Our Communities

Wooster, established in 1808 and home to more than 25,000 residents, is a
lively hub for innovation, business and entertainment. Serving as the county
seat, the community boasts an excellent school system, a vibrant downtown,
colleges and universities, a world-class full-service hospital, a portfolio of
growing businesses serving the global economy, and a network of volunteers
and organizations dedicated to helping individuals succeed.

Wooster offers plenty for visitors and residents alike to enjoy with its 600 acres
of parkland, two public pools and a natatorium, growing urban bike trail
network, and full calendar of festivals, educational events and concerts.

Downtown shops offer artsy and eclectic goods along with the finest meals in
the region, while the city’s North End retail district hosts national retailers,
restaurants, and indoor activities ranging from mini golf to ice-skating.

Named one of Ohio’s Best Hometowns in 2017, Wooster continues to be one of
Ohio’s most innovative and exciting communities to live, work and visit.

The City of Orrville, founded in 1864, is home to roughly 8,300 residents, and for
more than 100 years, has built a reputation as a flourishing community with a
supportive business climate. Here, major corporations, family businesses, and
entrepreneurs can start and grow a business in the midst of strategic U.S.
market areas. This long-standing focus on successful enterprises includes
several nationally prominent companies such as The J. M. Smucker Co. (1897),
SmithFoods (1909), Schantz Organ Company (1873), The Will-Burt Company
(1918) and The Quality Castings Company, Inc. (1933).

Approximately 20 industries have been operating in Orrville since 1970 or
earlier, and new industries continue to call the city home, demonstrating a
well-established foundation for business success.

The City of Rittman, commonly referred to as “A Small Town with a Big Heart,”
was founded in 1814. Rittman is home to approximately 6,400 residents.
Students attend Rittman City Schools.

Known for its legacy of industry, Rittman has maintained its reputation for
burgeoning opportunities that propel businesses and entrepreneurs to excel
in today’s economy. Several of Rittman’s most successful enterprises include
Imperial Plastics, J&O Plastics, Luke Engineering and Manufacturing, Morton
Salt, Mull Iron, PFI Displays, Swiss Woodcraft and Unilock.

Apple Creek, a village in East Union Township with a population of 1,177 (2020
census), was founded in 1877 and takes its name from the nearby creek.
Home to the Ohio State ATI Equine Center, Apple Creek is a gateway to Ohio’s
Amish Country. Apple Creek is also home to the famous Troyer’s Home Pantry,
which is known for their cinnamon rolls, donuts and pies.

A part of Southeast Local Schools, residents cheer on the Waynedale Golden
Bears. Each year, during the last full weekend in July, Apple Creek’s Johnny
Appleseed Festival features live music, a parade, tasty food and more.

Incorporated in 1868 and a part of Norwayne Local Schools, the Village of
Burbank is located in northwestern Wayne County, just south of neighboring
Medina County and the Lodi Station Outlet Mall. With just over 200 residents,
thousands end up calling Burbank home during the summer months, thanks
to Buckin’ Ohio’s pro bull riding, barrel racing and other rodeo events.

Founded in 1899, the Village of Creston is located in northern Wayne County
and is home to the Norwayne Bobcats. Served by a branch of the Wayne
County Public Library, nearly 2,200 residents call Creston home.

Known for its annual Ox Roast and Parade, Creston also features The Bearded
Butchers and Whitefeater Meats, who’s spice blends are sold in retailers
throughout the U.S. and online around the world. Also located in Creston, W.G.
Dairy Supply, Inc. is known for providing innovative products and support for
the dairy industry in Ohio and boarding states.

Originally called Waynesburg, Congress was founded in 1827 and has under
200 residents. This rural area is located on the northwest side of Wayne
County and is a part of Northwestern Local Schools.

Founded in 1855, the Village of Dalton is located on the east side of Wayne
County bordering Stark County. With attractions like the Dalton Dariette and P.
Graham Dunn, many visitors and locals seek out a trip to Dalton throughout
the year.

