For the first time in state history, Ohio recorded more deaths than births last year, a development experts say was expedited by COVID-19.
According to data from the Ohio Department of Health, roughly 143,000 Ohioans died last year while about 129,000 were born. So far in 2021, Ohio has logged more than 107,000 deaths and more than 100,000 births.
In the 112 years since statewide record-keeping began, data shows deaths never previously surpassed births despite countless wars, economic downturns, and disease.