Blacklick Real Estate
Last updated: March 5 2026
Blacklick is an unincorporated community located within Jefferson Township in northeast Franklin County. Because the area is unincorporated, there is no municipal government and most services are provided by the township. Jefferson Township spans about 15.34 square miles and is home to more than 14,000 residents. Blacklick’s housing market has been on an upswing; in January 2026 the median sale price was about $315,000 (up 12.5% year‑over‑year), homes sold after 57 days on average and about 75 homes were sold during the month. The area does not have its own school district; instead, students attend schools in several districts such as Gahanna‑Jefferson, Licking Heights, Reynoldsburg, New Albany–Plain and Columbus City, with the private Grace Christian School offering K‑8 education. Residents enjoy five township parks (Blacklick Ridge, Boehnke Nature Preserve, Jefferson Community Park, Jefferson Run Park and Olde Quarry Park) and the nearby Blacklick Woods Metro Park, a 652‑acre preserve known for its mature beech‑maple forest and canopy walk.
Overview & Location
Blacklick sits just east of Columbus at the intersection of Reynoldsburg–New Albany Road and Havens Corners Road. It is part of Jefferson Township, which is largely unincorporated; the township provides road maintenance, fire/EMS, waste collection, zoning and economic development for these areas. Properties in the township fall under several ZIP codes including 43004 (Blacklick). The area retains a rural character with open space and quiet neighborhoods while benefiting from proximity to Columbus and the neighboring cities of Gahanna, Reynoldsburg and New Albany.
History & Heritage
The community traces its roots to 1852, when settler William A. Smith laid out a town called Smithville. Because another Ohio town already used that name, the settlement was quickly renamed Blacklick after Blacklick Creek, a stream that flows through the area. Early beliefs that the creek was named after local landowner H. G. Black have been disproven—maps from 1806 already listed “Blacklick Creek,” predating his birth. The community remained rural and agricultural for more than a century. Its post office, once located near the village center, was eventually moved a short distance south along Reynoldsburg–New Albany Road. In the second half of the 20th century, highway construction (notably I‑270) and the growth of Columbus spurred suburban development in the Blacklick area. Despite this, the township continues to emphasize open spaces and preserves historic cemeteries like Jefferson Cemetery.
Housing & Real Estate
Blacklick’s housing stock includes established subdivisions from the 1960s‑1980s, newer single‑family homes and townhouses built over the last two decades, and rural properties along side roads. Recent market data show that the area is attractive to homebuyers:
- Median sale price: Redfin reports that in January 2026 Blacklick’s median sale price was about $315,000, which represents a 12.5% increase compared with the previous year. Homes sold after roughly 57 days on the market (down from 63 days), and 75 homes were sold during the month.
- Average home value: Zillow’s Home Value Index estimates the average home value in Blacklick at $340,183, a slight 0.2% decrease over the previous year, with homes going pending in approximately 36 days.
- Median property value & income: Because Blacklick is unincorporated, official census statistics are reported for the nearby census‑designated place Blacklick Estates. According to Data USA, in 2023 Blacklick Estates had a median property value of $152,000, a median household income of $70,869 and a homeownership rate of 73.1%. These figures can provide a general sense of economic conditions in the wider area.
The housing mix ranges from modest starter homes to larger residences on acre lots. Buyers should consult a local REALTOR® for the most current listings and market trends.
Schools & Education
Blacklick does not have its own school district. Students attend schools in one of several public districts depending on their address:
- Gahanna‑Jefferson Public Schools: The largest share of Jefferson Township—about 82%—falls within this district. Gahanna‑Jefferson operates multiple elementary schools (including Blacklick Elementary), three middle schools and Gahanna‑Lincoln High School.
- Licking Heights Local Schools: About 16% of the township lies in the Licking Heights district. This district’s campus on Summit Road serves grades K‑12.
- Reynoldsburg City Schools & Columbus City Schools: Small portions of the township (roughly 1.7%) are served by these districts.
- New Albany–Plain Local Schools: Homes near the northeastern edge of the township may be zoned for the New Albany–Plain district.
- Private education: The Grace Christian School in Blacklick provides K‑8 instruction and has operated since 1981.
Families should verify district boundaries with the appropriate school board when relocating.
