Lawrence County, Ohio Business Directory & Community Resources
View a map of Lawrence County
View the 2025 U.S. Census demographic profile for Lawrence County
Lawrence County — County Seat: Ironton
2026 Population Estimate: 55,463 | Official Website: https://lawrencecounty.org/
Lawrence County is a southern Ohio county along the Ohio River at the West Virginia and Kentucky tri-state junction, with Ironton as its county seat. The county was once one of the most important iron-producing regions in the United States — the ironmasters of the Hanging Rock Iron Region, of which Lawrence County was the heart, helped supply both sides during the Civil War and drove remarkable 19th-century prosperity. Today the county faces significant economic challenges typical of deindustrialized Appalachian Ohio. Ohio University Southern in Ironton serves the region's higher education needs. Major healthcare employers include St. Mary's Medical Center. The stunning Ohio River scenery, the historic Hanging Rock Iron Furnace sites, and the Symmes Creek outdoor areas offer recreation. The county has a strong sense of history and community pride despite persistent economic headwinds.
▸ Key Industries & Major Employers
Healthcare, retail, energy, and natural resources.
Major employers include King's Daughters Medical Center, Lawrence County Schools, and coal and industrial minerals companies. Lawrence County borders West Virginia and Kentucky, creating a tri-state labor market dynamic.
▸ Notable Economic Development Initiatives
ARC and OhioSE grants support rural economic development and broadband. The Lawrence County Area Economic Development Corporation coordinates business attraction. A 2024 Ohio River crossing improvement project (US-52 corridor) is improving access for freight and commuters.
▸ Infrastructure & Investment Highlights
US-52 runs along the Ohio River. US-35 connects north. The Ohio River provides barge access. The US-35/SR-2 connector (Southern Ohio Appalachian Highway system) is a long-term priority for improving regional access.
