List of Counties in Ohio

Ohio has 88 counties. The most populous counties are Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), Franklin County (Columbus), Hamilton County (Cincinnati), Summit County (Akron), Montgomery County (Dayton), Lucas County (Toledo), Stark County (Canton), Butler County, Lorain County, and Mahoning County (Youngstown). Cuyahoga County, home to Cleveland, is the largest by population, though Franklin County, which includes Columbus, the state capital, has been rapidly growing. Ohio’s major cities are spread across the state, with each region having its own economic center.

List of All Counties in Ohio

1. Adams County, Ohio
2. Allen County, Ohio
3. Ashland County, Ohio
4. Ashtabula County, Ohio
5. Athens County, Ohio
6. Auglaize County, Ohio
7. Belmont County, Ohio
8. Brown County, Ohio
9. Butler County, Ohio
10. Carroll County, Ohio
11. Champaign County, Ohio
12. Clark County, Ohio
13. Clermont County, Ohio
14. Clinton County, Ohio
15. Columbiana County, Ohio
16. Coshocton County, Ohio
17. Crawford County, Ohio
18. Cuyahoga County, Ohio
19. Darke County, Ohio
20. Defiance County, Ohio
21. Delaware County, Ohio
22. Erie County, Ohio
23. Fairfield County, Ohio
24. Fayette County, Ohio
25. Franklin County, Ohio
26. Fulton County, Ohio
27. Gallia County, Ohio
28. Geauga County, Ohio
29. Greene County, Ohio
30. Guernsey County, Ohio
31. Hamilton County, Ohio
32. Hancock County, Ohio
33. Hardin County, Ohio
34. Harrison County, Ohio
35. Henry County, Ohio
36. Highland County, Ohio
37. Hocking County, Ohio
38. Holmes County, Ohio
39. Huron County, Ohio
40. Jackson County, Ohio
41. Jefferson County, Ohio
42. Knox County, Ohio
43. Lake County, Ohio
44. Lawrence County, Ohio
45. Licking County, Ohio
46. Logan County, Ohio
47. Lorain County, Ohio
48. Lucas County, Ohio
49. Madison County, Ohio
50. Mahoning County, Ohio
51. Marion County, Ohio
52. Medina County, Ohio
53. Meigs County, Ohio
54. Mercer County, Ohio
55. Miami County, Ohio
56. Monroe County, Ohio
57. Montgomery County, Ohio
58. Morgan County, Ohio
59. Morrow County, Ohio
60. Muskingum County, Ohio
61. Noble County, Ohio
62. Ottawa County, Ohio
63. Paulding County, Ohio
64. Perry County, Ohio
65. Pickaway County, Ohio
66. Pike County, Ohio
67. Portage County, Ohio
68. Preble County, Ohio
69. Putnam County, Ohio
70. Richland County, Ohio
71. Ross County, Ohio
72. Sandusky County, Ohio
73. Scioto County, Ohio
74. Seneca County, Ohio
75. Shelby County, Ohio
76. Stark County, Ohio
77. Summit County, Ohio
78. Trumbull County, Ohio
79. Tuscarawas County, Ohio
80. Union County, Ohio
81. Van Wert County, Ohio
82. Vinton County, Ohio
83. Warren County, Ohio
84. Washington County, Ohio
85. Wayne County, Ohio
86. Williams County, Ohio
87. Wood County, Ohio
88. Wyandot County, Ohio

Largest Counties in Ohio

1. Ashtabula County

Overview

Ashtabula County is the largest county in Ohio by land area, covering 1,368 square miles. Located in the northeastern corner of the state, it is bordered by Lake Erie to the north, Pennsylvania to the east, and Trumbull County to the south. Established in 1807, the county’s name is derived from a Native American word meaning “river of many fish,” referring to the Ashtabula River. The county’s economy is largely based on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, with wineries and covered bridges being significant attractions. Ashtabula County is known for its scenic landscapes, including parks, lakes, and the shores of Lake Erie, which make it a popular destination for outdoor activities.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 97,000
• County Seat: Jefferson
• Major Airports: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (nearby)
• Major Highways: Interstate 90, U.S. Highway 20, U.S. Highway 6, U.S. Highway 322

2. Licking County

Overview

Licking County is located in central Ohio, covering 688 square miles. It is bordered by Franklin County to the west, Knox County to the north, and Muskingum County to the east. Established in 1808, the county was named after the salt licks that attracted animals to the area. Licking County is home to Newark, its county seat, which boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, including ancient earthworks built by Native Americans known as the Newark Earthworks, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The county’s economy is diversified, with education, manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture playing key roles. Licking County is also home to Denison University, a prestigious liberal arts college located in Granville.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 180,000
• County Seat: Newark
• Major Airports: John Glenn Columbus International Airport (nearby)
• Major Highways: Interstate 70, U.S. Highway 40, Ohio State Route 16

3. Muskingum County

Overview

Muskingum County is located in southeastern Ohio, covering 673 square miles. It is bordered by Licking County to the west, Guernsey County to the east, and Perry County to the south. The county was established in 1804 and named after the Muskingum River, which flows through the area. Zanesville, the county seat, was once the capital of Ohio from 1810 to 1812 and is known for its distinctive Y-Bridge. Muskingum County’s economy has historically been based on coal mining, manufacturing, and agriculture, but it has diversified in recent years to include healthcare, education, and tourism. The county is home to attractions like The Wilds, a wildlife conservation center, and the historic Zane Grey Museum.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 86,000
• County Seat: Zanesville
• Major Airports: John Glenn Columbus International Airport (nearby)
• Major Highways: Interstate 70, U.S. Highway 22, U.S. Highway 40

