Where did JD Vance grow up? What to know about his Ohio hometown

Allison Kiehl and Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer
Updated ·2 min read
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At the Republican National Convention on Monday afternoon, former President Donald Trump announced that JD Vance would join him on the ticket this November.

Vance is from Middletown, Ohio, and currently represents the state as a U.S. senator. Here's everything you need to know about his hometown.

J.D. Vance, then James Hamel, in the 2003 Middletown (Ohio) High School yearbook
J.D. Vance, then James Hamel, in the 2003 Middletown (Ohio) High School yearbook

Where is Middletown?

Middletown, Ohio is located about halfway between Cincinnati and Dayton. The town is situated in Butler and Warren counties.

Is Middletown in Appalachia?

No, Middletown is not considered to be in Appalachia, according to the Appalachian Regional Commission maps.

Middletown could be considered part of rust-belt Ohio thanks to the presence of steel and paper mills, including Cleveland-Cliff's Middletown Works.

When was Middletown founded?

Middletown was incorporated on Feb. 11, 1833.

What is the population of Middletown?

Middletown is home to more than 51,000 residents, according to the most recent census.

Middletown by the numbers

  • White: 78.4% (80.6%).

  • Black: 11.8% (13.4%).

  • Asian: 0.8% (2.8%).

  • Hispanic: 4.3% (4.8%).

  • Foreign-born: 2.9% (4.9%).

  • Homeownership rate: 53% (66.8%).

  • Median home value: $135,200 ($183,300).

  • Bachelor's degree or higher: 16.1% (30.4%).

  • Median household income: $50,457 ($66,990).

  • Persons in poverty: 19.2% (13.4%).

  • Source: US Census

What's Middletown's vibe?

The town, situated on the Great Miami River, is reminiscent of many other small Midwest towns. It's defined by its landmarks: The historic Sorg Opera House and The Butler County Warbirds Museum, among others.

On McKinley Street, where Vance spent part of his childhood, is a collection of two-story homes with a playground and tennis court nearby. Vance's grandmother lived only a few doors away.

Was JD Vance born in Middletown?

Yes, Vance was born in Middletown on August 2, 1984.

Was Hillbilly Elegy filmed in Middletown?

In 2020, Vance's Memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, was adapted into a Netflix movie starring Amy Adams and Glenn Close. Parts of the movie were filmed in Vance's hometown. A few scenes were filmed on Harrison Street in Middletown.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Where is JD Vance from? Take a look into Trump's VP pick's hometown