Newark is located 40 miles east of Columbus, Ohio, at the junction of the forks of the Licking River, and serves as the county seat for Licking County. At the 2020 census, it had a population of 49,934, making it the 18th largest city in Ohio. It is part of the Columbus metropolitan area. Newark is the home of The Ohio State University at Newark, the Midland Theatre, the Works, and the Licking County Historical Society. It is also the birthplace of the Newark Earthworks, one of the largest ancient geometric earthworks in the world. The Newark Earthworks are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are a National Historic Landmark. It is also home to the National Heisey Glass Museum. The city is known for its historic buildings, quaint downtown, and vibrant culture.