Athens County, Ohio

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Athens County
County
County Courthouse Athens OH USA.JPG
The Athens County Courthouse in Athens
Flag of Athens County, Ohio.png
Flag
Seal of Athens County Ohio.svg
Seal
Map of Ohio highlighting Athens County.svg
Location within the U.S. state of Ohio
Ohio in United States.svg
Ohio's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 39°20′N82°03′W / 39.33°N 82.05°W / 39.33; -82.05
CountryFlag of the United States.svg United States
StateFlag of Ohio.svg Ohio
FoundedMarch 1, 1805 [1]
Named after Athens, Greece
Seat Athens
Largest cityAthens
Area
 • Total
508 sq mi (1,320 km2)
 • Land504 sq mi (1,310 km2)
 • Water4.8 sq mi (12 km2)  1.0%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
62,431
 • Estimate 
(2024)
63,218 Increase2.svg
 • Density120/sq mi (50/km2)
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district 12th
Website www.co.athensoh.org
Court Street, main street in uptown Athens Downtown Athens OH USA.JPG
Court Street, main street in uptown Athens

Athens County is a county in southeastern Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 62,431. [2] Its county seat and largest city is Athens. [3] The county was formed in 1805 from Washington County. Because Ohio's first state university, Ohio University, was established here in 1804, the town and the county are named for the ancient center of learning, Athens, Greece. [4]

Contents

Athens County comprises the Athens, OH Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography

The county has a total area of 508 square miles (1,320 km2), of which 504 square miles (1,310 km2) is land and 4.8 square miles (12 km2) (1.0%) is water. [5]

Athens County is located in the Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau region of Ohio. It features steep, rugged hills, with typical relief of 150 to 400 feet, deeply dissected by stream valleys, many of them remnant from the ancient Teays River drainage system. Most of Athens County is within the Hocking River watershed, with smaller areas in the Shade River and Raccoon Creek watersheds. The Hocking River joins the Ohio River at the unincorporated village of Hockingport in Athens County.

Adjacent counties

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1810 2,791—
1820 6,338127.1%
1830 9,78754.4%
1840 19,10995.2%
1850 18,215−4.7%
1860 21,36417.3%
1870 23,76811.3%
1880 28,41119.5%
1890 35,19423.9%
1900 38,73010.0%
1910 47,79823.4%
1920 50,4305.5%
1930 44,175−12.4%
1940 46,1664.5%
1950 45,839−0.7%
1960 46,9982.5%
1970 54,88916.8%
1980 56,3992.8%
1990 59,5495.6%
2000 62,2234.5%
2010 64,7574.1%
2020 62,431−3.6%
2024 (est.)63,218 [6] 1.3%
U.S. Decennial Census [7]
1790-1960 [8] 1900-1990 [9]
1990-2000 [10] 2020 [11]

2020 census

Athens County, Ohio – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic)Pop 1980 [12] Pop 1990 [13] Pop 2000 [14] Pop 2010 [15] Pop 2020 [16] % 1980% 1990% 2000% 2010% 2020
White alone (NH)52,99655,88457,76858,77954,08693.97%93.85%92.84%90.77%86.63%
Black or African American alone (NH)1,6301,6541,4671,7412,7682.89%2.78%2.36%2.69%4.43%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)851641641402230.15%0.28%0.26%0.22%0.36%
Asian alone (NH)4581,3611,1801,7411,2100.81%2.29%1.90%2.69%1.94%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH)x [17] x [18] 11131xx0.02%0.02%0.00%
Other race alone (NH)7504874672561.33%0.08%0.12%0.10%0.41%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH)x [19] x [20] 9201,2742,437xx1.48%1.97%3.90%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)4804386391,0021,4500.85%0.74%1.03%1.55%2.32%
Total56,39959,54962,22364,75762,431 100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 64,757 people, 23,578 households, and 12,453 families living in the county. [21] The population density was 128.6 inhabitants per square mile (49.7/km2). There were 26,385 housing units at an average density of 52.4 units per square mile (20.2 units/km2). [22] The racial makeup of the county was 91.8% White, 2.7% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 0.4% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.5% of the population. [21] In terms of ancestry, 22.1% were German, 15.2% were American, 14.0% were Irish, 10.4% were English, and 5.5% were Italian. [23]

Of the 23,578 households, 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.3% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 47.2% were non-families, and 30.0% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.87. The median age was 26.3 years. [21]

The median income for a household in the county was $31,559 and the median income for a family was $48,170. Males had a median income of $38,135 versus $31,263 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,642. About 16.6% of families and 30.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.6% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over. [24]

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 62,223 people, 22,501 households, and 12,713 families living in the county. The population density was 123 inhabitants per square mile (47/km2). There were 24,901 housing units at an average density of 49 units per square mile (19/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 93.48% White, 2.39% Black or African American, 0.28% Native American, 1.90% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.36% from other races, and 1.56% from two or more races. 1.03% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 21.4% were of German, 13.9% American, 12.9% Irish, 11.1% English, and 5.6% Italian ancestry.

