Athens County, Ohio

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Athens County
County
County Courthouse Athens OH USA.JPG
The Athens County court house 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 for 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 
(2022)
58,979 Decrease2.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%
2022 (est.)58,979 [6] −5.5%
U.S. Decennial Census [7]
1790-1960 [8] 1900-1990 [9]
1990-2000 [10] 2020 [11]

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.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 64,757 people, 23,578 households, and 12,453 families living in the county. [12] 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). [13] 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. [12] 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. [14]

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. [12]

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. [15]

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. [16] 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 2020, as Ohio has veered rightward, Athens County has become the lone base of Democratic strength in Appalachian Ohio.

United States presidential election results for Athens County, Ohio [17]
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%

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

    Related Research Articles

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Athens, Ohio</span> City in Ohio, United States

    Athens is a city and the county seat of Athens County, Ohio, United States. The population was 23,849 at the 2020 census. Located along the Hocking River within Appalachian Ohio about 65 miles (105 km) southeast of Columbus, Athens is best known as the home of Ohio University, a large public research university with an undergraduate and graduate enrollment of more than 21,000 students. It is the principal city of the Athens micropolitan area.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Washington County, Ohio</span> County in Ohio, United States

    Washington County is a county located in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 59,711. Its county seat is Marietta. The county, the oldest in the state, is named for George Washington. Washington County comprises the Marietta, OH Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Parkersburg-Marietta-Vienna, WV-OH Combined Statistical Area.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Vinton County, Ohio</span> County in Ohio, United States

    Vinton County is a county located in the U.S. state of Ohio. As of 2023, the population was 12,474, making it the least populous county of Ohio. Its county seat is McArthur. The county is named for Samuel Finley Vinton, US Representative from Ohio.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Perry County, Ohio</span> County in Ohio, United States

    Perry County is a county located in the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 35,408. Its county seat is New Lexington. It was established on March 1, 1818, from parts of Fairfield, Washington and Muskingum counties. The county is named for Oliver Hazard Perry, a hero of the War of 1812. Perry County is included in the Columbus, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area. One of the poorest counties in the state, this is where the lawsuit challenging Ohio's school funding system, DeRolph v. State, began.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Morgan County, Ohio</span> County in Ohio, United States

    Morgan County is a county located in the U.S. state of Ohio. As of 2023, the population was 13,646, making it the third-least populous county in Ohio. Its county seat is McConnelsville. The county was created in 1817 and later organized in 1819. It is named for Daniel Morgan, an officer in the American Revolutionary War.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Hocking County, Ohio</span> County in Ohio, United States

    Hocking County is a county located in the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 28,050. Its county seat is Logan. The county was organized on March 1, 1818, from land given by Athens, Fairfield, and Ross counties. Its name is from the Hocking River, the origins of which are disputed but is said to be a Delaware Indian word meaning "bottle river". Hocking County is included in the Columbus, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Fairfield County, Ohio</span> County in Ohio, US

    Fairfield County is a county located in the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 158,921. Its county seat and largest city is Lancaster. Its name is a reference to the Fairfield area of the original Lancaster. Fairfield County is part of the Columbus, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Albany, Ohio</span> Village in Ohio, United States

    Albany is a village in Athens County, Ohio, United States. The population was 917 at the 2020 census.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Amesville, Ohio</span> Village in Ohio, United States

    Amesville is a village in Athens County, Ohio, United States, located on Federal Creek. The population was 171 at the 2020 census.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Chauncey, Ohio</span> Village in Ohio, United States

    Chauncey is a village in Athens County, Ohio, United States. The population was 959 at the 2020 census.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Coolville, Ohio</span> Village in Ohio, United States

    Coolville is a village located in Troy Township, Athens County, Ohio, United States, in the southeast area of the state. The population was 452 at the 2020 census.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Glouster, Ohio</span> Village in Ohio, United States

    Glouster is a village in Trimble Township, Athens County, Ohio, United States. The population was 1,659 at the 2020 census. It is close to Burr Oak State Park.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Jacksonville, Ohio</span> Village in Ohio, United States

    Jacksonville is a village in Athens County, Ohio, United States. The population was 400 at the 2020 census.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Nelsonville, Ohio</span> City in Ohio, United States

    Nelsonville is a city in northwestern Athens County, Ohio, United States, located about 60 miles (97 km) southeast of Columbus. The population was 5,373 at the 2020 census. It is home to Hocking College as well as Rocky Brands. Nelsonville is surrounded by Ohio's only national forest, the Wayne National Forest.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Trimble, Ohio</span> Village in Ohio, United States

    Trimble is a village in Trimble Township, Athens County, Ohio, United States. The population was 329 at the 2020 census.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">New Athens, Ohio</span> Village in Ohio, United States

    New Athens is a village in Harrison County, Ohio, United States. The population was 222 at the 2020 census.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Laurelville, Ohio</span> Village in Ohio, United States

    Laurelville is a village in Hocking County, Ohio, United States. The population was 512 at the 2020 census.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Logan, Ohio</span> City in Ohio, United States

    Logan is a city in and county seat of Hocking County, Ohio, United States, along the on the Hocking River about 43 miles (69 km) southeast of Columbus. The population was 7,296 at the time of the 2020 census. The current mayor of Logan is Republican Greg Fraunfelter, who began a four-year term in January 2016 and was re-elected in 2019.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Murray City, Ohio</span> Village in Ohio, United States

    Murray City is a village in Hocking County, Ohio, United States. The population was 341 at the 2020 census.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Buchtel, Ohio</span> Village in Ohio, United States

    Buchtel is a village in Athens and Hocking counties in the U.S. state of Ohio, just northeast of Nelsonville. Located in the Hocking Valley, it was a center of coal mining in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The population was 518 at the 2020 census. A former name for the village is Bessemer.

    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. 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.
    13. ↑ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
    14. ↑ "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.
    15. ↑ "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.
    16. ↑ "Clinton States her Case in Appalachia". Toledo Blade. May 3, 2016. Retrieved September 12, 2016.
    17. ↑ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved May 1, 2018.

    Further reading

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

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