1790-1960{{Cite web |title=Historical Census Browser |url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu |access-date=February 7,2015 |publisher=University of Virginia Library}}1900-1990{{Cite web |date=March 27,1995 |editor-last=Forstall |editor-first=Richard L. |title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census:1900 to 1990 |url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/oh190090.txt |access-date=February 7,2015 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}
1990-2000{{Cite web |date=April 2,2001 |title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties:1990 and 2000 |url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327165705/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=March 27,2010 |access-date=February 7,2015 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}2020 [https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/interactive/2020-population-and-housing-state-data.html 2020 census]"}},"i":0}}]}" id="mwSA">.mw-parser-output .us-census-pop{border-spacing:1px;border:1px solid #a2a9b1;background-color:var(--background-color-neutral-subtle,#f8f9fa);padding:0.3em;font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .us-census-pop caption{background-color:lavender;color:black;padding-right:0.2em;padding-left:0.2em;font-size:110%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a2a9b1;border-bottom:none}.mw-parser-output .us-census-pop th[scope=col]{border-bottom:1px solid black}.mw-parser-output .us-census-pop td:nth-child(2){text-align:right;padding-left:0.5em;padding-right:0}.mw-parser-output .us-census-pop td.us-census-pop-estimate{padding-left:0}.mw-parser-output .us-census-pop td:nth-child(3){padding-left:0}.mw-parser-output .us-census-pop td:nth-child(4){padding-left:0.5em;text-align:right}.mw-parser-output .us-census-pop-footnote{border-top:1px solid black;font-size:85%;text-align:center}@media(min-width:720px){.mw-parser-output .us-census-pop-right{float:right;clear:right;margin:0 0 1em 1em}.mw-parser-output .us-census-pop-left{float:left;clear:left;margin:0 1em 1em 0}.mw-parser-output .us-census-pop-center{float:none;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto}.mw-parser-output .us-census-pop-none{float:none;margin:0 1em 1em 0}}
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1810 | 2,791 | — | |
1820 | 6,338 | 127.1% | |
1830 | 9,787 | 54.4% | |
1840 | 19,109 | 95.2% | |
1850 | 18,215 | −4.7% | |
1860 | 21,364 | 17.3% | |
1870 | 23,768 | 11.3% | |
1880 | 28,411 | 19.5% | |
1890 | 35,194 | 23.9% | |
1900 | 38,730 | 10.0% | |
1910 | 47,798 | 23.4% | |
1920 | 50,430 | 5.5% | |
1930 | 44,175 | −12.4% | |
1940 | 46,166 | 4.5% | |
1950 | 45,839 | −0.7% | |
1960 | 46,998 | 2.5% | |
1970 | 54,889 | 16.8% | |
1980 | 56,399 | 2.8% | |
1990 | 59,549 | 5.6% | |
2000 | 62,223 | 4.5% | |
2010 | 64,757 | 4.1% | |
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] |
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.
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]
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.
