Athens County

Athens County is an administrative county in southeastern Ohio that spans hilly terrain with valleys and numerous waterways throughout the region. The landscape is shaped by the Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau with its distinctive rolling topography.

The area was established as an administrative county in 1805 when it was separated from Washington County, with Athens designated as the county seat. This formation marked an important step in the infrastructure development of southeastern Ohio.

Ohio University and Hocking College shape the county's character through their students and academic staff, who form a significant part of the everyday population.

The best way to explore the area is by car, as communities are connected through state routes and spread across the hilly landscape. Administration and services are centered in Athens, which is easily accessible and serves as a starting point for exploring the region.

A large share of the population is connected to educational institutions, making the region an important academic center in Ohio. This concentration notably shapes the local economy, infrastructure, and community development.

Location: Ohio

Inception: February 20, 1805

Capital city: Athens

Reference: ATH

Shares border with: Perry County, Meigs County, Hocking County, Vinton County, Morgan County, Washington County, Wood County

Website: http://co.athensoh.org

GPS coordinates: 39.33000,-82.05000

Latest update: December 19, 2025 22:40