4. Logan County

Overview

Logan County is located in west-central Ohio, covering 467 square miles. It is bordered by Union County to the east, Shelby County to the west, and Champaign County to the south. Established in 1818, the county was named after General Benjamin Logan, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. Logan County is known for its natural beauty, including Indian Lake, which is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping. The county’s economy is based on manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism, with Honda’s large manufacturing plant in Marysville playing a crucial role. Bellefontaine, the county seat, is home to the highest point in Ohio, Campbell Hill.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 45,000
• County Seat: Bellefontaine
• Major Airports: Dayton International Airport (nearby)
• Major Highways: U.S. Highway 33, U.S. Highway 68, Ohio State Route 47

5. Ross County

Overview

Ross County is located in southern Ohio and spans 692 square miles. It is bordered by Pickaway County to the north, Pike County to the south, and Fayette County to the west. Established in 1798, Ross County is one of the oldest counties in the state, named after James Ross, a U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania. Chillicothe, the county seat, was the original capital of Ohio and remains a city rich in history. The county is home to several prehistoric earthworks, including the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. Ross County’s economy is based on healthcare, manufacturing, education, and agriculture. The county’s natural attractions, such as Great Seal State Park, also support a growing tourism industry.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 77,000
• County Seat: Chillicothe
• Major Airports: Rickenbacker International Airport (nearby)
• Major Highways: U.S. Highway 23, U.S. Highway 35, Ohio State Route 104

6. Highland County

Overview

Highland County is located in southwestern Ohio and spans 558 square miles. It is bordered by Clinton County to the west, Ross County to the east, and Fayette County to the north. Established in 1805, the county was named for its hilly terrain, which distinguishes it from the surrounding plains. The county seat, Hillsboro, is a small but vibrant community known for its historical downtown district. Highland County’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, particularly corn, soybeans, and livestock. The county also has a growing tourism sector, with visitors drawn to natural attractions like Rocky Fork State Park and Paint Creek State Park, both of which offer outdoor recreational activities.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 42,000
• County Seat: Hillsboro
• Major Airports: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (nearby)
• Major Highways: U.S. Highway 50, U.S. Highway 62, Ohio State Route 28

7. Knox County

Overview

Knox County is located in central Ohio, covering 529 square miles. It is bordered by Richland County to the north, Licking County to the south, and Holmes County to the east. Established in 1808, the county was named after Henry Knox, the first Secretary of War under President George Washington. Mount Vernon, the county seat, is a historic town known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Knox County’s economy is driven by education, manufacturing, and agriculture, with Kenyon College, one of the nation’s oldest liberal arts colleges, being a key contributor. The county’s scenic beauty, including rolling hills and rivers, attracts outdoor enthusiasts.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 63,000
• County Seat: Mount Vernon
• Major Airports: John Glenn Columbus International Airport (nearby)
• Major Highways: U.S. Highway 36, U.S. Highway 62, Ohio State Route 3

8. Wayne County

Overview

Wayne County is located in northeastern Ohio, covering 555 square miles. It is bordered by Medina County to the north, Holmes County to the south, and Stark County to the east. Established in 1796, the county was named after General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, a prominent figure in the American Revolution. Wayne County is known for its rich agricultural heritage, particularly in dairy farming and crop production. The county seat, Wooster, is home to the College of Wooster, a leading liberal arts institution, and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. The local economy is supported by agriculture, education, manufacturing, and healthcare.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 115,000
• County Seat: Wooster
• Major Airports: Akron-Canton Airport (nearby)
• Major Highways: U.S. Highway 30, U.S. Highway 250, Ohio State Route 3

9. Hocking County

Overview

Hocking County is located in southeastern Ohio and spans 424 square miles. It is bordered by Fairfield County to the north, Athens County to the southeast, and Perry County to the east. Established in 1818, the county was named after the Hocking River, which flows through the area. Logan, the county seat, serves as the gateway to the Hocking Hills region, one of Ohio’s most popular tourist destinations. Known for its rugged terrain, waterfalls, and caves, the area attracts visitors for hiking, rock climbing, and camping. The county’s economy is largely based on tourism, agriculture, and small manufacturing.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 28,000
• County Seat: Logan
• Major Airports: John Glenn Columbus International Airport (nearby)
• Major Highways: U.S. Highway 33, Ohio State Route 93, Ohio State Route 664

10. Athens County

Overview

Athens County is located in southeastern Ohio, covering 507 square miles. It is bordered by Meigs County to the south, Vinton County to the west, and Washington County to the east. Established in 1805, the county was named after Athens, Greece, in recognition of its emphasis on education. The county seat, Athens, is home to Ohio University, one of the oldest public universities in the United States. The university is a major contributor to the local economy, along with healthcare, retail, and small manufacturing. Athens County is known for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills, forests, and the Hocking River adding to its rural charm.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 65,000
• County Seat: Athens
• Major Airports: John Glenn Columbus International Airport (nearby)
• Major Highways: U.S. Highway 50, U.S. Highway 33, Ohio State Route 682