Fayette County, Ohio Business Directory & Community Resources
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View the 2025 U.S. Census demographic profile for Fayette County
Fayette County — County Seat: Washington Court House
2026 Population Estimate: 28,395 | Official Website: https://fayette-co-oh.com/
Fayette County is a small south-central Ohio county with the charming and distinctively named Washington Court House as its county seat — a name so beloved that residents and officials have long resisted any effort to shorten it. The county has a strong agricultural economy centered on corn, soybeans, and livestock, and is home to several significant horticultural operations. Major employers include Adena Fayette Medical Center, Kenworth Trucking (significant operations), and various agricultural and processing businesses. The county is served by Fayette County Airport and benefits from its location along US Route 35. The Fayette County Fair is one of the region's most attended annual events. The county is known for its small-town Ohio character and the thriving community life centered on Washington Court House's historic downtown square.
▸ Key Industries & Major Employers
Agriculture, light manufacturing, and distribution.
Major employers include Fayette County Memorial Hospital, Heartland BancCorp, and Stolle Machinery (precision manufacturing). Agriculture—soybeans, corn, and livestock—dominates the rural economy. Several small logistics and distribution operations have located along the US-35 corridor.
▸ Notable Economic Development Initiatives
Fayette County Economic Development works with JobsOhio's Dayton Development Coalition to attract manufacturing and logistics tenants to available industrial properties. The county benefits from its position on the US-35 corridor between Columbus and Dayton.
▸ Infrastructure & Investment Highlights
US-35 and SR-41 are primary roads. The Washington Court House Municipal Airport supports business aviation. Rural broadband expansion is a priority, with state grant funding targeting underserved rural areas.
