Cities and Towns in Erie County, Ohio

Founded in Mar 15, 1838, Erie County is one of 88 counties in the state of Ohio. Historically, Erie County was formed from Huron and Sandusky Counties. The city of Sandusky is the county seat. With FIPS code of 43, Erie County has a population of 74,852 and area of 254.88 square miles (660 km²).

List of all cities in Erie County, OH alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Bay View, OH	44870	419/567
Berlin Heights, OH	44814	419/567
Berlinville, OH	44814	419/567
Beulah Beach, OH	44089	440
Birmingham, OH	44816	440
Bloomingville, OH	44870	419/567
Castalia, OH	44824	419/567
Ceylon, OH	44839	419/567
Huron, OH	44839	419/567
Kelleys Island, OH	43438	419/567
Linwood Park, OH	44089	440
Milan, OH	44846	419/567
Mitiwanga, OH	44839	419/567
Ruggles Beach, OH	44839	419/567
Sandusky, OH	44870	419/567
	44871	419/567
Shinrock, OH	44839	419/567
Vermilion, OH	44089	440
Vermilion on the Lake, OH	44089	440

Major Cities and Towns in Erie County, Ohio

Sandusky

Overview

• Area: Approximately 26.37 square miles
• Population: 25,095 (2020 census)
• ZIP Codes: 44870
• Latitude and Longitude: 41.4489° N, 82.7071° W

Location and History

Sandusky, the county seat of Erie County, is situated along the southern shore of Lake Erie, approximately midway between Cleveland and Toledo. Established in 1818, the city’s name is derived from the Wyandot word “saundustee,” meaning “cold water.” Sandusky’s strategic location on Lake Erie made it a pivotal port city in the 19th century, facilitating trade and transportation. The city is renowned for its well-preserved historic architecture, including the Kilbourne Plat, a street design resembling the symbol of the Freemasons. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sandusky became a hub for the ice harvesting industry, leveraging its cold winters and proximity to the lake. Today, Sandusky is celebrated for its tourism industry, notably as the home of Cedar Point amusement park, which attracts visitors from across the nation.

Major Schools and Landmarks

The Sandusky City School District serves the community, with Sandusky High School being the primary educational institution. Notable landmarks include the aforementioned Cedar Point, often dubbed the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” and the Sandusky Maritime Museum, which offers insights into the region’s rich maritime history. The historic downtown area features a variety of shops, restaurants, and the Sandusky State Theatre, a restored 1928 vaudeville house that hosts concerts, plays, and films. Additionally, the city’s waterfront provides scenic views and recreational opportunities, including boating and fishing.

Huron

Overview

• Area: Approximately 4.96 square miles
• Population: 6,922 (2020 census)
• ZIP Codes: 44839
• Latitude and Longitude: 41.3953° N, 82.5552° W

Location and History

Huron is located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, east of Sandusky. Founded in 1809, the city was named after the Huron indigenous people who once inhabited the region. Huron’s development was closely tied to its harbor, which became a significant shipping and shipbuilding center in the 19th century. The city’s economy historically revolved around maritime activities, including fishing and transportation. In the 20th century, Huron evolved into a residential community with a focus on tourism and recreation, capitalizing on its lakeside location.

Major Schools and Landmarks

The Huron City School District serves the community, with Huron High School being the primary educational institution. Notable landmarks include the Huron Lighthouse and Pier, offering picturesque views of Lake Erie and serving as a popular spot for fishing and leisure. The Nickel Plate Beach provides public access to sandy shores and swimming areas. Additionally, the Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve, located nearby, is a unique natural area that offers educational programs and research opportunities related to estuarine ecosystems.

Vermilion

Overview

• Area: Approximately 10.8 square miles
• Population: 10,594 (2020 census)
• ZIP Codes: 44089
• Latitude and Longitude: 41.4214° N, 82.3649° W

Location and History

Vermilion is a city that straddles the border between Erie and Lorain counties, located along the southern shore of Lake Erie. Established in 1837, the city’s name is derived from the red clay found along the Vermilion River, which flows through the area. Vermilion’s history is deeply connected to maritime activities, including fishing and shipbuilding. The city’s picturesque harbor and historic downtown have made it a popular destination for tourists and boating enthusiasts. Vermilion is often referred to as the “Village of Lake Captains” due to the numerous ship captains who made their homes there in the 19th century.

Major Schools and Landmarks

The Vermilion Local School District serves the community, with Vermilion High School being the primary educational institution. Notable landmarks include the Vermilion Lighthouse, a replica of the original lighthouse that stood in the harbor, and the Inland Seas Maritime Museum, which preserves the maritime history of the Great Lakes. The city’s annual Festival of the Fish celebrates its nautical heritage with parades, boat races, and entertainment. Additionally, Main Street Beach offers public access to Lake Erie, providing opportunities for swimming and relaxation.

Milan

Overview

• Area: Approximately 1.6 square miles
• Population: 1,367 (2020 census)
• ZIP Codes: 44846
• Latitude and Longitude: 41.2931° N, 82.6041° W

Location and History

Milan is a village located in the southeastern part of Erie County, near the Huron River. Founded in 1817, Milan gained prominence in the mid-19th century as a major wheat-shipping center, thanks to the construction of the Milan Canal, which connected the village to Lake Erie. This canal allowed farmers to transport their goods more efficiently, leading to economic prosperity. Milan is also notable as the birthplace of inventor Thomas Edison, who was born there in 1847. The village’s well-preserved historic district reflects its rich heritage and 19th-century architecture.

Major Schools and Landmarks

The Edison Local School District serves the community, with Edison High School being the primary educational institution. Notable landmarks include the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum, which offers insights into the early life of the famed inventor, and the Milan Historical Museum, showcasing the area’s history through various exhibits.