Monroe County, Ohio | |
|---|---|
 Monroe County Courthouse | |
 Flag  Seal | |
 Location within the U.S. state ofOhio | |
 Ohio's location within theU.S. | |
| Coordinates:39°44′N81°05′W / 39.73°N 81.08°W /39.73; -81.08 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Ohio |
| Founded | March 1, 1815 |
| Named after | James Monroe |
| Seat | Woodsfield |
| Largest village | Woodsfield |
| Area | |
• Total | 457 sq mi (1,180 km2) |
| • Land | 456 sq mi (1,180 km2) |
| • Water | 1.7 sq mi (4.4 km2) 0.4% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 13,385 |
• Estimate (2024)[1] | 13,051 |
| • Density | 28.6/sq mi (11.0/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 6th |
| Website | www |
Monroe County is acounty located on the eastern border of theU.S. state ofOhio, across theOhio River fromWest Virginia. As of 2023, the population was 13,153,[2] making it thesecond-least populous county in Ohio. Itscounty seat isWoodsfield.[3] The county was created in 1813 and later organized in 1815.[4]
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Monroe County was formed on January 28, 1813, from portions of Belmont, Guernsey and Washington counties. It was named afterJames Monroe, theU.S. Secretary of State when the county was formed, and later fifthPresident of the United States.[5] When organized, the county's eastern border was with the state of Virginia. This portion of the state seceded from Virginia during the American Civil War, being admitted to the Union as the state ofWest Virginia. The largely rural county reached its peak of population in the 19th century, before urbanization drew people into and near cities for work and other opportunities. It is still a center of Amish population and farms.
In 1891,West Virginia's Sistersville Field was discovered to extend into Monroe County. By 1901, 300 wells nearWoodsfield, Ohio, were producing 55,000barrels of oil a month.[6]
On or about December 20, 2011,ExxonMobil, a New Jersey petroleum company, via its subsidiary XTO Energy, acquired 20,056 acres of Monroe County Utica Shale gas leases fromBeck Energy.[7]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 457 square miles (1,180 km2), of which 456 square miles (1,180 km2) is land and 1.7 square miles (4.4 km2) (0.4%) is water.[8] It is bordered by theOhio River to the east. The terrain is hilly in this area, with waterways cutting through some hills of theAppalachian Plateau, which extends fromLake Erie to the Ohio River, which flows southwest to the south of this county.
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1820 | 4,645 | — | |
| 1830 | 8,768 | 88.8% | |
| 1840 | 18,521 | 111.2% | |
| 1850 | 28,351 | 53.1% | |
| 1860 | 25,741 | −9.2% | |
| 1870 | 25,779 | 0.1% | |
| 1880 | 26,496 | 2.8% | |
| 1890 | 25,175 | −5.0% | |
| 1900 | 27,031 | 7.4% | |
| 1910 | 24,244 | −10.3% | |
| 1920 | 20,660 | −14.8% | |
| 1930 | 18,426 | −10.8% | |
| 1940 | 18,641 | 1.2% | |
| 1950 | 15,362 | −17.6% | |
| 1960 | 15,268 | −0.6% | |
| 1970 | 15,739 | 3.1% | |
| 1980 | 17,382 | 10.4% | |
| 1990 | 15,497 | −10.8% | |
| 2000 | 15,180 | −2.0% | |
| 2010 | 14,642 | −3.5% | |
| 2020 | 13,385 | −8.6% | |
| 2024 (est.) | 13,051 | −2.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[9] 1790-1960[10] 1900-1990[11] 1990-2000[12] 2010-2020[13][14] 2024[1] | |||
| Race / Ethnicity(NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 1980[15] | Pop 1990[16] | Pop 2000[17] | Pop 2010[18] | Pop 2020[19] | % 1980 | % 1990 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 17,317 | 15,415 | 14,944 | 14,326 | 12,909 | 99.63% | 99.47% | 98.45% | 97.84% | 96.44% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 6 | 19 | 38 | 60 | 19 | 0.03% | 0.12% | 0.25% | 0.41% | 0.14% |
| Native American orAlaska Native alone (NH) | 7 | 26 | 21 | 16 | 12 | 0.04% | 0.17% | 0.14% | 0.11% | 0.09% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 7 | 12 | 10 | 16 | 21 | 0.04% | 0.08% | 0.07% | 0.11% | 0.16% |
| Native Hawaiian orPacific Islander alone (NH) | x[20] | x[21] | 2 | 1 | 3 | x | x | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.02% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 3 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 19 | 0.02% | 0.01% | 0.03% | 0.01% | 0.14% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | x[22] | x[23] | 98 | 163 | 335 | x | x | 0.65% | 1.11% | 2.50% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 42 | 24 | 62 | 59 | 67 | 0.24% | 0.15% | 0.41% | 0.40% | 0.50% |
| Total | 17,382 | 15,497 | 15,180 | 14,642 | 13,385 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the2010 United States census, there were 14,642 people, 6,065 households, and 4,183 families living in the county.[24] The population density was 32.1 inhabitants per square mile (12.4/km2). There were 7,567 housing units at an average density of 16.6 units per square mile (6.4 units/km2).[25] The racial makeup of the county was 98.1% white, 0.4% black or African American, 0.1% Asian, 0.1% American Indian, 0.1% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 0.4% of the population.[24] In terms of ancestry, 34.8% wereGerman, 14.5% wereIrish, 10.6% wereEnglish, and 9.6% wereAmerican.[26]
Of the 6,065 households, 27.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.0% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 31.0% were non-families, and 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.87. The median age was 44.7 years.[24]
The median income for a household in the county was $37,030 and the median income for a family was $43,261. Males had a median income of $39,261 versus $24,922 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,738. About 12.3% of families and 17.3% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 26.7% of those under age 18 and 12.3% of those age 65 or over.[27]
As of thecensus[28] of 2000, there were 15,180 people, 6,021 households, and 4,413 families living in the county. Thepopulation density was 33 people per square mile (13 people/km2). There were 7,212 housing units at an average density of 16 units per square mile (6.2/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 98.72%White, 0.26%Black orAfrican American, 0.15%Native American, 0.07%Asian, 0.01%Pacific Islander, 0.11% fromother races, and 0.67% from two or more races. 0.41% of the population wereHispanic orLatino of any race.
There were 6,021 households, out of which 29.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.70% weremarried couples living together, 8.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.70% were non-families. 24.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.96.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.60% under the age of 18, 7.10% from 18 to 24, 25.90% from 25 to 44, 27.20% from 45 to 64, and 16.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 97.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.10 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $30,467, and the median income for a family was $36,297. Males had a median income of $33,308 versus $19,628 for females. Theper capita income for the county was $15,096. About 11.00% of families and 13.90% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 18.30% of those under age 18 and 11.40% of those age 65 or over.
As was typical forAppalachian counties, Monroe County voted Democratic in most elections – all but 7 times from 1856 until 2008. In 2012, it voted Republican for the first time since 1972. In 2016, it took a sharp turn to the right, voting forDonald Trump by a large margin. Inthe 2014 gubernatorial election, Monroe was one of two counties to vote for DemocratEd FitzGerald over RepublicanJohn Kasich (along withAthens County). However, in2018 it voted for RepublicanMike DeWine over DemocratRichard Cordray.
