Adams County, Ohio Business Directory & Community Resources

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View the 2025 U.S. Census demographic profile for Adams County

Adams County — County Seat: West Union

2026 Population Estimate: 28,088  |  Official Website: https://adamscountyoh.gov/

Adams County is a scenic and largely rural Appalachian county in south-central Ohio with West Union serving as the county seat. Established in 1797 and named for President John Adams, the county is one of Ohio's most ruggedly beautiful, characterized by the dramatic hills and hollows of the Edge of Appalachia Preserve, a 20,000-acre complex managed by the Ohio Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and recognized as one of the most botanically diverse regions in the eastern United States. The preserve protects rare plants, caves, and ancient earthworks. The county is also home to Serpent Mound — the largest serpent effigy mound in the world, a National Historic Landmark dating to around 300 BCE and one of Ohio's most visited archaeological sites. The Adams County Regional Medical Center serves as the county's primary healthcare facility. The county is predominantly agricultural with a rural character and is home to significant scenic byways along the Ohio Brush Creek corridor. The Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau promotes heritage tourism centered on the county's remarkable natural and historical assets.

▸ Key Industries & Major Employers
Agriculture, timber, and small-scale manufacturing.
Major employers include Adams County Ohio Valley School District, Adams County Regional Medical Center, and Buckeye Industries. Tobacco farming and livestock operations remain key agricultural anchors.

▸ Notable Economic Development Initiatives
Adams County is a designated Appalachian county benefiting from the Ohio Appalachian Opportunity Zone initiative and ARC (Appalachian Regional Commission) grant programs. The county participates in the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program, receiving its $1M allocation in FY 2024 for industrial site clean-up near West Union. Local development is guided by the Adams County Economic Development Committee.

▸ Infrastructure & Investment Highlights
US-32 serves as the primary east-west corridor. The county has pursued rural broadband expansion under Ohio's Broadband Connectivity program. Ohio Edison and AEP Ohio provide utility infrastructure supporting limited industrial growth.