Mansfield is a city in and the county seat of Richland County, Ohio, United States. Located midway between Columbus and Cleveland via Interstate 71, it is part of Northeast Ohio region in the western foothills of the Allegheny Plateau. The 2020 Census showed that the city had a total population of 47,534, making it the 21st-largest city in Ohio. It lies approximately 65 miles (105 km) southwest of Cleveland, 45 miles (72 km) southwest of Akron and 65 miles (105 km) northeast of Columbus. The city was founded in 1808 on a fork of the Mohican River in a hilly region surrounded by fertile farmlands, and became a manufacturing center owing to its location with numerous railroad lines. After the decline of heavy manufacturing, the city's economy has since diversified into a service economy, including retailing, education, and healthcare sectors. The city anchors the Mansfield Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which had a population of 124,936 residents in 2020, while the Mansfield–Bucyrus, OH Combined Statistical Area (CSA) had 219,408 residents. Mansfield is the largest city in the Mid-Ohio (north-central) region of the state. Its official nickname is "The Fun Center of Ohio". Mansfield is also known as the "Carousel Capital of Ohio."Anchored by the Richland Carousel District, downtown Mansfield is home to a number of attractions and arts venues. Concert events in the downtown Brickyard venue have drawn crowds numbering over 5,000 people. Mansfield, in partnership with local and national partners, is addressing blight and economic stagnation in the city center. The Renaissance Performing Arts Association at home in the historic Renaissance Theatre annually presents and produces Broadway-style productions, classical music, comedy, arts education programs, concerts, lectures, and family events to more than 50,000 people. The Renaissance Performing Arts is home of the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra. Downtown is also home to two ballet companies, NEOS Ballet Theatre and Richland Academy Dance Ensemble who both perform and offer community dance opportunities in downtown. Mid-Ohio Opera offers performances of full opera and smaller concerts.