Community Development
Welcome to the Monroe County
Community Development Program
Mark Landefeld, CD Educator landefeld.6@osu.edu
Mary Jo Westfall, Program Associate westfall.23@osu.edu

General Demographics
County Size 292,458.8 Acres
Location Southeastern Ohio
Population 15,180
Number Employed 4500
% Employed 33.7
Largest City - Woodsfield 2912
County Seat Woodsfield
Community Development in Monroe County
Monroe County is located in southeastern Ohio at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Interstate 77 (north-south) is 16 miles from the western edge of the county while Interstate 70 (east-west) is within 15 miles of the northern border. The Ohio River borders the entire eastern side of the county making easy access to economical low-cost transportation.
In 2000, population of the county was 15,180 being made up of a 98.7% white race. The median age in the county increased from 30.8 in 1980 to 40.8 in 2000. Family households make up 73.3% of the total households of the county with an average family size of 2.96 persons.
The 1996 figures (latest available) indicate the manufacturing sector was the largest employer in the county while the largest source of payroll was the service sector. Per capita income was $15,744 per person. 5400 people were employed with a 5.97% unemployment rate.
For the agricultural sector, the 2005 cash livestock receipts ($5,197,500) were greater than crops cash receipts ($1,834,000). The number of farms was 640 comprising 106,000 acres of farmland. Dairy products generated the largest amount of livestock income followed by cow/calf operations.
The public education system has 3 high schools, 6 elementary schools, and 1 vocational school. This combination serves nearly 3000 students. Drop out rate of students in Monroe County is 2.5% which is well below the State of Ohio average of 4.4%.
Labeled "the Switzerland of Ohio", Monroe County continues to be a great place to live and raise a family. High crime rate and many problems associated with more urban developed counties continues to pass by this predominantly rural area.
Current Events/Programs
March 23 - CDBG Grant Public Hearing #1, Commissioners' Office - 10 a.m.
April 24 - Deadline for CDBG applications. Due at Extension Office by 4:30 p.m.
April 27 - First day to go over CDBG requests with Commissioners - 10 a.m.
May 25 - Memorial Day - Extension Office Closed
Connections to Other Web Resources
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
LOCAL & REGIONAL
STATE GOVERNMENT
LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION
DATA and DEMOGRAPHICS
- US Bureau of Census
- American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association
- National Agricultural Statistics Service
- National Center for Education Statistics
- US Geological Society
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics
- US Department of Labor
- Department of Commerce Labor Statistics
MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCES