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2024 | 11,369 | 43.70% | 14,134 | 54.33% | 511 | 1.96% |
2020 | 10,862 | 41.58% | 14,772 | 56.55% | 486 | 1.86% |
2016 | 11,354 | 38.22% | 16,370 | 55.10% | 1,985 | 6.68% |
2012 | 8,543 | 30.81% | 18,307 | 66.02% | 878 | 3.17% |
2008 | 9,742 | 31.17% | 20,722 | 66.29% | 795 | 2.54% |
2004 | 10,847 | 36.10% | 18,998 | 63.23% | 200 | 0.67% |
2000 | 9,703 | 38.13% | 13,158 | 51.71% | 2,586 | 10.16% |
1996 | 7,154 | 29.87% | 13,418 | 56.02% | 3,382 | 14.12% |
1992 | 7,184 | 27.85% | 13,423 | 52.04% | 5,186 | 20.11% |
1988 | 9,314 | 45.92% | 10,795 | 53.23% | 172 | 0.85% |
1984 | 11,548 | 52.59% | 10,201 | 46.46% | 209 | 0.95% |
1980 | 8,170 | 41.26% | 9,514 | 48.05% | 2,117 | 10.69% |
1976 | 8,387 | 44.10% | 9,896 | 52.04% | 733 | 3.85% |
1972 | 9,735 | 48.88% | 9,977 | 50.10% | 203 | 1.02% |
1968 | 7,837 | 47.79% | 7,351 | 44.82% | 1,212 | 7.39% |
1964 | 6,211 | 36.87% | 10,633 | 63.13% | 0 | 0.00% |
1960 | 10,747 | 58.76% | 7,542 | 41.24% | 0 | 0.00% |
1956 | 10,794 | 64.43% | 5,959 | 35.57% | 0 | 0.00% |
1952 | 10,829 | 60.37% | 7,108 | 39.63% | 0 | 0.00% |
1948 | 8,902 | 54.43% | 7,398 | 45.24% | 54 | 0.33% |
1944 | 10,326 | 58.13% | 7,438 | 41.87% | 0 | 0.00% |
1940 | 11,213 | 49.48% | 11,449 | 50.52% | 0 | 0.00% |
1936 | 9,509 | 41.48% | 13,205 | 57.61% | 208 | 0.91% |
1932 | 9,897 | 51.17% | 8,915 | 46.09% | 531 | 2.75% |
1928 | 11,101 | 70.02% | 4,546 | 28.67% | 208 | 1.31% |
1924 | 8,695 | 58.19% | 2,669 | 17.86% | 3,579 | 23.95% |
1920 | 11,016 | 61.54% | 6,523 | 36.44% | 361 | 2.02% |
1916 | 5,554 | 55.18% | 4,101 | 40.74% | 411 | 4.08% |
1912 | 3,090 | 32.58% | 2,393 | 25.23% | 4,000 | 42.18% |
1908 | 6,449 | 61.57% | 3,654 | 34.88% | 372 | 3.55% |
1904 | 6,352 | 75.84% | 1,594 | 19.03% | 430 | 5.13% |
1900 | 6,126 | 68.90% | 2,529 | 28.44% | 236 | 2.65% |
1896 | 5,429 | 61.02% | 3,293 | 37.01% | 175 | 1.97% |
1892 | 4,458 | 58.68% | 2,599 | 34.21% | 540 | 7.11% |
1888 | 4,570 | 69.58% | 1,612 | 24.54% | 386 | 5.88% |
1884 | 3,828 | 59.21% | 2,252 | 34.83% | 385 | 5.96% |
1880 | 3,645 | 60.42% | 2,234 | 37.03% | 154 | 2.55% |
1876 | 3,413 | 60.19% | 2,195 | 38.71% | 62 | 1.09% |
1872 | 3,025 | 67.64% | 1,398 | 31.26% | 49 | 1.10% |
1868 | 2,908 | 64.62% | 1,592 | 35.38% | 0 | 0.00% |
1864 | 3,040 | 69.82% | 1,314 | 30.18% | 0 | 0.00% |
1860 | 2,526 | 61.65% | 1,491 | 36.39% | 80 | 1.95% |
1856 | 2,299 | 60.45% | 1,350 | 35.50% | 154 | 4.05% |
This section needs additional citations for verification .(May 2023) |
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.
Athens County is home to Hocking College in Nelsonville and Ohio University in the City of Athens.
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.
They are also served by the Athens County Public Libraries with branches in Albany, Athens, Chauncey, Coolville, Glouster, Nelsonville, and The Plains.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Albany is a village in Athens County, Ohio, United States. The population was 917 at the 2020 census.
Amesville is a village in Athens County, Ohio, United States, located on Federal Creek. The population was 171 at the 2020 census.
Chauncey is a village in Athens County, Ohio, United States. The population was 959 at the 2020 census.
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.
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.
Jacksonville is a village in Athens County, Ohio, United States. The population was 400 at the 2020 census.
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.
Trimble is a village in Trimble Township, Athens County, Ohio, United States. The population was 329 at the 2020 census.
New Athens is a village in Harrison County, Ohio, United States. The population was 222 at the 2020 census.
Laurelville is a village in Hocking County, Ohio, United States. The population was 512 at the 2020 census.
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.
Murray City is a village in Hocking County, Ohio, United States. The population was 341 at the 2020 census.
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.