Allen County, Ohio Business Directory & Community Resources
Click here to view a map of Allen County
View the 2025 U.S. Census demographic profile for Allen County
Allen County — County Seat: Lima
2026 Population Estimate: 100,810 | Official Website: https://www.allencountyohio.com/
Allen County is a mid-sized northwestern Ohio county, centered on Lima — the county seat and a historically significant industrial city. Founded in 1820, the county has deep roots in oil refining, manufacturing, and defense industries. Lima served as a major center of oil refining in the late 19th century and later became home to the Lima Army Tank Plant (now the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center), which has produced the M1 Abrams battle tank for the U.S. military since the 1980s and remains one of the only active tank production facilities in the country. Major employers include Lima Memorial Health System, Mercy Health, Walmart (distribution center), and various manufacturing operations. The county is served by Rhodes State College and University of Northwestern Ohio. The Allen County Museum in Lima celebrates the region's rich history, and the county is a major agricultural producer as well.
▸ Key Industries & Major Employers
Advanced manufacturing, healthcare, insurance, and distribution.
Major employers include Lima Memorial Health System, the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (Abrams tank production, a U.S. Army facility), Procter & Gamble (Lima plant, one of the company's largest U.S. facilities), Ford Motor Company Lima Engine Plant, and Mercy Health–St. Rita's Medical Center.
▸ Notable Economic Development Initiatives
Allen Economic Development Group (AEDG) actively recruits industrial tenants for the Lima/Allen County Regional Airport Industrial Park. JobsOhio designated Allen County as a target region for advanced manufacturing expansion in 2024. A 2024 regional workforce partnership between Rhodes State College and major manufacturers focuses on precision machining and welding credentials.
▸ Infrastructure & Investment Highlights
Served by I-75, US-30, US-33, and the Lima/Allen County Regional Airport. A $28M expansion of the regional water system was completed in 2023 to support industrial growth south of Lima. CSX and Norfolk Southern rail service connects manufacturers to national freight networks.