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 5,396 | 79.18% | 1,336 | 19.60% | 83 | 1.22% |
| 2020 | 5,463 | 76.31% | 1,605 | 22.42% | 91 | 1.27% |
| 2016 | 4,868 | 71.03% | 1,662 | 24.25% | 323 | 4.71% |
| 2012 | 3,548 | 52.31% | 3,035 | 44.75% | 199 | 2.93% |
| 2008 | 3,066 | 43.91% | 3,705 | 53.07% | 211 | 3.02% |
| 2004 | 3,424 | 44.30% | 4,243 | 54.90% | 62 | 0.80% |
| 2000 | 3,145 | 44.20% | 3,605 | 50.67% | 365 | 5.13% |
| 1996 | 1,856 | 26.64% | 3,914 | 56.18% | 1,197 | 17.18% |
| 1992 | 1,823 | 24.02% | 4,235 | 55.79% | 1,533 | 20.19% |
| 1988 | 2,557 | 37.20% | 4,269 | 62.10% | 48 | 0.70% |
| 1984 | 3,302 | 47.32% | 3,611 | 51.75% | 65 | 0.93% |
| 1980 | 2,870 | 45.03% | 3,166 | 49.68% | 337 | 5.29% |
| 1976 | 2,728 | 38.25% | 4,296 | 60.24% | 108 | 1.51% |
| 1972 | 3,721 | 59.14% | 2,483 | 39.46% | 88 | 1.40% |
| 1968 | 2,686 | 42.27% | 3,105 | 48.87% | 563 | 8.86% |
| 1964 | 1,944 | 28.93% | 4,776 | 71.07% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1960 | 4,106 | 56.63% | 3,144 | 43.37% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1956 | 3,738 | 59.18% | 2,578 | 40.82% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1952 | 3,493 | 52.09% | 3,213 | 47.91% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1948 | 2,574 | 39.88% | 3,873 | 60.01% | 7 | 0.11% |
| 1944 | 3,617 | 50.30% | 3,574 | 49.70% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1940 | 4,534 | 52.28% | 4,138 | 47.72% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1936 | 3,211 | 36.87% | 5,368 | 61.64% | 130 | 1.49% |
| 1932 | 2,767 | 33.97% | 5,263 | 64.61% | 116 | 1.42% |
| 1928 | 4,287 | 60.73% | 2,729 | 38.66% | 43 | 0.61% |
| 1924 | 2,674 | 40.58% | 3,742 | 56.79% | 173 | 2.63% |
| 1920 | 2,825 | 41.94% | 3,861 | 57.32% | 50 | 0.74% |
| 1916 | 1,504 | 30.61% | 3,322 | 67.62% | 87 | 1.77% |
| 1912 | 1,055 | 21.79% | 3,199 | 66.08% | 587 | 12.13% |
| 1908 | 1,974 | 32.74% | 3,961 | 65.69% | 95 | 1.58% |
| 1904 | 2,222 | 40.17% | 3,169 | 57.30% | 140 | 2.53% |
| 1900 | 2,103 | 33.33% | 4,143 | 65.66% | 64 | 1.01% |
| 1896 | 2,001 | 32.07% | 4,180 | 67.00% | 58 | 0.93% |
| 1892 | 1,630 | 29.08% | 3,838 | 68.47% | 137 | 2.44% |
| 1888 | 1,621 | 29.04% | 3,886 | 69.63% | 74 | 1.33% |
| 1884 | 1,645 | 28.99% | 4,010 | 70.66% | 20 | 0.35% |
| 1880 | 1,600 | 29.30% | 3,751 | 68.70% | 109 | 2.00% |
| 1876 | 1,462 | 27.71% | 3,805 | 72.11% | 10 | 0.19% |
| 1872 | 1,307 | 30.74% | 2,878 | 67.69% | 67 | 1.58% |
| 1868 | 1,443 | 29.81% | 3,397 | 70.19% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1864 | 1,440 | 31.03% | 3,201 | 68.97% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1860 | 1,335 | 28.57% | 3,147 | 67.36% | 190 | 4.07% |
| 1856 | 1,016 | 23.96% | 2,812 | 66.31% | 413 | 9.74% |
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 4,715 | 70.89% | 1,725 | 25.94% | 211 | 3.17% |
Monroe County has three County Commissioners who oversee the various County departments, similar to 85 of the other 88 Ohio counties. Current Commissioners are: Mick Schumacher (R), Bill Bolon (R), and Diane Burkhart (R).[31]
Monroe County is served by the Monroe County District Library from its administrative offices inWoodsfield, Ohio; it also offers abookmobile service.
In 2005, the library loaned more than 141,000 items to its 6,000 cardholders. Total holding are over 64,000 volumes with over 140 periodical subscriptions.[32] This library is a member of the SOLO Regional Library System.
Monroe County contains the following schools through theSwitzerland of Ohio Local School District:
Places adjacent to Monroe County, Ohio | |
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Municipalities and communities ofMonroe County, Ohio,United States | ||
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| Villages |  | |
| Townships | ||
| CDPs | ||
| Unincorporated communities | ||
| Ghost town | ||
| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
39°44′N81°05′W / 39.73°N 81.08°W /39.73; -81.08
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