Scioto County, Ohio Business Directory & Community Resources
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Scioto County — County Seat: Portsmouth
2026 Population Estimate: 70,906 | Official Website: https://www.sciotocountyoh.com/
Scioto County is a southern Ohio county on the Ohio River , centered on Portsmouth — a historic river city that has become tragically well-known as one of the epicenters of Ohio's opioid crisis. The community's struggle with addiction, economic decline, and the legacy of the pharmaceutical industry's role in the epidemic has been extensively documented by journalist Sam Quinones in his landmark book Dreamland. Portsmouth has shown remarkable civic resilience, with community-led revitalization efforts centered on a breathtaking 14-panel Portsmouth Flood Wall Murals — one of the nation's most impressive public art projects — depicting the city's rich history and heritage. Shawnee State University provides higher education. Major employers include OhioHealth Southern Ohio Medical Center and manufacturing. The Shawnee State Forest and Shawnee State Park offer spectacular recreation.
▸ Key Industries & Major Employers
Healthcare, retail, government, and manufacturing.
Major employers include SOMC (Southern Ohio Medical Center), Shawnee State University, and a cluster of manufacturing and service businesses. Portsmouth historically was a major steel town; economic transition efforts are ongoing. The Ohio River and Wheelersburg area support small industrial operations.
▸ Notable Economic Development Initiatives
Scioto County works with OhioSE and ARC to support post-industrial economic transition. Shawnee State University's growth drives local economic activity. SOMC's regional expansion adds healthcare employment. Brownfield remediation grants have been applied to former steel sites in Portsmouth. The floodwall mural along the Ohio River is a heritage tourism asset.
▸ Infrastructure & Investment Highlights
US-23 and US-52 (Ohio River corridor) are primary roads. The Scioto River joins the Ohio River at Portsmouth. A floodwall protection system protects Portsmouth from Ohio River flooding. Broadband expansion is ongoing with ARC and state funding.