

Canton (/ˈkæntən/) is a city in Stark County, Ohio, United States, and its county seat. The population was 70,872 at the 2020 census and estimated at 69,211 in 2024, making it the eighth-most populous city in Ohio. The Canton–Massillon metropolitan area had an estimated 400,551 residents in 2024. Canton is located approximately 60 miles (97 km) south of Cleveland and 20 miles (32 km) south of Akron in Northeast Ohio, on the edge of Ohio's Amish Country.

Founded in 1805 alongside Nimishillen Creek, Canton became a center of heavy industry because of its numerous railroad lines. As shifts in the manufacturing industry led to the relocation or downsizing of many factories and workers during the late 20th century, the city's industry diversified into the service economy, including retailing, education, finance and healthcare.

Canton is best known as the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the birthplace of the National Football League. 25th U.S. president William McKinley conducted his famous front porch campaign from his home in Canton, winning the presidency in the 1896 election. The McKinley National Memorial and William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum commemorate his life and presidency. Canton was also selected as the site of the First Ladies National Historic Site largely in honor of his wife, Ida Saxton McKinley.