There were 22,501 households, out of which 26.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.50% were married couples living together, 9.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.50% were non-families. 28.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 18.30% under the age of 18, 30.70% from 18 to 24, 23.70% from 25 to 44, 18.00% from 45 to 64, and 9.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 26 years. For every 100 females there were 95.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $27,322, and the median income for a family was $39,785. Males had a median income of $30,776 versus $23,905 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,171. About 14.00% of families and 27.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.20% of those under age 18 and 12.90% of those age 65 or over.

Communities

Map of Athens County, Ohio With Municipal and Township Labels Map of Athens County Ohio With Municipal and Township Labels.PNG
Map of Athens County, Ohio With Municipal and Township Labels

Cities

Villages

Townships

Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities

Ghost towns

Politics

2020 Presidential Election by Township and City Biden: 50-60% 60-70% 80-90% Trump: 40-50% 50-60% 60-70% 70-80% 2020 United States Presidential Election in Athens County, Ohio.svg
2020 Presidential Election by Township and City
Biden:     50–60%     60–70%     80–90%
Trump:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

Like most counties dominated by state universities, Athens County is a Democratic stronghold. [25] It was one of only two counties in Ohio to vote for George McGovern over Richard Nixon in 1972 (along with Lucas County) and in the 2014 gubernatorial election, it was one of only two counties to vote for Democrat Ed FitzGerald over Republican John Kasich (along with Monroe County). From 2016 to 2024, as Ohio has veered rightward in the era of Donald Trump, Athens County has become the lone base of consistent Democratic strength in Appalachian Ohio.

United States presidential election results for Athens County, Ohio [26]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No. %No. %No. %
2024 11,36943.70%14,13454.33%5111.96%
2020 10,86241.58%14,77256.55%4861.86%
2016 11,35438.22%16,37055.10%1,9856.68%
2012 8,54330.81%18,30766.02%8783.17%
2008 9,74231.17%20,72266.29%7952.54%
2004 10,84736.10%18,99863.23%2000.67%
2000 9,70338.13%13,15851.71%2,58610.16%
1996 7,15429.87%13,41856.02%3,38214.12%
1992 7,18427.85%13,42352.04%5,18620.11%
1988 9,31445.92%10,79553.23%1720.85%
1984 11,54852.59%10,20146.46%2090.95%
1980 8,17041.26%9,51448.05%2,11710.69%
1976 8,38744.10%9,89652.04%7333.85%
1972 9,73548.88%9,97750.10%2031.02%
1968 7,83747.79%7,35144.82%1,2127.39%
1964 6,21136.87%10,63363.13%00.00%
1960 10,74758.76%7,54241.24%00.00%
1956 10,79464.43%5,95935.57%00.00%
1952 10,82960.37%7,10839.63%00.00%
1948 8,90254.43%7,39845.24%540.33%
1944 10,32658.13%7,43841.87%00.00%
1940 11,21349.48%11,44950.52%00.00%
1936 9,50941.48%13,20557.61%2080.91%
1932 9,89751.17%8,91546.09%5312.75%
1928 11,10170.02%4,54628.67%2081.31%
1924 8,69558.19%2,66917.86%3,57923.95%
1920 11,01661.54%6,52336.44%3612.02%
1916 5,55455.18%4,10140.74%4114.08%
1912 3,09032.58%2,39325.23%4,00042.18%
1908 6,44961.57%3,65434.88%3723.55%
1904 6,35275.84%1,59419.03%4305.13%
1900 6,12668.90%2,52928.44%2362.65%
1896 5,42961.02%3,29337.01%1751.97%
1892 4,45858.68%2,59934.21%5407.11%
1888 4,57069.58%1,61224.54%3865.88%
1884 3,82859.21%2,25234.83%3855.96%
1880 3,64560.42%2,23437.03%1542.55%
1876 3,41360.19%2,19538.71%621.09%
1872 3,02567.64%1,39831.26%491.10%
1868 2,90864.62%1,59235.38%00.00%
1864 3,04069.82%1,31430.18%00.00%
1860 2,52661.65%1,49136.39%801.95%
1856 2,29960.45%1,35035.50%1544.05%
United States Senate election results for Athens County, Ohio1 [27]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No. %No. %No. %
2024 10,01339.06%14,69657.32%9283.62%

Economy

The largest employer in Athens County is Ohio University. Other significant employers include Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare, Hocking College, Diagnostic Hybrids, O'Bleness Memorial Hospital, Rocky Brands, Stewart-MacDonald, Wayne National Forest, and a growing number of retail stores and restaurants. Local government, local school districts, and nonprofit organizations employ many county residents.

