Erie County, Ohio Business Directory & Community Resources

  

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Erie County — County Seat: Sandusky

2026 Population Estimate: 72,947  |  Official Website: https://www.eriecounty.oh.gov/

Erie County is a north-central Ohio county on the southern shore of Lake Erie with Sandusky as its county seat — and Sandusky's identity is practically synonymous with the world-famous Cedar Point amusement park. Operated since 1870 on a peninsula jutting into Lake Erie, Cedar Point is consistently ranked the world's greatest amusement park, home to more roller coasters than any other park on earth and drawing over 3 million visitors annually, making it by far the county's largest employer and economic engine. The county also features the charming Lake Erie island communities of Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island and Kelleys Island, accessible by ferry and popular summer destinations. The Firelands Winery and other local wineries contribute to the county's wine tourism. Erie County is also home to Great Lakes Popcorn and Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky. The Sandusky State Theatre adds cultural richness.

▸ Key Industries & Major Employers
Tourism, manufacturing, healthcare, and Lake Erie commercial fishing and recreation.
Sandusky is the county tourism hub. Cedar Fair (Cedar Point, now Six Flags), the region's defining employer, operates one of the world's most famous amusement parks and employs 4,000–6,000+ seasonally. Firelands Regional Medical Center, Ohio Gratings Inc., and Dole Food Company's cold storage operations are major year-round employers.

▸ Notable Economic Development Initiatives
Erie County's Port Authority is expanding marina facilities and supporting Lake Erie water trails. Cedar Point's continued capital investment (new rides, resort expansions) drives hospitality employment and hotel development. The county partnered with ODOT on the Sandusky Bay Pathway, a multi-use trail connecting communities along the lake. A 2024 state grant supported the revitalization of downtown Sandusky's waterfront district.

▸ Infrastructure & Investment Highlights
US-6 (Lake Erie coastal route) and SR-2 provide primary access. The Sandusky Bay is dredged to support commercial fishing and recreational boating. The Sandusky/Erie County Airport handles charter and private aviation. The Shoreline Trail and Sandusky Bay Pathway are priority tourism infrastructure projects.