Jackson County, Ohio Business Directory & Community Resources
View a map of Jackson County
View the 2025 U.S. Census demographic profile for Jackson County
Jackson County — County Seat: Jackson
2026 Population Estimate: 32,893 | Official Website: http://www.jacksoncountyohio.us/
Jackson County is a southern Ohio Appalachian county with the city of Jackson as its county seat. The county has a distinctive cultural character — it is home to the largest concentration of Welsh descendants in Ohio, a heritage reflected in the Jackson Lilyfest (celebrating the county's famous yellow day lily) and the community's Welsh roots. The county is also home to the magnificent Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve — one of Ohio's most beautiful and botanically significant preserves, protecting rare plants including the largest known stand of Canadian yew in Ohio. Major employers include Walmart Distribution Center, Holzer Medical Center, and Desco Industries. The annual Apple Festival in September is a beloved regional tradition celebrating the area's apple orchard heritage.
▸ Key Industries & Major Employers
Manufacturing, agriculture, and natural resource extraction.
Jackson and Wellston are the commercial centers. Major employers include Jackson-Madison Community Hospital, Vinton County National Bank (regional), and light manufacturers. The county historically relied on iron furnace and coal industries, which have transitioned to light manufacturing and services.
▸ Notable Economic Development Initiatives
Jackson County Economic Development works with OhioSE and ARC to support rural entrepreneurship and workforce training. The county received brownfield remediation funding to address former industrial sites. A rural broadband expansion project was funded in 2024.
▸ Infrastructure & Investment Highlights
US-35 and SR-93 are primary roads. The proximity to I-35 (via Gallia/Lawrence) creates logistics potential. Broadband expansion is critical for telecommuter attraction in this scenic rural county.