Parks & Outdoor Activities
Jefferson Township maintains five public parks, each offering different amenities:
| Park | Highlights |
| Blacklick Ridge Community Park | A neighborhood park with a playground and a paved multi‑purpose path connecting the Blacklick Ridge subdivision. |
| Boehnke Nature Preserve | Features primitive walking trails through meadows and woods and a picnic pavilion. |
| Jefferson Community Park | Offers a playground, three shelter houses, restrooms, a pond, paved paths and mulched/mowed trails. |
| Jefferson Run Park | Shared with Licking Heights West Elementary; includes four tennis courts, two baseball diamonds and a playground available after school hours. |
| Olde Quarry Park | Contains a shelter house, restrooms, a pond and mulched walking trails with access to Blacklick Creek. |
Nearby, Blacklick Woods Metro Park in Reynoldsburg spans 652 acres and protects some of central Ohio’s best remaining beech‑maple forests. The park features seasonal swamp ponds, a small prairie, an 18‑hole golf course with a driving range and practice facility, and the Blacklick Creek Greenway trail. A canopy walk allows visitors to walk 40 feet above the forest floor, offering a bird’s‑eye view of the trees.
For cyclists and runners, the Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail connects Blacklick Woods to other Metro Parks. Additional recreational options include the community’s dog parks, youth sports leagues and golf at the Blacklick Woods course.
Amenities & Lifestyle
Blacklick retains a small‑town atmosphere but benefits from proximity to major shopping, dining and employment centers in Columbus, Gahanna and New Albany. Local amenities include restaurants, coffee shops, salons, fitness studios, veterinary clinics and grocery stores. The area’s rural character and mature trees appeal to residents seeking open space while still being minutes from I‑270 and the airport. Many residents commute to Columbus for work and return home to a quieter setting. Community life is centered around school activities, churches and township events. Large festivals are limited within Blacklick itself, but nearby Gahanna hosts seasonal events such as the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival and Holiday Lights Parade. Jefferson Township organizes occasional park programs and volunteer days.
Demographics & Statistics
Because Blacklick is unincorporated, demographic statistics are often compiled for Blacklick Estates, a nearby census‑designated place. These figures provide a useful snapshot of the broader area but may not correspond exactly to the community boundaries.
| Statistic (Blacklick Estates 2023) | Value |
| Population | ~8,867 residents |
| Median household income | $70,869 |
| Median property value | $152,000 |
| Homeownership rate | 73.1% |
| Median age | 35.1 years |
| Average commute time | 20.9 minutes |
Please note that these metrics apply to the broader Blacklick Estates census area. Jefferson Township as a whole has a population of over 14,000 and covers 15.34 square miles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Blacklick its own city?
No. Blacklick is an unincorporated community within Jefferson Township. There is no city government; the township provides most local services such as road maintenance, emergency services, waste collection and zoning.
How did Blacklick get its name?
The settlement was originally named Smithville when William A. Smith founded it in 1852. Because another town had the same name, residents renamed it Blacklick after nearby Blacklick Creek.
Does Blacklick have its own school system?
No. Students in the Blacklick area attend one of several school districts—primarily Gahanna‑Jefferson Public Schools and Licking Heights Local Schools, with smaller areas zoned to Reynoldsburg, New Albany–Plain and Columbus City districts. A private Grace Christian School offers K‑8 education.
What are current home prices in Blacklick?
As of January 2026, the median sale price in Blacklick was around $315,000 and homes typically sold in about 57 days, according to Redfin. Zillow estimates the average home value at $340,183.
Which parks can residents enjoy?
Jefferson Township maintains five parks—Blacklick Ridge Community Park, Boehnke Nature Preserve, Jefferson Community Park, Jefferson Run Park and Olde Quarry Park—offering playgrounds, walking trails, picnic shelters and access to Blacklick Creek. Nearby Blacklick Woods Metro Park features old‑growth forests, a canopy walk and a golf course.
Are there major events in Blacklick?
Blacklick does not host large festivals of its own, but residents can participate in Jefferson Township’s community events and enjoy nearby festivals in Gahanna and Columbus. Jefferson Township occasionally organizes park programs, volunteer events and seasonal celebrations.
How far is Blacklick from downtown Columbus?
Blacklick is roughly 11 miles east of downtown Columbus. Travel times vary with traffic, but the drive via I‑270 and U.S. Route 40 typically takes about 20–25 minutes.