Delaware County, Ohio Business Directory & Community Resources
View a map of Delaware County
View the 2025 U.S. Census demographic profile for Delaware County
Delaware County — County Seat: Delaware
2026 Population Estimate: 247,201 | Official Website: https://co.delaware.oh.us/
Delaware County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Ohio and among the fastest in the entire nation — driven by suburban expansion north of Columbus. The county seat is the city of Delaware, home to the prestigious Ohio Wesleyan University (founded 1842) and the birthplace of President Rutherford B. Hayes (eighth President). Explosive growth communities like Powell, Lewis Center, and Dublin (shared with Franklin and Union counties) are among the most affluent ZIP codes in Ohio. Major employers include Nationwide Children's Hospital (campuses), JP Morgan Chase, Ohio Weseyan University, and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (located here, one of the best zoos in the world, formerly led by Jack Hanna). The Delaware State Park and Olentangy Indian Mounds attract visitors.
▸ Key Industries & Major Employers
Financial services, healthcare, technology, retail, and residential development.
One of Ohio's fastest-growing counties. Major employers include OhioHealth (large hospital campus), Nationwide Children's (satellite locations), State Auto Insurance (headquarters), Otterbein University, and a rapidly expanding base of technology and financial services companies drawn by proximity to Columbus and lower land costs.
▸ Notable Economic Development Initiatives
Delaware County is experiencing explosive population and commercial growth, requiring aggressive infrastructure investment. The Delaware County Board of Commissioners established a new industrial park development fund in 2024. JobsOhio actively recruits technology and financial firms using the county's I-71 corridor as an asset. Intel's Licking County campus (adjacent county) generates significant supply chain and service activity in Delaware County.
▸ Infrastructure & Investment Highlights
I-71 is the primary artery. US-36 and US-23 provide secondary access. Numerous arterial road expansions are underway to manage population growth. Delaware Municipal Airport supports business aviation. Major water and sewer capacity expansion is planned through 2028 to support development pressure.
