Knox County, Ohio Business Directory & Community Resources
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View the 2025 U.S. Census demographic profile for Knox County
Knox County — County Seat: Mount Vernon
2026 Population Estimate: 64,440 | Official Website: https://co.knox.oh.us/
Knox County is a scenic central Ohio county with the city of Mount Vernon as its county seat — a handsome community named for George Washington's estate. The county is home to Kenyon College in Gambier — one of the most highly regarded small liberal arts colleges in the United States, founded in 1824 by Episcopal Bishop Philander Chase and known for its exceptional humanities programs and pastoral hilltop campus. The county has a strong manufacturing heritage and agricultural character. Major employers include Siemens Energy (gas turbine manufacturing in Mount Vernon — one of the largest manufacturing employers in Knox County), Knox Community Hospital, and Ariel Corporation — the world's largest manufacturer of separable reciprocating gas compressors, headquartered in Mount Vernon. The Kokosing River valley provides scenic beauty, and Mohican State Park is accessible from the county's eastern edge.
▸ Key Industries & Major Employers
Manufacturing, healthcare, higher education, and agriculture.
Major employers include Knox Community Hospital, Kenyon College (Gambier), Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Ariel Corporation (gas compression equipment, one of the world's largest manufacturers of its type), and several precision manufacturers. Ariel Corporation's Mount Vernon headquarters and plant is a national industrial anchor.
▸ Notable Economic Development Initiatives
Ariel Corporation continues to expand its manufacturing footprint, with consistent investment in Knox County. The Knox County Area Development Foundation supports business retention and attraction. Kenyon College's economic impact extends to hospitality and retail. A 2024 workforce training initiative targeted precision machining and welding skills.
▸ Infrastructure & Investment Highlights
US-36 and SR-3 are primary corridors. The county is investing in a new industrial park with utility infrastructure west of Mount Vernon to attract advanced manufacturers. Rural broadband expansion is ongoing.