Historically, the first large-scale industry was salt production. Coal mining and timber harvesting played major roles in Athens County's economy, as did the treatment and care of the mentally ill.

The coal industry has declined dramatically from its peak years. Only Buckingham Coal is still mining in the county, in Trimble Township north of Glouster. Gravel and limestone are mined at several quarries in the county. Active oil and natural gas wells are found in low numbers throughout Athens County.

Forestry still contributes to the Athens County economy, both in the private sector and in the public sector. The headquarters for Wayne National Forest is located between Athens and Nelsonville.

Farming and market gardening continue to thrive in the area. The largest farms specialize in beef and dairy production. The Athens Farmers Market, an outdoor market, continues to grow in popularity. Local and organically grown produce is found in abundance during the summer months.

Also, tourism is a large and growing component of the county's economy. The county is a regional music center and home to many arts and crafts businesses. Many visitors to the county are drawn to its natural resources and abundant wildlife. Hunting and fishing are popular activities in season. The county has over 19 miles of paved bike path in and between Athens and Nelsonville. Hiking and mountain biking are popular throughout the county, especially in the state parks and national forest.

Higher education remains the cornerstone of the county's economy. Over one-quarter of the county's residents either attend or work at Hocking College or Ohio University.

Education

Colleges and universities

Ohio University in the Fall, facing its South Green CampusOU.jpg
Ohio University in the Fall, facing its South Green

Athens County is home to Hocking College in Nelsonville and Ohio University in the City of Athens.

K-12 schools

The residents of Athens County are served by the five school districts: the Alexander Local School District, Athens City School District, the Federal Hocking Local School District, Nelsonville-York City School District, and the Trimble Local School District.

Libraries

They are also served by the Athens County Public Libraries with branches in Albany, Athens, Chauncey, Coolville, Glouster, Nelsonville, and The Plains.

Media

News publications
Noncommercial Television
Noncommercial Radio
Commercial Radio

Public lands

Federal lands

State lands

County properties

See also

Notes

    References

    1. ↑ "Ohio: Individual County Chronologies". Ohio Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. The Newberry Library. 2007. Archived from the original on April 6, 2016. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
    2. ↑ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
    3. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
    4. ↑ "Athens County data". Ohio State University Extension Data Center. Retrieved April 28, 2007.[ dead link ]
    5. ↑ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on May 4, 2014. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
    6. ↑ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
    7. ↑ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
    8. ↑ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
    9. ↑ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
    10. ↑ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
    11. ↑ 2020 census
    12. ↑ "1980 Census of Population - General Social and Economic Characteristics - Ohio- Table 59 - Persons by Spanish Origin, Race, and Sex: 1980 AND Table 58 - Race by Sex: 1980" (PDF). United States Census Bureau . p. 49-67 and 27-47.
    13. ↑ "1990 Census of Population - General Population Characteristics - Ohio: Table 6 - Race and Hispanic Origin" (PDF). United States Census Bureau . p. 21-95.
    14. ↑ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Athens County, Ohio". United States Census Bureau .
    15. ↑ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Athens County, Ohio". United States Census Bureau .
    16. ↑ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Athens County, Ohio". United States Census Bureau .
    17. ↑ included in the Asian category in the 1980 Census
    18. ↑ included in the Asian category in the 1990 Census
    19. ↑ not an option in the 1980 Census
    20. ↑ not an option in the 1990 Census
    21. 1 2 3 "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
    22. ↑ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
    23. ↑ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
    24. ↑ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
    25. ↑ "Clinton States her Case in Appalachia". Toledo Blade. May 3, 2016. Retrieved September 12, 2016.
    26. ↑ "Athens County Election Results". Athens County Board of Elections. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
    27. ↑ "2024 Senate Election (Official Returns)". Commonwealth of Texas by county. November 5, 2024. Retrieved December 5, 2024.

    Further reading

    39°20′N82°03′W / 39.33°N 82.05°W / 39.33; -82.05

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