With a population of 1,927 (2020 census), Dalton is served by a branch of the
Wayne County Public Library and features its own local newspaper, The
Dalton Gazette & Kidron News. Dalton residents cheer on the Bulldogs, the
mascot for Dalton Local Schools. Part of the Wayne County Rails to Trails,
Dalton is the starting point for the Sippo Valley Trail that connects to Massillon
in Stark County.

Dalton has star power too. Both Chris Kirkpatrick, a founding member of the
band, N’Sync, and Justin Thomas, Boston Red Sox baseball pitcher, called
Dalton home at one time or another.

Home of the Chippewa Chipps, Doylestown is located in northeast Wayne
County. Doylestown, founded in 1827, was named after William Doyle. With a
population of 3,051 (2020 census), residents can take advantage of the
Aultman Orrville Doylestown Health Center.

Served by a branch of the Wayne County Public Library, Doylestown features a
summer concert series, farmer’s market, and the annual Rogues Hollow
Festival which celebrates the town and its heritage.

Nestled in Salt Creek Township, the Village of Fredericksburg, founded in 1824,
was named after Jacob Frederick. Part of Southeast Local Schools,
Fredericksburg is home to two large factories, Mrs. Miller’s Homemade
Noodles and Robin Industries.

Eateries such as Lem’s Pizza and Salt Creek Cafe/Bakery draw many visitors to
this quaint town for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The village of Marshallville, located in northeastern Wayne County, was
founded in 1817 and was originally called Bristol. Part of Green Local Schools in
nearby Smithville, Marshallville has a population of roughly 750.

Home to Howmar Carpet, Inc. and Nancy’s Draperies, Marshallville is well
known to those looking to refresh their homes. Marshallville Packing is also
located in the village and offers award winning hams and bacon.

For those looking for some old fashion fun, the Marshallville Antique Tractor
Pullers hosts five tractor pulls each year at the Marshallville Park.

The Village of Mount Eaton was founded in 1814. A part of Southeast Local
Schools, Mount Eaton has a population of 171 (2020 census).
Home to Evergreen RV Park, Mount Eaton boarders neighboring Holmes and
Stark Counties and has lots of daily traffic with US Route 250 cutting through
town.

Located in Paint Township, Mount Eaton hosts the annual Fireman’s Festival to
help support the local fire department, which includes food, music and
fireworks.

Shreve, a village in Clinton Township, has 1,517 residents according to the 2020
census. Served by its very own branch of the Wayne County Public Library,
Shreve is a part of Triway Local Schools.
Built in 1816, Shreve is home to the Kister Water Mill, which is listed on the
National Register of Historic Places. The property is located in Wayne County’s
Clinton and Plain Townships.
Fishermen can catch a wide variety of fish at Shreve Lake and birding is great
along the roadways of the Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area – a 5,500-acre wetland
referred to by locals as the “Shreve Swamps.”

Smithville is a village located in Green Township, 25 miles southwest of Akron
and 7 miles northeast of Wooster on State Route 585 in an area devoted to
agriculture and light to medium industries.
Named after the pioneer, Thomas Smith, the village has a population of 1,330
(2020 census) and is home to Green Local Schools.
Smithville is home to Pioneer Village, featuring buildings and artifacts dating
from 1830 to 1890, and is managed by the not-for-profit Smithville Community
Historical Society.
With places such as Ramseyer Farms and The Barn Restaurant and Shops,
Smithville attracts many tourists into Wayne County.

Founded in 1865, the Village of West Salem is located in northwestern Wayne
County and has nearly 1,430 residents.
Served by its own branch of the Wayne County Public Library, West Salem is a
part of Northwestern Local Schools.
For over 60 years, West Salem has enjoyed the excitement of Dragway 42,
which hosts drag racing, autocross racing, tractor and truck pulling,
concert/musical festivals and many other specialty events.