# University Heights, Ohio

University Heights is a city in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, United States. The population was 13,914 as of the 2020 Census. Located 8 miles (13 km) from downtown Cleveland, it is a suburb of the Cleveland metropolitan area.
University Heights is closely tied to neighboring Cleveland Heights, with the two sharing a school system, library system, post office and ZIP Code, some city services, and local media outlets. With about half the population under the age of 30, University Heights is home to one of the youngest communities in the region, including both students and families. It borders Beachwood to the east, Cleveland Heights to the west, South Euclid to the north and Shaker Heights to the south.

## History

Originally part of the Warrensville Township, University Heights was incorporated as Idlewood Village in 1908. It adopted its present name in the mid-1920s, when John Carroll University was anticipated to move into the area. John Carroll attracted massive growth and University Heights soon became recognized as a city in 1940.

## Geography

University Heights is located at 41°29′42″N 81°32′13″W﻿ / ﻿41.49500°N 81.53694°W﻿ / 41.49500; -81.53694 (41.495019, −81.536864). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.82 square miles (4.71 km$^2$), all land.
Both branches of Dugway Brook rise in University Heights, on or near the campus of John Carroll University. All of the brook within the city was culverted in the early 20th century and now flows under the pavement. Meadowbrook Boulevard traces the winding course of the upper west branch.

## Demographics

The median income for a household in the city was $72,519, and the median income for a family was $88,892. The per capita income for the city was $30,081. About 6.2% of the total population were below the poverty line. Of the city's population over the age of 25, 67.0% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 90.2% spoke English, 2.1% Spanish, 4.2% Yiddish, 1.8% Hebrew, and 1.7% Russian at home.

### 2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 13,539 people, 4,810 households, and 3,011 families residing in the city. The population density was 7,439.0 inhabitants per square mile (2,872.2/km$^2$). There were 5,248 housing units at an average density of 2,883.5 per square mile (1,113.3/km$^2$). The racial makeup of the city was 71.8% White, 23.1% African American, 0.1% Native American, 2.4% Asian, 0.9% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 2.8% of the population.
There were 4,810 households, of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.4% were non-families. Of all households, 29.1% were made up of individuals, and 10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.11.
The median age in the city was 30.7 years. 22.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 19.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.8% were from 25 to 44; 20.1% were from 45 to 64; and 11.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.7% male and 52.3% female.

### 2000 census

In 2000, there were 5,163 households, out of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.9% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.7% were non-families. Of all households 29.9% were made up of individuals, and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.99.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.8% under the age of 18, 18.9% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 19.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.2 males.

## Government

University Heights has had a strong mayor-council government since 1941.
The city's mayors have been:
* A. R Silsby 1907–1910 (first mayor of Idlewood)
* Michael Scheinder 1910–1913
* Oscar F. Alexander 1914
* A. R Silsby 1914–1915
* John J. Howard 1916-1941
* Earl E. Aurelius 1941–1965
* Irving W. Konigsberg 1966–1977
* Beryl E. Rothschild 1978–2009 (first female and longest-serving mayor)
* Susan K. Infeld 2010–2017
* Michael Dylan Brennan 2018–

## Education

Public education in the city of University Heights is provided by the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District. Located in University Heights are Gearity Early Childhood Center, Cleveland Heights High School and Gearity Professional Development School. Further private schools include Gesu Catholic School and the Bellefaire JCB, which provides preschool programs, childcare, counseling and education for children.
University Heights is home to John Carroll University, a private Jesuit university with an enrollment of approximately 3,500 students.